1

Vol. 2018: December

Open Doors Servas International is an international, non-profit, non-governmental federation of national Servas groups, supporting an international network of hosts and travellers. Our network aims to help build world peace, goodwill and understanding by offering opportunities for personal contacts between people of different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities.

National Secretary’s Report – SICOGA 2018

By Chris-Ann Lauria It was a sunny October afternoon in Seoul, when Servas members from over 50 countries arrived on the steps of the International Youth Conference Centre to begin the 31st Servas International Conference and General Assembly (SICOGA).

With the theme ‘Connecting People and Cultures for Peace’, South Korean Servas members hosted nearly 170 people. Six days and nights were filled with Servas business and cultural exchange as people met, talked, debated, laughed, and danced.

Phyllis Chinn and I shared the US delegate role. We were among 52 delegates, who put in 10-hour days presenting, discussing, amending and voting on motions that will impact Servas in years to come. Of significance was the motion introduced by Italy to change how member countries contribute funds to Servas International. We decided that in place of stamps, a country’s annual payment will be based on: average payments from the past three years, number of members, and the relative wealth of the member country based on GDP. This new fee structure will be tested from 2019 to 2021 and implemented in 2021. During that time period, we will pay Servas International the average of our payment over the last 3 years. The Servas International website, received much attention. A Servas International Membership & Technology Committee was formed and a 3-year budget for website development was approved.

Servas’ commitment not only to peace-building, but support of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) and ethical travel, was emphasized throughout the conference. Several motions were made addressing the need to acknowledge climate change as a global issue and encourage member countries to act. Servas International statutes were amended to reflect a commitment to minimizing our ecological footprint. Additionally, work is being done to create a carbon offset program on the SI website.

Page 6 2

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December

Peace building and the original aims of Servas were considered, with reference to Bob Luitweiler’s vision of the organization as an active peace- building group, committed to work camps and activities

Open Doors is a publication of beyond home-stays. Former United States Servas. Servas International Peace Secretary Danielle Serres and th Phyllis (USA) & Prossy 1125 16 Street (Uganda) at the DMZ) our new SI Peace Secretary Suite 201 Paige LaCombe discussed the Arcata, CA 95521 work Servas has already done at the UN and the work we will 707-825-1714 need to do to help achieve the SDGs.Two countries, Belarus and www.usservas.org Kenya, fulfilled the requirements to be Servas country members so were added. Office Staff Tracy Jordan French Servas Youth were represented in good number, hosting Administrator discussion panels on cultural sensitivity and providing assistance Grace Lovell to moderators in business sessions. Yoga was held each morning, Volunteer Coordinator run by India’s National Secretary, Abhay Shaha, and country Shohei Morita Member Services Specialist presentations and celebrations were held each evening. Maria Tonn Administrative Assistant Our Korean hosts organized opportunities for those not attending as delegates to visit places of interest around Seoul. A Board of Directors group tour to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Chris-Ann Lauria, Chair Korea was held for all. Dennis Mogerman, Vice-Chair Steve Kanters, Treasurer Before and after the conference, members of Servas Korea Richard Martin, Secretart provided amazing hospitality in their homes. Prior to the Sharon Victor conference, I was the recipient of such hospitality by Byong Wan Earlene Cruz Choi in Seoul, where he and his wife hosted me and three other Aaron Fowles Servas guests. Radha Radhakrishna Nancy Polk I will end with a heartfelt thank you to the entire Servas Barbara Pioli International EXCO, the 2018 SICOGA planning committee, and the Koreans for an EXTRAORDINARY conference in Peace and Social Justice Secretary Seoul, South Korea! The positive energy, the amazing new Paige LaCombe friendships, the important but difficult conversations, the short Meet our newest board and staff nights, the dance and laughter, the sharing of Kimchi and Soju members on our website will stay with us forever and are the seeds of change... the https://usservas.org/page/staff- beginnings of a more peaceful world. board-directors Article content was borrowed with permission from Lauren All rights reserved. Reproduction Gordon, National Secretary Servas Australia prohibited without the express Chris-Ann Lauria written permission of US Servas Servas US Board Chair/National Secretary

2

31

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December

New EXCO Committee L-R- Kiat (Malaysia), Radha (USA), Carla (Portugal), Jonny (Sweden), Paige (USA), Andreas (Switzerland)

Help us Update our Host Request Guidelines

When I first joined Servas in 2003 as a traveler, I had a very limited idea of the benefits, or the culture. I simply liked the idea of not staying in hotels while traveling. So I got the host list of my planned trip and blasted out a simple email with my travel dates a couple weeks before I left. I probably just blind copied everyone; in English. Not surprisingly, I didn’t get any responses. Since then, I’ve also been a host, and have seen every sort of traveler request possible, and I now realize that a more personal touch that takes into consideration the way the host wants to be contacted is better.

