A note from a US Servas Rep to the UN to you

by Earlene Cruz

Hu! I’m Earlene Cruz. I am a Servas member, a youth representative to the United Nations on behalf of Servas, and I have the honor to sit on the Board of Servas US as well - at my young age, this community has given me many opportunities, and as I prepare for my travels to London, I am so excited to be able to reach out to this community. 

With Servas Hosts in Australia

One of my biggest passions is for bringing people together, especially through (food) culture and the power that it has to (often) transcend conflict. Outside of food and diplomacy, I love learning a new dance, attempting to practice a language, and of course: traveling. 

One year ago, I became a youth representative on behalf of US Servas. This means that I work on behalf of Servas at the UN with the Department of Public Information - this bilateral relationship means that I work to spread the message of the UN to our membership and vice versa. In this short time, I’ve attended dozens of briefings on behalf of Servas learning about sustainable development, peacemaking and peacekeeping. 

With the other UN Youth Reps in NYC

The point of me saying this, is to show you what you can also achieve in a short time, by connecting with the truly incredible people who form part of this organization. If you are passionate about creating a better world - and you have a specific project or interest, then the key is to find people or partners in Servas who are also in line with those interests and to learn, from them, finding a place where you can also contribute your time, energy, or new resources to further that cause. If you don’t have a specific idea or cause in mind, then this is a perfect time and place for you to open your heart and mind to all of the opportunities that await you. 

With my guest in Servas Uganda

I am no different than you in capability, but we all have unique talents — and I know that you are here because the passion that you hold in your hearts will help to shape our work in marvelous ways. 

We want to open this blog so that the next one is listening to your stories, so beginning today, make those stories count. 

With my Servas guest from Korea

Please share stories about how your interactions as a host, guest, or member of the Servas community has helped to contribute to peace.

We — Servas — are not the future —  we are the present, and we are now.