by Marie Spodek

One morning during the Costa Rica conference I was drawn out of my room by the allure of a lovely covered patio in the courtyard between our bungalows. I brought my “journal” book, which I carry with me in which I ponder life, occasionally with written comments, but more often with “mindful sketching.” Within minutes, five women surrounded me asking what I was doing. With very limited common language (which has never stopped me in any of our travels), I explained “mindful sketching.”

Of course, they all wanted to try their hands at drawing. Fortunately, I had paper and pens for everyone, so we set our minds to the task. We silently sketched for about fifteen minutes and then sat for a “photo op.” Each of us had totally different, uniquely personal sketches & doodles. Later, several women shared that they want to continue the practice.

Mindful Sketching only requires paper and pen and quiet time. It is a zen-like, doodling exercise where one shuts out conscious thoughts as much as possible and simply focuses on the tip of the pen... letting it wonderously wander. We didn’t know what each of us is thinking but it was clear that on this occasion we all felt a commonality that didn’t require explanation.

Marie Spodek is a long-term US Servas member and emergent fiber artist. She lives with her husband, Bill Magargal, in Philadelphia, PA.

Share Your Story with the World!   by Tys Sniffen

US Servas is built on connection, cultural exchange, and the spirit of hospitality — but to grow, we need to reach beyond our immediate circles. While one-on-one conversations are powerful, imagine the impact if every member shared their Servas experiences on a larger scale. Social media, community groups, and local events offer incredible opportunities to introduce new people to our mission of fostering peace and global understanding.

Have you ever posted about your Servas experiences on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn? A simple story about a memorable hosting experience or a transformative trip can inspire curiosity and open the door to new members. You might also join local travel forums, attend cultural meetups, or write a guest blog for a travel site. The more visible Servas is, the more people will realize they belong in this community.

This month, challenge yourself to think bigger. Share a post, tag friends who might be interested, or even host a live Q&A about your experiences.   Tag @us_servas as well, so we are seen by a wider audience! If you’re part of a travel club or a community group, suggest a presentation about Servas. Small actions can lead to big results when we tap into the power of digital and in-person networks.

Let’s grow US Servas together! How will you spread the word this month?

by David Hills

One of the improvements that comes with Servas.org Version 2 is a simplified and much improved Letter of Introduction! Some of the new features include the following:

Tips on Fine-tuning Your LOI

Less is more: Keep in mind that people will read and remember text that is succinct and to the point. It’s easy to write more than you need to in “About me”. Hold something back to share with your hosts.

by Gail Brecher Jaworski

I have hosted travelers several times, but until recently I have not had the opportunity to be a traveler guest. Based on my experience with both roles, I offer the following advice.

To hosts: I would like to say: Please answer every request, even if the answer is no. I have emailed eight hosts and only got answers from two people. If you don't usually use email, please specify how travelers should contact you in your Servas host profile.

To travelers: The purpose of this organization is friendship and exchange. I am not here to be a substitute for a hotel room and restaurant. I am here to share with a person, as in a real face-to-face human being, a different view of the world. If you rush off to your personal tourist attractions, failing to offer to cook. prepare, clean up, then I am not a host but an unpaid servant.

Teresa Crockett

Are you a Friend of US Servas? We appreciate your support and interest. Are you ready to take the next step and enjoy all the benefits of Servas membership? Become a Host/Traveler household! If you cannot host other Servas members overnight, consider becoming a Day Host and sharing a meal or a visit.

We encourage all adults in a household to join Servas and to submit a joint application to change their status from Friend to Host/Traveler. Simply list both/all names on the Host/Traveler application and ask people who know you to provide references for you together. Remember, all adults traveling together with Servas must be members with a valid Letter of Introduction. Applying together saves everyone time. Get ready to see the world together – elsewhere or in the comfort of your hometown.

by Julie Emory

We are pleased that so many people have joined US Servas this year as "Friend of Servas" members. Perhaps now that our "Friends" have had a chance to learn more about Servas, they may want to start hosting travelers and/or travel with Servas themselves. One unique feature of Servas membership is that we personally interview all new Host/Traveler applicants. This is a friendly, person-to-person, informal chat to determine if there is a good match between the applicant’s goals and the mission of Servas. It is also a chance for the interviewer to share some of the joys of Servas and the responsibilities expected of Servas Host/Traveler members.

Friends of Servas: To become a Host/Traveler, confirm that your membership is current and in good standing, and then complete these steps.