Some hosts in heavily-tourist areas get bombarded with requests, and other hosts off the beaten path don’t. We’ve heard from travelers – and maybe experienced ourselves – about the frustration of sending out a request to stay and getting no response at all, not even a “no, we can’t host”. So, in this day of super-fast communication, where other sites and services can be set up instantly, how do we train our members to communicate – and respond – for the best success?

I’d like to update and expand the list of helpful hints, of general rules, as people are looking for US hosts. Perhaps in this digital age, we need some additional suggestions. Perhaps it’s simply that our list of suggestions that comes with the *complete* host list is not being seen by travelers who are now using our online map-of-hosts feature. (a great feature! Check it out if you haven’t at https://usservas.org/find-hosts If you see anything amiss with your map pin, let me know). So perhaps we simply need to get the list below out in front of the map program. Please help me update and/or add things to this suggestion list by sending me your thoughts from your experiences. You can email me directly at [email protected] .

Here’s what’s already in the host list regarding *how to communicate with hosts*:

Be sensitive and respectful of your hosts’ values and customs. Learn about the area where you will be visiting, use travel guides, books and maps so you can be prepared. Consider contacting hosts outside major cities. WMT indicates Wants more travelers.

Read the host listings carefully to understand what the host is able to offer and what each country expects of the visiting travelers. Each request should be individualized...no mass emails. Contact hosts well in advance and include a copy of your Letter of Introduction and the purpose of your travel.

3

2

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December

Only call between 9 am and 9 pm host’s local time; do not expect hosts to return your long distance call at their expense.

DO confirm arrangements before arriving and notify your hosts if your schedule or arrival time has changed and if you should eat before you arrive. Present your original Letter of Introduction to your hosts at the door when you arrive… before being asked. Any travel companions (18 and older) must have their own LOI.

Servas membership does not guarantee anyone the “right” to free hospitality. Servas hosts, on the other hand, do have the right to refuse a homestay request… even without an explanation. Be polite and understanding when a host, who finds it inconvenient to receive you, must say “No.” Please take this set of guidelines along with you and refer to them on your trip.

As a host, what else do you need from travelers? What should we add to this list? If you’ve NOT responded to a request from a traveler, can you tell me why? If you’ve found yourself saying no to travelers, is there a reason other than scheduling conflicts?

If you’ve had success or failures while hosting or traveling that could shed light on how hosts and travelers can do better, please share with me at [email protected] and I’ll work with the board to get things added to the website and/or the host list.

Tys Sniffen [email protected]

Making Connections is an extended-stay program that allows Servas members the opportunity to meet with individuals from over 100 countries, building bridges of understanding through various projects or activities. Projects can be organized around cultural, educational, language, social, volunteer, special interest, or social activism experiences. They can be initiated anywhere: big cities, suburbs, or rural areas.

Making Connections is a great way for Servas members who receive few travellers to attract more of them. Projects can spring from social activism issues such as human rights abuses, indigenous peoples’ rights, or exploitation of the environment. One can organize an educational experience such as cooking classes in Spain, Serbian dancing lessons, or Spanish lessons in Costa Rica. Social experiences such as organized mountain hikes, paddling trips, fishing excursions, or waterfall tours can be planned. Or, a cultural experience such as olive picking in Portugal or attending a national festival in India can be arranged. You can also participate in volunteer experiences such as volunteering in refugee camps in Africa or agricultural development projects in Colombia. Consider the possibilities in Making Connections!

I am particularly interested in developing Making Connections in the US, and would welcome any interest in forming a committee to do so. Please contact me with ideas and interest at: [email protected]

4

1

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December Servas Travels How not to buy train tickets in By Diane and Dennis Baker

Political conflicts notwithstanding, Sri Lanka is a striking holiday destination. Visits with Servas hosts, Ken and Visakha Kawasaki, in opened a window of understanding about daily life, politics, the education of monks, the practice of Buddhism, and much more. Our plans included world heritage archaeological sites, trekking, cultural activities, and national park tours, as well as a Servas visit with Ken and Visakha. We used Sri Lanka guidebooks published by Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and Eye Witness Travel, plus various websites to plan our travels. Since we were traveling at high season it was essential to arrange transportation and lodging in advance. I was unable to book online the recommended train route between Kandy and Haputhale, so asked Ken if he could recommend a travel agent in Kandy to book our tickets on Sri Lankan Railway. He replied that he would go to the train station himself, on the critical date—30 days in advance of our departure. He shared his adventure with us!

