SI News

July 2010
[Almery Tessarolo, Rosario, Argentina]

by Ally (servasnews@gmail.com)

ome teams had great individual stars. None of "the best" scored. Some teams got nasty, attacking, drawing penalties. They lost. Some worked together as a team it was one of those that won. We in Servas are a team and we will excel if we are kind and act as a team even better act as a supportive family. Ally took on this job as SI News editor and has gathered articles from around the world. She has worked hard, too hard Ally became ill and was told to rest. But she was clever and asked for help I stepped in for the final step of putting the news together. It's late, sorry, we know that. But it's done thank you for your patience. May you all have a great Servas year and work together for peace. Michael Johnson, Cambridge, Canada.

Did you see the World Cup?

Whats inside?
2 Brief News 3 World March for Peace 5 Presidents Update: Giving Thanks 6 Youth 8 International Youth Meeting, Mexico, 2010 10 Servas Language Exchanges: SLE and SYLE Around the World: 11 Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Liberia, Malawi, [and Greece] 14 Asia: India, Pakistan 15 Pacific: Australia, New Zealand 16 North America: USA, Mexico and Canada Conference, Oct. 2010 South America: 3 Meets Oct. 2010: S. American, Youth and Brazil 17 Italy opens up 18 Travel Tales: Georgia and Armenia, Canada and USA
Summer 2010 1

Brief News
Tweet Me Nice
Servas news is now on twitter! http://twitter.com/ServasNews

Your thoughts on PEACE?

Alvany Maria Santiago, Servas Brazil, is doing her PhD in Peace Psychology, studying Relationships & Peace. The objective is to investigate interpersonal, inter-group and international relationships and the promotion of Peace. She is interviewing Servas leaders around the world. Peace isn't only the absence of war but a daily practice of: non-violence, conflict analysis and resolution, respect for human rights, environmental awareness, reconciliation and peace-building. It can be pursued through the dialogue and the promotion of a culture of peace with justice. If you would like additional information or are willing to contribute to her research, e-mail her at: alvanysantiago@gmail.com or Skype at: alvasantiago.

Can we help?
by Gurdev Singh, Servas India, New Delhi
The earthquake in Haiti was a major disaster. The UN and many aid agencies extended help to Haiti. There have been calamities in various parts of the world in the past, and some donations made by Servas members to help in past situations. Our contribution can be significant if Servas members will go to the troubled sites to help. Some may like to work as volunteers, others can help financially. Perhaps with our NGO status, a proposal could be made to the UNto incorporate some of our volunteers in their aid groups. Volunteers can be found from nearby Servas chapters. Im making this suggestion for SI consideration, to take up with UN on the basis of our NGO status at the UN. If the proposal is accepted by the UN then Servas can extend help in calamities. This could be Servas best peace contribution.

Can Servas help with earthquake relief in Haiti, etc.?

Servas Argentina Donates to Geriatric Hospital

by Amalia Maffeis, Cordoba
We are an organization of Peace and non-Violence, believing in friendship, support and humanitarian aid. We initiated 8 months ago our project of supportive work for who need it: The Bridge [Hospital of San Francisco for Geriatrics] and 150 boarding schools connecting with those almost forgotten in the world... Servas (Region Central) Cordoba carries out a monthly visit, of sharing and contributing food, items of personal hygiene and clothes, for our beloved and needy elderly.
2 Servas International News

Massive World March for Peace & Nonviolence

by Pablo Colangelo (SI HLC)
World March arrived January 2, 2010, in Argentina. Close to 20,000 people heard representatives of the World March from: Chile, Argentina, India, Italy, the Philippines, Spain and England, who circled the globe calling for nuclear disarmament. The international base team makes its entrance to the final act. Photo: Jose Luis Perrino

Pressenza - Punta de Vacas, 2010-01-02

The final destination of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence was the Park of Study and Reflection, Punta de Vacas, located in the mountains on the border between Chile and Argentina. This first World March was the largest manifestation for the Peace and Nonviolence in history and the first at a planetary scale, according to its coordinators. Hundreds of thousands of people have participated in the march, as have more than three thousand organizations. They marched on four distinct routes: intercontinental, Middle East, the Balkans, and Southeast Africa. They passed through more than 400 cities in 90 countries and have traveled close to 200,000 kilometers during 93 days. threats of a tsunami, earthquakes, and typhoons In their journey through these countries, the marchers have been received by the Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-Moon, by Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, national presidents, parliamentarians, and hundreds of mayors. But the reception has also been popular: in two examples the 80,000 youth greeted the international base team in a concert in Chile and 12,000 school children in the Philippines formed a giant peace sign.

Marchers slept in Buddhist monasteries, makeshift homes, and even in a fallout shelter. There were threats of a tsunami, earthquakes, and typhoons, and they marched in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to below zero. During the tour, they encountered people made homeless by typhoons in the Philippines, Hibakushas, [survivors of the Hiroshima bomb], and millions of families torn apart by war in Korea and Palestine. They visited memorials to the millions who died in wars in Europe and Asia, and saw places where torture is still being carried out. Marchers witnessed the border conflicts between India & Pakistan, Israel & Palestine, within the Balkans, and at the border between the United States and Mexico. They saw working children in Asia, Africa and America, and battered women worldwide. On the journey, everything has happened to us, including moments of great meaning, said the convener of the march, de la Rubia, who is also coordinator of the international association World Without Wars and Without Violence. Gemma Suzara of the Philippines called it: one experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

