Motto Open Doors for Peace and Friendship Founded July 1949 by Bob Luitweiler in Askov, Denmark Type Non-profit organization, Interest group Focus Intercultural competence Location Global, settled in Switzerland, Zurich Products Hospitality service, social network | ||
Servas International is an international, non-governmental, multicultural hospitality service, which operates servas.org. The website provides a platform for members to homestay as a guest at someone's home, host travelers, meet other members, or join an event. Unlike many hospitality services, Servas is an example of the gift economy; there is no monetary exchange between members and there is no expectation by hosts for future rewards. Like all hospitality services, Servas is a form of collaborative consumption and sharing.
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Etymology
In in Esperanto, Servas means "we serve (peace)". The organization was originally called Peacebuilders.
History
Servas was founded in 1948, in the aftermath of World War II, by Bob Luitweiler and his friends as a peace movement.
In 1973, the United Nations placed Servas International on its roster as an observer.
How it works
Unlike most hospitality services whereby users can join in a few minutes by registering online, members of Servas almost always must go through an interview process before using its services. Travelers write a self-introduction on a special form valid one year, that is shown to hosts upon arrival. Although hosts do not charge for lodging, travelers must pay an annual fee to the organization, which varies according to region.
Organizational structure
Servas International has consultative status as a non-governmental organization with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, currently with representation at many of the UN's hubs of activity.
Organizational-level activities, (such as meetings, election of representatives, determination of membership fees) are taken within local, national or international assemblies or from an elected group of members.