by Fouzia Bhat & Rick Wolfe
There is no reason to miss the US Servas National Conference being held the weekend of August 7 - 9 at the University of Minnesota. Attendance is cheap ($80 for two days), and Minneapolis is easy to get to by bus, car, or air, and has an excellent public transit system. Subsidized lodging is cheap too ($25/nite double occupancy, $35 single).
So, join us for a gathering rooted in peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and learning from Minnesota's rich traditions of community care, civic engagement, and social action. This conference is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet fellow Servas members from across the country, and build meaningful, lifelong connections.
Accommodations and Arrival
Accommodations at the University of Minnesota will be available beginning Thursday, August 6. The conference officially begins on Friday, August 7, with an optional paddleboat dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. Advance registration for the cruise is required (Adults $51, Kids under thirteen $30). Participants should gather at Pioneer Hall at 6:00 p.m. to carpool or take public transportation to the departure location.
Conference Theme
This year's conference will explore how communities come together to strengthen democratic values, foster civic participation, and respond to social challenges through cooperation, dialogue, and collective action.
Program Highlights
Current program highlights include:
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A panel discussion on immigration, community response, and civic engagement
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The Servas Peace Award presentation
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A possible Monarca/Unidos training focused on democracy, legal rights, constitutional observation, and community response initiatives
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A presentation on the Boundary Waters and environmental concerns related to mining
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Servas workshops and practical "how-to" sessions
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Morning grounding and mindfulness activities
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An easy walk along the East River Park Trail to Bridal Veil Falls
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An optional visit to the Science Museum
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We are also intentionally leaving space in the schedule for informal conversation, storytelling, and connection—an essential part of the Servas experience.
Sunday - Departure, Optional Stay-over
The conference concludes at noon on Sunday, August 9. There will be boxed lunches which can either be eaten in the conference hall, or be taken with you if you need to leave.
University accommodations will remain available Sunday night. Unfortunately, extended stays before or after the conference cannot be accommodated through Servas. Attendees who are interested in staying longer can reach out to the University directly through their website.
The University does offer summer housing to non-University guests based on dorm availability. If space is available, they may be assigned the same room in Pioneer Hall (as they will have for the conference), but it would be at the University’s standard summer housing rate, paid directly to the University.
Registration
The registration form can be accessed from the Conference webpage, which also has information you probably want to review before Registering. Or, you can use this link to directly access the Registration page.
Additional Information
For local attractions, please visit Explore Minnesota's summer travel resources.