It is my turn to give now to the future generations Bhairavi Sagar, from India, explained: It is my turn to give now to the future generations to leave a world worth living for them, in dignity and happiness. Tony Robinson from the UK who traveled through 30 countries spoke from the heart and said, in Japan we met the survivors of the atomic bomb. One of them said to us: 'Thank you, thank you. This is so important!' I was translating her words while I was trying not to break into tears. Giorgio Schultze, European spokesperson of the World March and member of the Middle East and the Balkans teams, said: We crossed the wall that divides Israel from Palestine and now more than 200 social leaders, veterans of Al Fatah, are asking us to help them build a nonviolent army that might communicate and open the doors towards reconciliation between Palestinians and Jews. Tomas Hirsch, Latin-American spokesperson of the World March, spoke about the future of the Humanist Movement. The event finished with the greeting of Peace, Force and Joy to all those present.
Summer 2010 3

Servas Argentina Joins March

by Pablo Colangelo (SI HLC)
January, 2010 We joined the World March for Peace and Non-Violence, originally organized by: World without Wars and the Humanist Movement, and two NGOs actively working for peace-building for many years. Many NGOs supported the World March. In March 2009, Servas International agreed to support the World March at the Latin-American meeting in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. There were many Servas members present including our President Gary Sealey. Check: (http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=Oz4GK2dW0uM). Servas Argentina members came from Mendoza, Cordoba and Buenos Aires province while about 1,000 attendants come from other countries. There was a big reception with applause and tears when we arrived in Mendoza, where we were hosted by Servas members including Mr. Francisco Moron, a very enthusiastic Servas member since the 70s who has hosted about 500 travelers (he has everything registered in more than 3 books and many folders with copies of every Letter of Introduction). We travelled to the meeting site on Jan. 2nd (170km from Mendoza city)

and we were in contact with many people from the very diverse countries. Servas Argentina set up a space to give information and Servas Newsletters to interested persons. We collected information from the NGOs there and strengthened relationships with individuals from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Ghana, India, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, Bolivia. We were proud to be part of representing our organization, happy that it was possible for others to know more about us, and also for us to be in contact with many others doing positive things for peace and friendship.

4 Servas International News

Presidents Update: Giving Thanks

By Gary Sealey
Congratulations to all you Servas people world-wide, who help make Servas worthy, interesting, reliable and fun! I became President when Servas was going through a bumpy time, after sixty years, becoming a modern association with new rules and expectations. Servas continues to adapt well. Volunteers are putting energy into exciting new projects, following up the 2009 General Assembly. Now, you can see many events posted on the popular website : www.servas. org. More, when you check out the Servas volunteer website: www.siexco.org thanks, Penny, Renee!] to find teamwork is thriving. UNESCO has invited Servas (and others) to expand its international PeaceTeam Builders course [thanks Martin, Kim, Jaime and team!] publicly, on a big scale through an arrangement with South American Servas member groups and universities. Meantime, over three dozen Servas developers, testers and other friends are helping advance the ServasOnLine project. We will keep improving Dolphin [Mario, Marco thank you!]. A new face and web-based functions for Servas will come at very low cost with much volunteer work.

Its a good time for Servas

Through its reputation for quality and safe experiences, Servas is attracting helpful partnerships from other expert groups, including BeWelcome and Tripping. In return Servas may be able to benefit their members with helpful outreach and Peace activities. Servas will never be the largest friendship or Peace organization, but it will continue to be of the highest quality network of home based peace ambassadors. Servas is regaining strength by successful work: Servas accounts are up-to-date [thanks, Mirek!], and through careful scrutiny of Auditors. Years of improvements to Financial Operating Procedures have proven valuable. A worldwide project of household calls, to make sure host lists are reliable [Pablo Colangelo and volunteers, hurray!] is going ahead. The most recent election of the South American coordinator (congratulations, Jaime; thank you, Roberto Borenstein!) was skillfully handled [thanks, Chris P]. Pramod is continuing to improve Area election procedures [thank you!]. Servas Youth (with supportive elders, as I personally saw in Mexico) is really interesting and fun

Photo by Michael J.; don't blame Gary for it.

[Pablo Chufeni, thank you!].The Development and Membership Committees and the Fees task group are productive; and a renewed Money (budget) Committee is about to get started [thanks to all Mary Jane, LV Subramanian, and Team Mirek!] Many Servas hosts are also members of other associations whose members could enjoy joining Servas. Please copy the example of Mary Jane, and talk to your friends and personal membership groups about Servas. You can tell them, as you and I know, Servas helps develop new friends and experiences. Servas is fun. Special thanks to the newsletter team for trying this new edit and production approach [Ally, Michael!] We welcome your help. Please let us know! exco@servas.org.

Summer 2010 5

Servas
We Need YOU
Im Pablo Chufeni, the Servas International Youth Coordinator and one Servas member who believes in this marvelous organization and its transforming powers. We in Servas Youth understand the importance of the intergenerational interactionof our members, and providing them withthe chance to experience Servas as leaders.

Youth
6 Servas International News

Many examples help us to move in this direction. After each Youth event, SYLE or action,new volunteers start to work with us and feel that they are part of a wider network of persons with similar goals. I want to thank those who trust me and who, each time that I send an email with HEY GUYS, I HAVE AN IDEA, listen to me and believe in this project. Thanks so much to Almery and Michael for doing this edition of Servas News. Thanks to Gary, Pramod, Mirek, Pablito, Kim, Penny and all the key persons in Servas International. Thanks to all my partners in Servas Youth. Thanks to the golden ladies, they know who they are. Thanks to all those National Groups and Local Contacts that are now working with me on specific projects. And thanks to you for reading this report. Do not hesitate to jump on board. Share this report, invite your friends and bring yourself to our coming events, check our website, apply to our programs, make a proposal. We need you!!! Servas Youth is very active: running programs, coordinating languages experiences abroad, organizing local, regional and international events, coordinating activities with local partners and National Servas Groups, working on our site and writing to the Servas communication network. Please join us to help increase Servas Youth Outreach. Love to you all. Pablo J. Chufeni Servas International Youth Coordinator, pablochufeni@yahoo.com.ar

Be there next summer!

