NEWSLETTER |

Vol. IV FALL 2003

Peace & Justice Survey Results

by Debra Heisick, Peace & Justice Secretary

While Angie Mason served as US Servas' Peace & Justice Secretary, she devised a membership survey form that asked the question, How do you think Servas could better integrate Peace & Social Justice issues into the host/traveler experience? I have tabulated the responses and they fit into two categories: make the application and reporting process more stringent, or leave it as- the mission goals of peace & justice flow naturally from the visit process.

Interestingly, the membership is split 50/50 on this issue, and the split is reflected in the board as well. Although there is a concern on everyone's part that there has been a growth in the perception that Servas is merely a free travel organization, there is a division of opinion on how to address the situation.

A representative sampling of member responses is set forth below. Each of the two categories had its fervent comments as well as those who expressed more moderate support for the position.

As you can see, the board members, staff volunteers have already begun to implement some of the helpful suggestions of the membership. We have upgraded the website to include links to various peace-related organizations. We have obtained reciprocal links from peace-minded organizations to increase the membership with people drawn from those who share the goal of international peace. Information about USServas' involvement at the United Nations has been added to the e-newsletter. Volunteer opportunities are published in the newsletters and on the website. (Servas still needs more volunteers to help it run efficiently and economically)

We hope to increase membership while maintaining the mission goals as an inclusive, peaceful group.

Servas Pen Pals

by Susan Binch Earl

Servas was established in 1949 as a means of building a world community, and promoting international peace. It was assumed that this would be achieved through travel, although many world members are unable to leave their countries due to financial or political restrictions, and many hosts are finding that there aren't enough travelers to go around.

A great solution to this dilemma is to become pen pals. Addresses in the host books can also be used to find contacts for letter writing and emailing. I was chosen by a Servas member in Brazil almost 4 years ago, and we have been pen pals ever since. We have shared illnesses, political activism, travels, marriages, deaths, and jokes through our weekly emails. I'm also excited to say that my pen pal will be visiting me in October.

If you haven't hosted for a while or are unable to travel, consider becoming a pen pal.

United Nations report

By Noema Chaplin, Alternative UN NGO Representative and Sharon L. Wallenberg, Main UN NGO Representative

56 Annual United Nations DPI / NGO Conference- Human Security and Dignity:Fulfilling the Promise of the United Nations?

United Nations Headquarters, New York, September 8- 10, 2003

"The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but by the size of the heart."

Universal security is at the heart of the Millennium development Goals, embraced by all Member States as the blueprint for building a better world in the 21st century. It is central to the campaign for universal immunization and education, food security, adequate housing and full employment. Achieving human security requires a dynamic, innovative partnership between the United Nations, Governments, and non-State actors. The purpose of the Conference is to energize work toward every aspect of human security. Full Report >

New Orleans Conference 2003

by Susan Binch Earl

The 23rd Annual Servas conference was held in New Orleans, LA on July 18-July 20. Past board member, Angie Mason, planned the conference and the theme was: Music, Peace, and Goodwill in the Big Easy?. The 3-day event occurred at Tulane University, and was an opportunity for the local hosts to share this unique area and culture with other members.

Local tours included visits to Jean Lafitte Park (Barataria Reserve), Jazz Historical Park, and architecture of the Faubourg Marigny. Evening gatherings were hosted by a neon sculptor, Cajun dancers, and at a relaxing garden pool party.

There was also the opportunity for education as our keynote speaker, Achim Kaelberer, a German Servas member and editor of the German newsletter, discussed publications in his country. He inspired our newly formed communications committee. David Rigler, a current board member, discussed a new membership model, Mary Jane Mikuriya and Bob Luitweiler, also current board members, presented the annual key persons' workshop, and local host, Carol Fleishman, facilitated the sharing of Servas stories.

As always, the current board members met and planned for the upcoming year. Regional meetings will replace the annual meeting in 2004. Hopefully, this will provide more members an opportunity to participate. A big thanks goes out to all those local hosts who helped make the 2003 conference possible.

"Trips are fatale for prejudice, intolerance and narrow mind ness. There's no way to have ample point of views, sane and generous, while vegetating in one little corner of the world." Mark Twain

"The Universe is made of stories, not atoms." Old Hindu proverb

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