• First, read the Host/Traveler Responsibilities guidelines.

• If you agree with the guidelines, click the link below to request an interview and follow instructions to have two people complete the electronic reference form.

• Attend an orientation and complete your Servas International profile.

• Request an interview using the Interview Request Form.

Past Members - If your previous membership lapsed before January 2020 you need to submit an Application Form and complete the steps noted above. Indicate on the form your previous dates of membership. 

By Deirdre Marlowe

Like many Servas members I love to travel, no secret there. I was bitten by the travel bug a long time ago, and since then, it’s an itch I always need to scratch. It is way more fun to share travel with others, but sometimes, I don’t want to take an organized tour... I just want to wander or go to an unusual place and/or at my own pace.

I wish there was a place on the Servas website where we could indicate that we would like to travel with a like-minded travel companion who also wants to travel with someone else. Maybe it could simply be a checkbox in our profile that reads “Want co-travelers: Yes, No (default), Male only, Female only.” In the interim, maybe it could simply be a list or something on the website that travelers can update. What do you think? Should we ask Servas to add this?

by Deirdre Marlowe

Sometimes I’ve wondered whether I travel for the sights or the tastes of new places. Both make for memories.  It has been said that smell is the most powerful driver of memory. Perhaps for you it is the smell of street food as you walk along, or spices in a Moroccan Sukh, or enticing aromas wafting through an Asian market. What prompts you to travel?

Over the years, some of the best gifts I’ve received from Servas travelers is learning to cook their national cuisine or traditional family dish. One Christmas we made a gingerbread house with a cycling family from India; they showed us how to make roti, saag paneer, and curried potatoes with chickpeas. Another family visited from Germany – the mother was from India, the father German. She offered to cook for us; we got all excited about having homemade Indian food. She cooked their children’s favorite meal – knockwurst and fried potatoes!

It is easy to pack small knickknacks as host gifts when traveling – fridge magnets, bandanas, etc. More recently, I’ve found that in addition to offering to cook for my hosts, I should include the main seasoning ingredient(s) as their gift. Old Bay brings with it the flavors of Chesapeake, while Jerk spice recalls the flavors of the Caribbean. Barbecue rub, depending on the blend, brings a taste of Texas or Kansas or the Carolinas. Dried sourdough starter brings a taste of San Francisco. You can purchase these prepackaged or make your own. If you’re planning to cook, you might also want to bring a photo of your kitchen. Please share your cooking for hosts or travelers cooking for you stories with Open Doors; I’m sure others would like to enjoy your experiences.

by Tys Sniffen

Servas is much more than a travel club. It is a community of thoughtful, egalitarian, peace-promoting, giving people who love to travel. US Servas is now an all-volunteer organization, with neither office nor staff. Our fee structure is now a flat $33 per year all-inclusive membership... no extra charges for LOI's etc. With this low fee there is no longer an incentive to drop your membership between trips. Renewing your membership annually helps to keep our fee this low. It also offers you the benefits listed below.

• Join a Global Movement: Be part of a global community committed to fostering peace, understanding, and cultural exchange through travel and hosting.
• Meaningful Connections: Forge meaningful connections with fellow members from around the world, building friendships that transcend borders and enrich your travel experiences.
• Support a Noble Cause: Support a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more peaceful world one conversation at a time, and contribute to positive social change through grassroots diplomacy.
• Access Exclusive Benefits: Enjoy exclusive benefits as a Servas member, including access to virtual meetings, local events, newsletters, blogs, and updates from Servas International.
• Make a Difference: Play an active role in promoting peace and justice initiatives locally and globally, and have the opportunity to volunteer, participate in elections, and run for office within the organization.
• Expand Your Horizons: Expand your cultural horizons, broaden your perspectives, and gain insights into different cultures and ways of life through hosting and traveling with Servas.
• Be Part of Something Bigger: Be part of something bigger than yourself. Join hands with like-minded individuals who share your values and aspirations for a more interconnected and harmonious world.
• Unleash Your Potential: Unleash your potential as a global citizen, and leverage your skills, passions, and experiences to make a meaningful impact within the Servas community and beyond. Volunteer!
• Experience the Joy of Giving: Experience the joy of giving back to the community and making a positive difference in the lives of others, whether through hosting, volunteering, or supporting Servas' mission and programs.
• Stay Connected: Stay connected with Servas and stay updated on the latest news, events, and opportunities to engage with the organization and fellow members, keeping the spirit of Servas alive and thriving for generations to come.

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