SERVAS YOUTH NORDIC MEETING SUMMER 2011 All Servas are welcome, not just Youth.
Europe strongly supports the Servas youth movement and proves it in 2011. With Servas Youth support, the Nordic countries (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark) invite you to share time and love to discuss and design policies for Servas Youth. Experience a very dynamic and youthful event, especially if you believe that international communication is a key core value of our organization. Learn about ServasYouth programs, local topics and have fun, LOTS of fun.The program will be on the homepages of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark later. Date: Summer 2011. Duration: approx. 4 days Venue: Scandinavia. For information at this early stage if you want to help organise or plan to come, please contact listebibliotek@servas.dk.

Hi to all Servas Youth!

by Heather Mason, USA Servas Board Youth Local Contact/ Youth Development Officer
I recently returned from the Servas Youth International Event in Xochicalco, Mexico (near Mexico City). I had tons of fun, of course, but more importantly, in between all the fun were lots of constructive, innovative, action-minded conversations. I am not alone in saying that I returned from these meetings regenerated and ready to breathe some young life into Servas, as the late Bob Luitweiler would say. Look for my account of the conference in the next issue of Open Doors! [Servas USA newsletter] Some highlights from International Youth Conference 2010: Discovered that Servas Founder Bob Luitweiler was only twentysix years old when he established Servas. How inspiring! Martin K of Servas Canada led the group in his ever-evolving Peace Education Training Course. Peace-building is contagious! The SYLE [Youth Language] program continues to expand and became even more organized (for ages 18 to 30ish). This is a great program, and I cant wait for my own SYLE in Bari, Italy to begin! Read more about SYLE at: www.servasyouth.org or contact me: heatherjeanmason@gmail.com to learn how you can participate in, or organize, a SYLE in your town.

South American Youth Event

[See South America, page 16 in "Around the World" section.]

Pablo is Servas Youth

By Heather Mason, USA
21 Jun 2010 Pablo Chufeni is unrivaled in his energy, enthusiasm, and ideas for promoting Servas to a wider audience of youth, which is no easy feat. He embodies Servas. To quote my US Servas newsletter article literally he is SI Youth. The SYLE Program is a really great reward and incentive for Servas young population. Just hours into my first meeting with Chufeni, he sat down with me in a private, informal meeting and explained with much heart why this program is important for Servas. He listened to all of my questions with patience and empathy, as I am still learning all a SYLE includes. He has been prompt in replying to my inquiries, and never demanding or bureaucratic. He has been an indispensable resource and the backbone of the budding US Servas Youth movement. I can truly say that I cannot do my work for Servas without him! Heather Mason, Youth Coordinator, US Servas Board of Directors Seattle, WA, USA heatherjeanmason@gmail.com SKYPE: heatherjeanmason.

SYLE hosts/organizers wanted ! Candelaria of Servas Spain, age 31, is looking for USA Servas members to host her July 2010: please contact me or the office info@usservas.org. ASAP!!!
Summer 2010 7

International Servas Youth Meeting

eople from Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, United States, Italy, Belgium, United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel, Spain and of course Mexico, stayed at a wonderful Mexican Hacienda surrounded by hills. This old sugar refinery, turned beautiful rustic hotel, gave us the chance to get in deep contact with members. Peace Education Course: We had several peace workshops with the main goal to be aware of the fundamental role each of us has in peace and understanding and how it could be developed. The workshops allowed us to know our inner self also. Teleconference: Technology and Servas: a personal experience By means of the Internet we had a conversation with Rodolfo Alvarado, Servas Mexico City, invited by a German company to develop sources of renewable energies. He made links between this technology and the main purposes of Servas. Conference: The Syle Experience Servas Youth from Mexico, Panama and Brazil spoke of their experiences as SYLE travelers. Speakers The Servas International Youth Coordinator, Pablo Chufeni, spoke about the importance of Youth. Gary Sealy, President of Servas International, was another speaker as well as Martin Krajcik of the Peace Education Workshop. Workshops Workshops included: The Round Sacred Dance that creates a communion between participants, and one about Amaranth, a highly nutritious plant used to create a traditional Mexican drink called atole. Cacahuamilpa Caverns Visit Close to the town of Taxco are the impressive Cacahuamilpa Caverns, which are up to 70 meters high. A tour guide took us on a 2-kilometer walk amongst impressive stalactites, stalagmites and an underground river. Health and Cultural Diversity Dr. Hctor Peralta, Servas Mxico City, and Dr. Norma Gabrieli, Servas Rosario, Argentina, spoke about new alternatives to medicine. Archaeological Zone of Xochicalco Visit On Saturday we learned this site was first occupied in 200 BC, but did not develop into an urban center until A.D. 700 900, when it had a population of up to 20,000 people. We also had fun!!! We ate and danced every night, aware of the wonderful blessing of being part of Servas. We closed with traditional songs and chants; then gave each other a hug to seal the friendships we had built.

