by Marguerite Hills

Every so often, we interviewers receive a response that captures the spirit of Servas in an especially vivid and meaningful way. I felt compelled to share this one with the rest of our Servas community.

What does peace mean to you? 

To me, peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of genuine human connection and empathy across borders. It is the realization that despite our different backgrounds, languages, or traditions, we share a common humanity and similar aspirations for happiness and security. By opening our homes and sharing our stories, we dismantle the "otherness" that leads to prejudice, replacing it with the kind of friendship that makes global conflict unthinkable. In the context of Servas, peace means being a bridge-builder. Every conversation over a shared meal is an opportunity to cultivate mutual respect. When we travel or host with an open heart, we contribute to a grassroots network of global citizens who value understanding over suspicion, proving that peace is a practice we engage in every time we meet someone new.

When you hear “Peace and Understanding through Travel and Hosting” what comes to mind?

I think that means listening closely to others and sharing in respectful ways. When staying in another's home, I would treat it as my own, respectfully, and would like the same in return. When I hear "Peace and Understanding through Travel and Hosting," I think of the transformation of a stranger into a friend. It suggests that peace isn't a political treaty signed by governments, but a grassroots movement fueled by individual hospitality. By stepping into someone else’s home or opening our own, we move past stereotypes and media narratives to discover the shared values—like family, food, and community—that connect us all. This phrase highlights that travel should be an act of learning rather than just sightseeing. It suggests that the act of "hosting" is a powerful form of diplomacy; it creates a safe space for dialogue where we can ask questions and share perspectives. Ultimately, it means that the more of the world we see and the more people we welcome, the smaller and more connected the world feels, making conflict much harder to justify.