by Jon Moseley, Administrator
The books are back from the printer and ready to be shipped out domestically and internationally over the next week or so. The host list is a little different this year as it is in one volume instead of two. For the first time this year we were able to utilize Servas International's WHALE database system for the host list. Also, our thanks to Graphic Maps.com for letting us use their state maps.
We are happy to announce that the 2004 host number of 1714 exceeds last year's. On a similar note, our first quarter traveler numbers are higher than 2003 and 2002. In this time of uncertainty, when international understanding is more important than ever, it is wonderful to see the US Servas family growing. Thank you for your dedication to Servas.
US Servas Participation in the UN Millennium Development Goals
By US Servas Alternate UN Rep, Noema Chaplin and US Servas Main UN Rep, Sharon Wallenberg
Human rights and human development lie at the heart of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Each goal can best be achieved when we address the rights-related issues of equality, non-discrimination, participation, inclusion, accountability, and social justice - as well as international solidarity and cooperation.
In September 2000, 189 governments committed to accomplishing these 8 Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
- Achieve universal primary education.
- Promote gender equality and empower women.
- Reduce child mortality.
- Improve maternal health.
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
- Ensure environmental sustainability.
- Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
The Millennium Goals are unique because for the first time they represent a global compact towards a shared responsibility. The goals themselves are inter-linked and achievable, given that the necessary political will and willingness to be accountable for actions is provided. US Servas' efforts are important to these goals because the relationship between the goals and peace is an interdependent and mutually reinforcing one.
US Servas is on the cutting-edge of implementing the Millennium Goals in the Non Governmental Organization (NGO) community. US Servas Reps to the UN, Sharon Wallenberg, Main Rep, and Noema Chaplin, Alternative Rep, are on the Planning Committee for the UN Annual NGO Conference to be held this fall. The Conference is considered the premiere NGO event. It will focus on the Millennium Goals: what they are; what is being done now to implement them; and where are we going in the future. The contribution of the US Servas Reps, along with others on the Planning Committee, will produce the necessary venue to involve the NGO community, and then the public at large, to a greater understanding of, and participation in, the Millennium Development Goals. Full Text of this Article>
Please visit our UN page for additional information on US Servas' participation at the UN. For more information on the Millennium Development Goals please visit their website.
New Membership Rates and Postage Fees Page on Website
by Julie Schumacher Cohen
Last year US Servas membership rates increased slightly for both traveling and hosting. The international traveler fee went up to $85 per adult and the suggested donation for host membership went up to $40. At the time we did not have a full membership list serve and were not able to send out an email alerting everyone to these changes. In order to clarify what the correct current rates are as well as give travelers a chance to see how much express postage costs we have created a new Rates and Fees Page on our website, which can be linked to from our traveler, host, programs and application pages. Visit our Rates and Fees Page >
Please note that last year we also began a new program called the Domestic Traveler Program, which gives a special reduced rate of $50 for travel in the United States only (for non-hosts).
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