Xochicalco, Mexico, March 31 April 3, 2010

8 Servas International News

TO TOUCH AND BE TOUCHED

(5TH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SERVAS CONFERENCE REPORT, XOCHICALCO, MEXICO, 2010)

By Lilly Kerekes, Mexico City Coordinator, April, 2010

go to the airport to pick up visitors and also to say goodbye. I feel that in this place you mustnt be alone. You must be feel welcomed. And while we study and discuss the new policies of SI, we also laugh at the swimming pool, because Paulo from Panama acted like John and baptized Reut from Israel . Paulo was baptized by Mafe, from Brazil. (We fight to have her in our homes). Martin Krajcik (who delivered part of a peace course) made us think about our lives and together discovered we are connected by SERVAS. We made a human knot, wrote our lives on a piece of paper, shared our stories of different activities around the globe, our little contribution to the peace, acting in an instantaneous performance or playing with a team spirit, discussing discrimination, injustice and the rules of the game called society. We enjoyed and learned a lot about ourselves and our role in SERVAS. With Pablo Chufeni, we not only talked about SYLE, we made an agreement: Fatima from Mexico will be visiting Austria, and Yelbi from Costa Rica will organise the first one in his country. I was so glad to see so much energy in our youthful members. We were few, true, but the reunion was full of love, and fluent with Latin-American Power, in all senses.

To have Gary Sealey and Rita Dessauvage with us was a great experience and an honour. The few days and words Gary shared with us were thought-provoking and moving, moving toward a true PEACE. The fire of an Aztec ceremony made us feel our energy. The powerful sense of a hug or a tear meant we didnt need words to express what we felt [we] will be working for peace, with all our energy, with all our hearts. I danced with Mafe (Brazil), worked with Martin (Canada), kept the... secret of the birthday celebration of Francesca (Italy), changed clothes with Mausi (Argentina), laughed with Jorge (Argentina), shared with Reut (Israel), felt moved with the energy and affection of Chufeni, who I admire profoundly. I felt honoured to meet Rita (our Godmother, from Belgium) and Gary. I also adopted a son!! (Yelbi, from Costa Rica). I felt important. I felt truly loved. I want to say THANKS to my Mexican team, to Gary, to Rita, to my old and new friends, to each one who made this Conference possible. I made new friends, worked for and learned more from SERVAS. I have decided to participate more actively, and I am doing it right now. We built a real brotherhood in this meeting. THANKS SERVAS, for giving me so much.

Summer 2010 9

Servas Language Exchanges: SYLE

SYLE:
By Dvir Ribovsky, Servas Youth, Israel
June 2009 I flew to Panama to be a part of a SYLE. It was quite spontaneous, but so is most of my life. I assume that if it wasnt for SERVAS it would have taken me a few more year to see Panama and I dont know if I would have ever in my life experienced any of the things I did during this trip. When I first landed I wasnt nervous at all because I had someone waiting for me at the airport: Lizbeth Gonzales the SERVAS youth coordinator, the person who made it all happen. Although we had a small language barrier we managed to communicate and even at that night she taught me a little Spanish. For the next week I was in Panama City with her and then with the Tovar family, both showed me the city and formed a base for me. I really didnt know what to expect but I dont think I could have asked for a better first week. At first, when I moved from place to place, I worried: Will they be nice? Will I feel comfortable? Will I be able to learn Spanish and how? But every family I met answered all of my questions with one big YES ! After a wonderful first week Lizbeth took me to Santiago my new home for nearly 3 months. It was nerve-racking being alone, in a new country, new people all the time and without a way to communicate I didnt know Spanish. I got to Santiago and met Linneth Lopez my host, who was really nice but she knew no English, it was really problematic at the beginning. One day I reached a decision: I am here for a reason and I will make it happen and so I did. I started asking questions all the time how do I say this and that and I wrote it in my notebook. I practiced day and night. As days passed I felt more comfortable and I started speaking whatever Spanish I knew. But, I didnt complete what I came to do. So I asked Linneth if I could stay longer -- she said yes, and I did. I was amazed how well all hosts treated me, Linneth in particular. They opened their homes to me, gave me everything I needed and more. They did it with a smile even if it was really hard for them. The most important thing I felt was that I now had family on the other side of the globe and that I am welcome always! For that I cant begin to express my gratitude.

[Youth]

and SLE

SLE:
By Alvany Santiago, Brazil
My Servas Language Exchange [SLE], in Buenos Aires, Argentina, February 03 to 19 under the coordination of Cintia Amor, with the collaboration of Felix Sanchez. It was a unique opportunity to meet wonderful people, to get to know the culture, improve my level of Spanish and even discover tips for my research. SLE has the same configuration as Servas Youth Language Exchange [SYLE], only it is aimed at people over 30 years. It was launched in 2008, when Cintia Amor did one in Sao Paulo under the coordination of Roberto Borenstein. This year I [and Pinar, from Turkey] did one in Buenos Aires. I stayed with five families andvisited a day host. Cintia Amor, the Servas Buenos Aires coordinator was my first hostess and Spanish teacher. The classes of Spanish included shopping, Brazilian cuisine and even a Thailand massage. My second hostess was Elizabeth Gothelf in Palermo. I was her first Servas guest. Our classes included a walk around the neighborhood some delicious vegetarian food, and tango lesson. Sunday, Feb.7, was my birthday and Cintia organized a barbecue in the Austria Tennis Club, San Isidro. Despite a storm, 18 Servas friends attended, and we had three birthday cakes because, during February, both Cintia Amor (Feb. 16) and Alejandro Kleisner (Feb. 6) also celebrated their birthdays. I was delighted with such kindness; each person came with food and a welcome only Servas can provide. Monday, 08 of February, I went to the home of Felix and we had an interesting meeting about the human presence on a planet environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually full. We had adinner with Cintia, who told me that one of Argentinas advantages is that it is very close to Brazil. The friendly interpersonal relations between Brazilians and Argentines made me feel welcomed and delighted.

