The following motions were passed (as drawn up by the various working groups:-

• To set up a working group for elections at GA to enable member countries not present at the GA to participate n the election process.
• To register SI as an NGO in Canton of Zurich Switzerland.
• Anyone elected or nominated to a post in Servas will be informed of expectations and exact reimbursement of expenses.
• The budget for ICT for the next three years was passed
• Chris Patterson (NZ) elected District Voting Coordinator
• Youth Action Plan: A Youth Travel Award fund to be set up to offer a Youth Travel Award to sponsor at least one young person to each GA and Int’l Youth meeting when funds are available. A resource will be set up on the SI website and Servas Youth website where hosts from different countries can make known what experiences they can offer to young Servas travellers and where hosts can open up opportunities for work or volunteer experience in their local community. A family home page will be set up on the SI website to promote Servas as a family-friendly organization. It will encourage links between families.
• The DFC will be called a Development Committee of SI. It should be pro-active in offering assistance to new/small member groups, regularly communicate to all of Servas about development projects and fundraise if possible. Each National Secretary as part of its strategic planning should include a development plan for the next three years.
• Implement an online financial tool to control stamp fee, membership and other contributions.”
• That three voting options be retained by distant vote and that subclause 9 of section 7 in the Statutes be amended to read: ‘that distant voting process shall include three voting options for each motion “Support/Yes,” “Against/ No,” and “Abstain.” And that “Abstain” votes shall not be counted as a vote for or against the motion.’”
• To consider and redefine the future of Servas in the light of our own roots and ideals of local communities and the world. To learn from and interact with other organizations without ever losing our Servas identities. To move forward into the digital age in creative and active ways, not only based on the internet but on the needs of these new times, especially those needs that can find guidance and answers in Bob Luitweiler’s non-violent thinking.
• To set up a working group to define short- and long-term goals and investigate strategies and action plans including youth and local community work.”

• The ‘Job descriptions and statutes committee’ to produce a list of functions for this position, including the specific participation of the national secretaries (NS) of the area in the elaboration of this final document.

• Items produced during the Central America Regional Conference of Costa Rica as a starting point:

1. To hold as a minimum, an annual meeting with the national groups (NG) of the area.
2. To interact with other area coordinators functioning as an ambassador from SI and as a representative from SI to the National Groups.
3. To know the procedure manual of SI.
4. To ensure that the National Secretaries respond immediately to the e-mail messages of SI.
5. All the information that the Area coordinator will provide to Servas International must be known by the National Secretaries.”
Strengthen and implement the financial operating procedures with the active help of the Audit Committee.”

• In part of the world where Servas home visits are not possible or are difficult due to cultural, political or economic situations, Servas to consider new case study projects related to Servas goals such as (1) to promote non-violent thinking, (2) to exchange cultural and language experiences, and (3) to build peace in harmony with the environment.

• To establish a Servas project team, if needed, which the national groups can consult when they have an idea for a Servas project. This team will evaluate the project and support the initiators in carrying it out.

• A project data bank to be started and maintained on line to keep track of/monitor projects in different areas and to inform about progress /success of projects and any lessons learned.

• General Secretary of Servas International will create a project team of three members to document and publish guidelines for national secretaries and boards regarding how to handle feedback and complaints concerning hosts and travelers.


We would like to remember those who have recently experienced losses in their families.
Ruban SPORKSLEDE, husband of Lidia SEYMONSON, Servas Suriname.
And Herve CHARLES - Husband of Mireille CHARLES, Servas France
Our deepest condolences to Lidia, Mireille, and their families and to others here, who have also suffered losses. Daryl CHINN, USA.

IT’S BEEN AN INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE FOR ME ATTENDING THIS CONFERENCE. I AM DELIGHTED AT MEETING SO MANY NICE PEOPLE AND OFTEN CONNECTING WITH THEM ON A DEEPER LEVEL. IN PARTICULAR I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK MICHAEL FROM NORWAY FOR HIS GENTLE SOUL SUPPORT . GABRIELA - GERMANY

News from Africa By Moses Kigozi - Servas Youth Representative - Uganda
After a great experience at the Youth & Family meeting in 2007 at Dalesbridege Britain, I am more than happy to say that my presence at the Servas GA here in Argentina has been an enriching experience for me to learn more about how International General Assemblies are organized, gained priceless experiences on how to get more involved in Servas. It was great to see old friends and share the good times we shared in the past. Its my pleasure to meet all delegates world wide. I look forward to exploring this beautiful country and nice people. When I go back home I will contribute to the local and international Servas activities.

CONGRATULATIONS TO : Anita of Uruguay Who found out that Susana Toledo of Mexico lives on isolated island and Susana from Denmark speaks fluent Japanese and Michael of Norway married his host and she and He lived in the same named street 5000 miles apart. ELEPHANT DUNG BOOK ON ITS WAY TO YOU!

From, Servas Vision Group “Inhale the spirit, light up the goal recapture the energy.”
“Servas is a miracle of trust and hospitality in this day and age – a cherished ideal.” Jean Seymour