SI MONTHLY NEWS May 2007 Exco Info
From SI Exco News
Servas helpful services still needed.
Servas host lists are full of the caring professions: nurses, teachers, other care-givers. Many Servas hosts and travelers each day work at changing the world: policy analysts, architects, planners, designers. Many of us also are active members of other organizations supporting literacy, health, environmental quality, organic farming. I have not tried to count the many ways in which we serve our community, but I know they are numerous.
Within the countries of Servas member groups there are still many un-served needs. In my recent travels to India I met a village school teacher appealing for books; I saw slums in Bangkok and in Manila, two of the world 's great cities – where children and parents and communities need help in learning literacy. I attended a foreign workers workshop in Philippines which discussed the plight of seven million Philippines domestic servants in developed countries around the world, e.g. France, USA, Japan -- and among the upper classes elsewhere: e.g. Korea, Taiwan. They are often alone, afraid, abused and unconnected with their adopted communities. Servas outreach could connect and welcome them. Several professional teachers, members of Servas Turkey in Istanbul told me that they are looking for ways to help poor schools with teacher outreach and with library books and texts.
Are you interested in using Servas to serve others? Would you like to take a working "holiday " to a Servas country or in your own community, and really make a difference? Would you be interested in joining a study group on matching needs with volunteers and possibly in helping write an action plan? Please let us know or write to Jane at SI News: newsletter[at]servas.org
Gary Sealey, SI President
EXCO Update Monday, May 14, 2007
EXCO met in Bangalore, Apr 30 - May 7. It was our first face-to-face meeting, we tried to make up for delays.
Although we set meeting times, we often stayed later, two or even four hours, to:
• Set the timing and draft wording of the first ever Distant Vote, which will help Servas member groups make joint decisions between General Assemblies.
• Receive the Auditor on 2004 Accounts, and received his advice which will be used in completing review of 2005/2006 Accounts.
• Research and itemize improved accounting details for expanded Financial Operating Procedures, to accelerate accurate, transparent quarterly accounting.
• Clear outstanding officer advances and claims.
• Develop forward Servas International budgets for vote by Servas member groups.
• Evaluate the Big Picture of Servas including critical strengths and trends and some weaknesses in Servas groups and Servas International.
• Look for/ found ways of putting more fun into Servas, including world wide celebration of Servas values with member groups and citizens on 60th anniversary
• Prepare guidance for review and renewal of Servas Areas and Area Elections
• Presented the 'Servas story' to Indian national television and other media, and in meetings with Servas India and many NGO groups operating in India
Before our meeting, we sent requests for advice to national secretaries and committees. Thanks to all who replied!
While I am writing this note, there is a protest down the street, in this Kerala city of Triverandum. The protest is about globalization of finances which the protesters say will rapidly destroy a way of life. It makes me think there should be a human accounting to balance financial accounting. Perhaps Quality of life accounting would help make good choices.
Gary Sealey, SI President
Servas International EXCO
The Executive Committee met for the first time to sort out its action plans in Bangalore, to see how to overcome some issues effectively and joyfully.
We:
o reviewed the Big Picture of Servas (you are welcome to a copy of our analysis).
o prepared for the first-ever Distant Vote,
o reviewed the Audit to see how to improve Servas.
o decided to help encourage more fun into Servas through encouraging group activities, volunteers and by reducing un-needed paper and procedural burden in Servas.
Among the issues: Servas International revenues are declining partly in Eastern Europe, USA, and remaining flat in large under-developed areas. Happily, some parts of Servas are growing quickly. The largest number of hosts can now be found in Servas Italy.
Among the opportunities:
Servas 's sixtieth birthday will be upon us, in 2009. That upcoming occasion recalls a time of great hope, following the second World War and before the Cold War. Hope can be so powerful and helpful. Maybe you have ideas and interests in helping us have a big, global celebration, which might connect us to our roots, encourage partnerships with other justice-seeking organizations result in improved outreach give boost better direction to Servas programmes?
We need a birthday celebration team globally, locally and for each member group and area of Servas. Please put your name forward! Contact your national secretary and please let us know so that we can help join you to others!
Gary Sealey, SI President
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