A Personal Look at SYLE 2009

SYLESLE
Thank you all! Thank you for giving me the time of my life, thank you for showing me that there are nice, good and honest people around, thank you for welcoming me, thank you for opening your heart and for making me open mine and mostly, thank you all for showing me that there is still hope for peace and happiness. Because if we all do good deeds and get to know one another maybe, just maybe this world will be a bit better!
10 Servas International News

Around the World

BOTSWANA
By Sheldon G. Weeks, NS Botswana, and African Area Coordinator
History of Servas in Botswana Servas is at least 20 years old in Botswana. Felix Mulenga and Mmachere Kedibonye Mareka were among the first members. Vibeke Matorp from Servas International and Denmark toured Southern Africa in the early 1990s and had a great influence on development. Vibeke Matorp and the Zambia Servas organized an area meeting in Livingstone in 1997 led by Denis and Margaret Whitehead. Additional area meetings were held in Blantyre, Malawi in 2003 and again in Livingstone, Zambia in 2007. Sheldon Weeks was an initial coordinator and then handed over to Regina Dambe. Regina was planning the 1st National Workshop in Kasane in 1999 when she had a stroke. She died in 2001. Servas Botswana is small with ten hosts in 2004. Membership hovers around 18 people/families over the last five years. The First Botswana National Meeting was finally held in February 2005 at Serowe Rhino Camp. A second national meeting was held in December 2008 at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

?
Are You Greek?
GREECE

BOTSWANA CONFERENCE, 9-11 April 2010 Some Highlights:

History of Servas , 2009 EGA, future of Servas International, South-North Links (Twinning with Scandinavia) and progress on implementing them Servas Botswana: History, status, travellers in / travellers out Review of Servas in Africa and Future of Servas in Africa, Servas Areas in Africa (past, present and future). Changes taking place in the world that impact on Servas. Communication Issues Use of e-mails improving communication with web pages Use of other networks (FaceBook, BeWelcome, etc) Africa Area Newsletter Elections / Finances Expectations and realities.

Greece (and Cyprus) needs new members! If your country has a Greek population in Servas, please ask them to contact their relatives and friends IN Greece and Cyprus and recommend their joining Servas. Greeks seem to be leery of hosting strangers and the only way to get in is through friends and family members. Too many of our current members are ex-patriots, so if your Greek members could help spread the word it would be greatly appreciated. Servas Greece wants Servas to grow and grow, especially with Greeks! Terry Stone, Secretary Greece and Cyprus

2011 2011
Now we are planning for Servas Africa Meetings in Kampala, Uganda: 15-22 August 2011 [combining World Youth and National Secretaries from Southern Africa, plus guests]. For info email: botswana@servas.org.

Africa Meeting in August 2011

Summer 2010 11

Servas Cameroon: the new kid on the block

Dr. Rolande R. Hodel, 24 Jan. 2010
Coordinator Etienne Franis Maemble, a member since 2003, has successfully raised our number to 14 members and is currently registering the group with the Cameroonian government. He is a francophone with some ability to communicate with written English. E-mail him at: amour_pardon@yahoo.fr Cameroon is a beautiful country on the west coast of Africa. Etienne lives in the capital Yaounde. He is a good networker, something not so common in Africa. Cameroon is high on the World Banks list of corrupt countries; poverty becomes obvious as soon as one travels into rural areas. Here there is a long list of how to extort, borrow and steal money. As president and founder of AIDSfreeAFRICA, I have 4 years of experience in this country. Anyone considering traveling to Cameroon, please consult our web site: www.AIDSfreeAFRICA.org and www.AIDSfreeAFRICA.blogspot. com and feel free to call me. I will do my best to try to save you disasters otherwise unavoidable. Having said that, I love Cameroonians and the country and their traditions. There is so much to see and experience, with some safety rules to follow it will change your life. I also would like it if you contact me since we always look for unused luggage capacity to move medical supplies and other items otherwise too expensive to ship there. It is our mission to help Africans to build factories and produce drugs in Africa. I just returned [July 2010] from my sixth successful trip. D r. R o l a n d e R . H o d e l , P h . D . R R H Yo d e l @ a o l . c o m 1-914-923-2073 USA/EST. http://www.AIDSfreeAFRICA.org.

Liberia:
2010: a new National group by Marvin Garbeh Davis
January 05, 2010, I conducted a meeting of persons interested in starting a branch of Servas in Liberia. The meeting brought together people whom I had contacted earlierabout starting the organization due to my recent visit to the United States. While some of these contacts have been informal, this meeting was the first formal one to discuss establishing Servas. At the meeting, at my home, I was elected National Secretary of Servas Liberia. Participants were informed about Servas. The meaning of being a host or traveler was then explained and discussed. Ten individuals signed up as hosts to begin Servas Liberia. All our members live in Monrovia the capital of Liberia except for Mr. Alex Tartoe who lives in Buchanan City, the second largest city in Liberia. Servas Liberia welcomes You For a traveler to visit Liberia, it is important that the National Secretary be contacted first so as to initiate the measures necessary for the traveler to be placed with the right host. It was agreed upon in our meeting that the National Secretary will coordinate such arrangements. Marvin Garbeh Davis lives with two children: Mardell Joy 10, Mily Garnayee 3 Facilities include: Two Bathrooms, TV, DVD/CD. We get electricity from a generator that is run on fuel/gasoline. Generator runs for 6 hours every day mainly from 7 pm at night. No AC, standing fans, No running water, we get water from a hand pump which is chlorinated regularly. There is a laptop to check email. Phone: +231-6-432655 E: marvinarbeh@yahoo.com.