“This morning (Nov 28), our driver, Ashoka, went to Kandy Station at 8:30 to buy your tickets. The clerk told him that they would begin selling tickets at 10 AM. Further, the clerk suggested that it would be better to reserve tickets via a Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Mobile Service (Mobitel) as there would be long line at the station, and it might take all day. Ashoka returned home. We use Dialog, not Mobitel, for our communication needs, but sim cards are cheap, so we figured it would be easy to buy one, install it on our phone and get the tickets.

As soon as Ashoka had finished his coffee, we headed out and stopped at a Mobitel shop where the clerk informed us that she could recharge a Mobitel sim, but not sell one. Ashoka went to the station to investigate the line and indeed found more than thirty people at the ticket window. He also noticed another shop nearby that sold Mobitel sim cards. There the clerk informed us that he could sell us a sim, but it would take an hour or more to activate it. He suggested we go to the SLT office and wrote down the address. Alas that location was also a branch. A man on the street supplied another address for Sri Lanka Telecom. We had planned to shop a grocery store on the same street, so headed in that direction. We were not actually certain we could purchase the tickets by phone because the website announced that the reservation service from Kandy-Haputhale was “PLANNED.” At the Mobitel shop the clerk reassured us that reservations were possible, but that his shop could not sell sim cards, (By this time it had become apparent that this was NOT the main office.) The SLT main office was in Kandy City Centre, the largest mall in the country. It is a very convenient and pleasant place to do business.

As soon as we had finished buying our few supplies at the grocery store, we headed toward the City Centre. Ashoka parked the three-wheeler in the lot where we always park, and I (Ken) went into the Center, as I do when depositing donations to the elderly monks' temple. I inquired where the SLT office was located and got in line at the information desk. After about 15 minutes’ wait I was told that train tickets could indeed be purchased at Mobitel 365, and was given a number, #1058.

5

2

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December

Number 1052 was currently being served. I had to fill in a form, supply my passport number, and wait another 15 minutes. Finally I gave the clerk the form and requested to buy tickets at Mobitel 365, for the itinerary you (Diane) requested. The clerk entered the application into his computer, put the sim in my phone, and agreed to make the reservations since I do not speak Sinhala. The result? Trains were fully booked, no tickets available. Returning to the parked three-wheeler, I noticed a desk marked "Bank of Ceylon Travel." I inquired if this travel agency could make reservations for the Kandy-Haputhale train. The clerk replied, “For that one must go to Kandy Station!”

When we did arrive in Kandy, Ken went above and beyond hosting expectations!! After ascending Pindurangala and Sigiriya Rocks, wandering through the Polonnaruwa archaeological site, viewing elephants in Kaudulla National Park, and cave paintings in Dambulla, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and lunch with Ken and Visakha in their lovely home. We spent a day walking through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya and the nearby University campus. We attended a performance of Kandy dancers at the Manhanuwara YMBA.The acrobatic and graceful dancers exceeded my expectations.

Next was a three-day trek in the near Kandy. We walked along forest paths, stone roads, irrigation ditches and grasslands, and slept in comfortable A-frame shelters at established camps. Guide Charlie not only navigated, but also identified native plants, and doused our shoes as needed with Deetol to dislodge wriggling leach worms. We heartily recommend this trek, and wonder if luxury hotels now planned for the area will overshadow the scenic waterfalls, villages and campsites.

We reached Haputale by car, pre-arranged online. Guidebooks suggest that Haputale reflects its Tamil residents’ culture, more than a colonial heritage. An antiquated, belted grinder was sending chili powder onto a tarp. A goldsmith, seated on the floor by his forge, filled orders for medallions. Tailors stitched. A colorful Hindu temple, which occupied both sides of the highway, drew townsfolk. We visited Horton Plains National Park for a pleasant loop hike to End of the World & Baker’s Falls. On our final morning we enjoyed sunrise and a walk down from Lipton’s seat through endless tea plantings and a lively Tamil village, before squeezing into the over crowded train bound for Ella.

