Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
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.
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
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.
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
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.
[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
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
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.
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
[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.
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
?
Are You Greek?
GREECE
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.
Summer 2010 11
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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