12 Servas International News

Whatsupin MALAWI
(May 2010) By Demelza Gordon Benbow, Servas Malawi
Although World Cup Fever is whizzing around us nearby, little has changed in our country of 14 million. The Char Char Trust (a charitable group focused on literacy and to which Servas Malawi is linked) has a group coming out to Malawi in July, which will be involved with the building of a school in a semi-rural area, which we are supporting. Our Namasimba community daycare centre link still thrives and is providing great care to HIV orphans and local children. It is an interesting encounter for any of our visiting travelers. Our next meeting is due in mid-May and we have a lot of new members joining which is exciting fresh blood! We sponsored, watered and fed a Servas Malawi linked organization AYISE. They formed a youth volleyball team that came 4th out of 16 teams and got free t-shirts for their efforts YEH! The Three Peaks Walk an annual Blantyebased event is due in June and several Servas Malawi members will try to complete the 36 km fast paced walk across three of the mountains that surround Blantyre city in southern Malawi (Gordon Benbow a member host of 10 years leads it every year). It's going to be a challenge: starting at 5am and ending at 6 pm; seriously tiring. This year also a small number of Servas members are attempting the Sapitwa sleepover a June event which seeks to be on the top of Sapitwa mountain as the sun rises (but its a very, very cold wait!). Malawi is planning to host a 2011 Servas Youth meeting. New T-shirts have been printedand a lovely hand-made textile Servas Malawi banner made which will be great to advertise ourselves at public and international events. Servas Malawi reminds all that we warmly welcome travelers get yourself here and let us help you with the rest! Peace and smiles.

GIVE A WEEK, SAVE A LIFE

I cant see, I am blind now. I have had toothache for over 1 year. His tummy is sticking out more and more.

These are three patients complaints told at the Sri Sathya Sai Medical camp held at Mulanje Mission hospital over five days in May this year. A camp which treated the first patient with a cataract operation (he had not been able to see for almost 4 years), the second with a teeth extraction and heavy antibiotic treatment, and the third with an emergency hernia repair which for the 7-year-old meant he could now play sports without crippling pain. Sri Sathya Sai holds these camps each year in various countries around the world, depending on the suggestion of its members. The camps last seven days: from set up, treatment, to pack away and go. Country groups fundraise and collect goods in kind, find money for their own airfares and search for medically qualified volunteers/members to help run these incredibly useful camps. Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, surgeons, management-experienced people volunteer their holiday time to take part in these one-off camps and the local Sri Sathya Sai members slave away, sorting out the practical logistics. Three of our Servas Malawi members took part in the medical week this year. Rita Latif was busy in the kitchens producing and serving food for all the patients 3,000 a day!! Ramona Bowler accommodated and brought in local doctors to support the camp. Demelza Benbow worked in triage and pharmacy. Next time it will be a membership-encouraged activity a lot of hands are needed for translation and cooking. As a peace organization its important we seek ways in which we can get actively involved in doing-peace activities. This type of medical camp is definitely in the doing category! Those flying out to a country often take a 1 week tourist trip together after the camp. This is the 4th camp held in Malawi. If youd like more information/photos about how the 2010 camp was conducted and what wild things really went on! -- contact Rita Latif via my email: benlewis@africa-online.net If you would like to selflessly volunteer (especially if you are medically trained or retired!) contact me also. Sri Sathya Sai is a Hindu-based religious group but members of any religion are welcome to join in during the camps and help the motto being helping our fellow man. Demelza Benbow Servas Malawi (who just delivered a 2.4 kg baby boy while passing the maternity unit en route to lunch).
Summer 2010 13

INDIA
60 Years Celebration, Jan. 18 - 22, 2010
by Prof. Man Chand Khandela, National Spokesperson, Servas India
73 delegates (34 from 19 countries and 39 from Servas India) greatly enjoyed the 60th SERVAS Anniversary. The conference was organized at Goa, a wonderland for tourists, under the leadership of renowned Gandhian, respected Shri Lavanam ji, the Chairman of SERVAS India. At Peaceful Society, a tranquil venue, participants exchanged views, learning about each others culture, lifestyle and social and political environments. We also discussed peace, harmony and non-violence, food habits and emotions. Most foreign delegates came without a conference visa and were not allowed to take part in any conference according to Indian law. Dr. Ramesh Sharma, National Secretary and Sushama, the coordinator of the program made every effort to resolve the problem. Dr. Sharma managed to get a No Objectionfrom local police officials so ultimately they had to reorganize the program topermit the get-together. There were lectures, reaction sessions, games based on the theme of harmony and understanding, yoga, meditation, dancing, singing etc. The vegetarian food was appreciated by all.Mr. Pawas Dubey,a host, travelled 1500 km with 5 special cooks at great personal expense to prepare food for the delegates. Unfortunately part of this celebration was marred by the biased behavior of a small group who made complaints but did not suggest any practical solution. Against the spirit of Peace these persons publicly appreciated everything yet tried to exaggerate things negatively in writing. The celebration was successful, organized nicely and gave a good message of peace, harmony, mutual understanding and non-violence We appreciate the efforts of Dr. Ramesh Sharma and hope in future that all will think and act positively to enhance the goodwill of SERVAS.
14 Servas International News