The highlight of Ella was a New Year’s Day hike to Ella Rock. We discovered that even in this tourist-oriented town religious rules predominate. It being a Poya day, we toasted our climb with virgin mojitos instead of a beer. Somewhat regretfully we left the cool highlands by car through Ella Gap, down the twisty highway with scenic waterfalls, to terraced rice fields, banana plantations and flat plains to Tissamaharama. Ignoring the heat we hailed a tuk tuk for a ride to the sacred town, Kataragama. In the holy precinct, shrines exist for multiple religions. Langur monkeys and piles of litter from yesterday’s Poya festivities, surrounded the temples and statues.

Our holiday had begun with an extraordinary opportunity, made possible by Servas membership. We had the great fortune to attend an “Arangetram,” a private graduation performance of classical Indian dance. We were invited by former Servas hosts in Orange County, CA, Ruchika Wijesinghe and Arun Aneja. The evening featured their niece, the talented Jitthya Wijesinghe. Family and friends had traveled from 4 continents to celebrate her achievement. We felt privileged to be among the audience at Bishop’s College Auditorium in . We continue to be grateful for the unique experiences afforded by Servas people-to-people travel. 6

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December

67th UN DPI-NGO Conference: Together Finding Global Solutions for Global Problems United Nations, New York City, August 22-23, 2018

Earlene Cruz, US Servas Youth Rep to the UN and Jeanne Devine, US Servas and SI Rep to the UN

Servas was present at the 67th UNDPI Conference: Together Finding Global Solutions for Global Problems. The two-day conference was filled with workshops on Women and Girls Mobilizing; Declaration of Human Rights at 70; Youth, Today’s Leaders; Shared Planet, Shared Prosperity; Repositioning the UN Development System; and Communicating the Case for Multilateralism. As was brought out during the meetings, the rise of populism, compounded by the pervasive usage of technology, has greatly increased the visibility of the negative aspects of society. But the United Nations convenes individuals who are firm on improving society in terms of poverty and in terms of conflict. From the time it was created over 70 years ago, global poverty has decreased by over 30%. It does not end there however, as was repeatedly noted during the conference: complacency is the enemy of progress.

Our conclusion of the 67th UNDPI Conference is the call to action for a better and more inclusive society that addresses the 1. need and possibility and reality of including youth and seniors, businesses, entrepreneurs, academia in promoting the SDGs and becoming part of global solutions 2. importance of all sectors working together - technology, human rights, private businesses - small and large, focus on SDGs to save the world 3. keeps gender equality, income inequality and climate change at the forefront of SDGs. This can be done through a multilateral approach that encourages the collaborative participation of countries, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society, all vital actors in creating a better world.

Volunteer Update In Memoriam Much appreciation to our outgoing interviewers: Please note Peter Goodhew’s passing. His wife, Maria Roslyn Greene, Port Ludlow, WA John Balassa, Boulder, CO Luisa Camacho, and Dixie Cole, Rio Rancho, NM daughter Iliana continue to Marilyn D’Aquanni, Center Conway, NH be hosts and travelers. -Diane Baker And a warm welcome to our new interviewers: Davis Bernstein & Patti Callahan, Santa Rosa, CA Our dearest Peter left this Ingolf Askevold, Tallahassee, FL Earth to enjoy the Total Helen Shimbo, Washington DC Light. Light. Thank you for Michael Wasserman, Seattle, WA your beautiful life, your teachings, your smile Volunteer interviewers (Key Persons) help recruit, orient and your love. Today and everyday your light and encourage new Servas members. If you would like to is lighting up our path. We love you for ever, volunteer as an interviewer, contact the Servas office. Ily and Maluca

7

;

US Servas Open Doors Vol 2018: December

United States Servas 1125 16th Street, Suite 201 Arcata, CA 95521

Many of our Servas Groups have FOLLOW SERVAS ONLINE FaceBook pages that you can visit and “like”. Here are a few of them: § US Servas § Servas International § SERVAS Travelling for Peace @US_Servas www.facebook/usservas @USServas § Servas Northern California § Servas Humboldt § Servas Southern California § Servas Minnesota We are forming a Social Media Subcommittee, which would collaborate on our social media § US Servas members and accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), a podcast, friends and also our blog. We envision this subcommittee § Servas Youth being able to have brief (less than an hour) meetings § Servas Austrália once a month. If you're interested in joining this § Servas Brasil, subcommittee, please contact Grace § Servas Britain Traveler ([email protected]). § Servas Czech Republic

8