PAKISTAN
Executive Unanimously Re-elected
by Muhammad Amjad, Secretary Information
On 28th of February 2010, a Servas Pakistan meeting and election were held at the residence of Dr. Riaz Ahmad (a senior Servas member). The main attraction of the meeting was the election result. Although the election date was announced on 25th December 2009, and a schedule, nomination forms and procedure were sent to everyone, all the Servas members expressed their satisfaction with the former Servas Pakistan National Secretary Mr. Muhammad Naseem and his executive body. They unanimously decided the executive would remain unchanged for the next three years. Mr. Muhammad Naseem, the founder and President of Servas Pakistan, announced Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khan as a new unopposed elected National Secretary. Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khan is very competent, qualified, well versed with the management process and has a dynamic personality. There were many other unopposed elected executive body members also. Members shared travel experiences and many amendments to the rules were also made. Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khan (newly elected National Secretary) announced many strict decisions which will make Servas Pakistan exemplary in future. He focused on the devotion and dedication of all Servas members for the betterment of Peace. A former member of Servas Pakistan Mr. Tanveer Ahmad was terminated due to misconduct. The recently elected Servas Pakistan executive body and all the members paid a rich tribute to the great leadership of Mr. Muhammad Naseem who,throughout his career,has been unmatched in uplifting the image of Pakistan internationally. He conveyed a noble message to all the members of Servas Pakistan to have solidarity of determination and integrity to make the Servas tree greener in the future. Please watch the Servas Pakistan meeting video at: http://www. youtube.com/user/naseemservas.

AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIAN 60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
By Di Burch, Victorian Host Coordinator
Australian hosts could not let the 60th birthday of Servas go without a party to celebrate this great organisation. Servas Australian had just been incorporated and needed an Annual General Meeting to comply with the incorporation rules. Being able to hold this meeting at a birthday celebration was a wonderful way to make sure lots of hosts attended. The beautiful coastal town of Portland 360 km south of Melbourne was chosen as the venue. Hosts travelled from all states of Australia and we were thrilled to have members from the U.K., Malaysia and New Zealand join us. Ages ranged from 17 months to 84 years of age. Our celebrations were officially opened by an elder of the local Gunditjamara people and a birthday cake cut by our President Lindsay Chambers and our overseas guests. Hosts enjoyed a variety of activities from sightseeing, hiking, canoeing on the river, riding the cable tram and visiting the local Aboriginal fish traps. Of course the best part of the week was the wonderful friendships that were made and the networking taking place since this gathering. A huge thrill was the arrival of a Servas family from Austria who were travelling around Australia for a year. Servas is a wonderful organisation and all who attended the 60th Birthday Party in Australia felt truly blessed to be part of this world wide family.

NEW ZEALAND
Servas Spirit RE-IGNITED
By Marijke Batenburg, National Secretary, Servas New Zealand
On 5 - 7 March, 2010, Servas New Zealand celebrated the 60th anniversary of Servas. The weekend gathering was attended by about 40 of the 400 members in New Zealand. It was opened by the Mayor of Waitakere City, Bob Harvey, who was recently elected as International Vice President of Mayors for Peace. He offered a personal account of how he incorporated United Nations Declaration into the Council proceedings and how he arrived at getting the Council to agree to fly the Peace flag beside the citys flag. His leadership in this and belief that the values of respectful communication and acknowledging diversity can be applied at a local level, aligned well with the values of Servas. We applauded him for his twenty years of commitment to this way of leadership. The weekend continued with sharing, working groups and a celebration dinner. The dinner hosts had creatively used National Geographic maps as tablecloths which gave a real global theme to the evening. A special cake was made and cut by one of our older active members, 90-year-old Joyce Irving. Music and songs were offered by participants after the meal. A cello piece composed in memory of the destruction of Warsaw, was played by Katherine Hebley. A wonderful poem was offered by the great niece of the founder of Servas in New Zealand Yvonne Brown. In the 40 years Servas has been active in New Zealand, there have been many regional gatherings. However this was the first national gathering for some time and while the turnout was smaller than hoped, the fire of enthusiasm for Servas was re-ignited.

Summer 2010 15

North America
REGISTER FOR TRI-NATIONAL [USA, Mexico and Canada] CONFERENCE, 1-3 OCT. 2010
by Dianne Shiner for the Conference Planning Committee
Picture sandy Pacific beaches, miles of trails, wildlife, conversation in Victorian parlors, and delicious sustainable meals...then you have a perfect setting for the 2010 Tri-National Meeting and Conference! Ironically, SERVAS peace-builders from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will meet at Fort Worden, guarding Puget Sound. Near the charming town of Port Townsend, Washington, USA, all accommodations, including camping and a youth hostel, are located on the beautiful state park grounds with unparalleled views of the Cascade Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. More information and maps can be found at: www.parks.wa.gov/fortworden. Register early to secure a room in handsome Victorian homes that were once the officers quarters. For the first time, it is possible to register and pay online. Travel: Making a Difference! is the conference theme to be developed in particular regard to service, youth, and the environment, by several outstanding presenters, including keynoters U.S. Gene Openshaw (Europe Through the Back Door), Canadian Brock Tully (World Kindness), and Mexican Fabian Trejo (National Secretary). For more program and registration information, check the website: www.usservas.org/conference2010/. The Conference opens at 3 pm on Friday and ends on Sunday at 1 pm. Full conference registrants will receive a free copy of Rick Steves latest book: Travel as a Political Act, for as long as they last. Port Townsend is approximately 2 1/2 hours from the Seattle airport, including a lovely ferry ride. A shuttle runs twice a day: www.olympicbuslines.com. Washington hosts will do their best to assist participants before and after the conference if requested on the registration form by September 1. Some scholarships are also available, and the Planning Committee is very pleased to offer a great program in a gorgeous setting.....for the SAME prices as last year.....thanks to many generous SERVAS volunteers! For information not found on the website, please contact: info@usservas.org. We hope to see you there.
16 Servas International News

South America
3 Servas Meetings at one time !
An amazing opportunity to attend: Servas South American Meeting Servas Youth Event, and Servas Brazils National Conference. Where: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil When: October 20-24, 2010 Feel the power of face-to-face interactions with fellow members. Take a vital chance to improve the Servas network and reach out for peace. As soon as we met, key members Jaime and Alvany and I got along. We share the same Servas spirit and life perspectives. Now Jaime is the brand new South America Area Coordinator and Alvany is the NS of Servas Brazil. We are very lucky to have them on board. A regional South American youth event was an idea presented many years ago and now, thanks to the support of these two wonderful Servas leaders, it will happen. In the beauty of the Brazilian north coast, Salvador da Bahia, well be celebrating THREE events at once. See you in October!!! CONTACT: brazil@servas.org/brasil@servas.org.

Italy
by Anna Cristina Siragusa, Newsletter Editor, Vice-President of Servas Italy and Beatrice Boccardi, Website Coordinator, Secretary of Servas Italy

The Servas Italian logo at a regional meeting in Lombardia.

Servas Italy opens up internationally

This is the first time Servas Italy engages in the translation of a few articles from its newsletter, to contribute to a better knowledge of Servas internationally. Did you know that Italy is the country with the highest number of members? We are almost 2,000 and for a quarter of a century we have had a Newsletter about the events that make our association lively. We post it to our members, crammed with news about national and international events and stories by our travellers; it is a four-monthly publication and you can also read it online at www.servas.it. Since January 2010 the website of Servas Italy has been based on TikiWiki, which makes it possible for all members to interact through the site, and for the publication of the calendar of events, Aldo Capitini said: The true lover of non-violence does useful also for the travellers in Italy to know and not wait for the others to start following it, before he starts join in regional activities. himself: just like those who are in love do not wait until the others fall in love. Capitinis ideas live on in Servas Italy and give many Aldo Capitini , occasions for reflection. Through the future diffusion of the an historical figure of Italian Pacifism proceedings of our meetings and study materials, we want to spread a peace rainbow to the whole world! The reflection of Servas 60th birthday has pushed us to know the biography and thoughts of those Italians who devoted their lives to peace, merging thought and action in a consistent way. It is hard to imitate such examples of life; masters such as: Aldo Capitini, Danilo Dolci, Lanza del Vasto Last April in our National meeting at Assisi we had two lectures on the figure of Aldo Capitini (Perugia, 1899 - 1968). A philosopher, politician and educator, Capitini was the first in our country to catch and theorize the Gandhian doctrine in the 1930s, to the point that he was called the Italian Gandhi. It is not easy to sum up his work here, so we will simply remind you that in 1961 he organized the first Peace March and Brotherhood among Peoples, a non-violent march, world-famous today and known in Italy as the Peace March from Perugia to Assisi, held every year in spring. Fifty years ago, Aldo Capitini created the rainbow-coloured peace flag still in use today. Those travelling in Italy have probably noticed this symbol waving from the balconies: here The Peace flag in Venezia [Venice]. is one in Venezia [Venice].
Summer 2010 17

Travel Tales
Georgia and Armenia
By M.E. Chatwin, Servas Rep. from Tbilisi, Georgia
Meeting Charlotte is like encountering a bubbling fountain of facts and energy, and we quickly feel that much of her enthusiasm flows from the many cultures she has encountered. Sometimes she met people on the road; some were guests in her Pennsylvania home, bringing with them their wonder of discovery. Servas seems a perfect fit for Charlotte. She was first attracted by travel, but Discovery and Peace are key words for Servas. Charlotte has hosted visitors for 20 years, and visited some of her guests in their homes, in FIVE continents. She served in the Marine Corps during WWII. For Servas she has been a traveler, host, interviewer and coordinator. In 1994, she distributed information to potential members in Kazakhstan. Charlotte says of Servas You meet people who remain life-long friends, learn about the daily lives of people living on the other side of the planet and even next door! As a hostess Charlotte frequently takes visitors to social local parties, club meetings and festivals. As a Servas traveller, she has seen many off-the-beaten-path sights and taken part in cultural activities that most tourists would miss. One odd example: a woman in Krakow, Poland asks guests to take off their shoes and use pieces of carpeting to polish her wooden floors! Charlotte enjoys the gifts of cultural diversity. May 2010

Friends Close to Home

by Michael Johnson, former Nat Sec, Servas Canada
"We don't get enough visitors." This is the most common complaint in much of the Servas world. But it can be easily solved and you'll have a great time doing it, believe me. The answer: TRAVEL NEARBY. My wife Dafi [former Nat Sec, Servas Israel] and I have made a lot of friends in Canada and USA by visiting and inviting hosts nearby: e.g. Louise and David, Canada, above. In Canada all you need to do is phone a host and point yourself out in the host list. No papers or payment. Another way to have more Servas visits is to stay in touch with past Servas friends. The mother of this Danish family [right] has been a friend for over 20 years and visited us this July. Blanca from Guatemala [below], whom I know from past GAs, came this winter. Stay in touch!

Charlotte Melville, USA, in the orange shirt on right and Mary Ellen Chatwin, the new Servas rep from Georgia, is on the left in red.

18 Servas International News

Friends Close to Home continued . . . We visited these Servas members in 2009, all within a day's drive of our home. From above, clockwise: James and Claudia, who live in Brazil, during their stay in Detroit. Claudia is a past Exco member. Chicago hosts took us to a huge outdoor cinema downtown and gave us free passes to see the famous "American Gothic" at the Chicago Art Institute. In our host's pool near Chicago. Michigan hosts took us dining on their sailboat. Another preferred lake kayaking. And a 75-year-old member took us flying in his homemade plane.

Summer 2010 19