Hostelling International American Youth Hostels

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Here's the Brochure for our new Summer Hostel at Webster University

Hostelling International's Midwest Report

A Vision For The Year 2006

Preface

Exposure to the wonders and diversity of the world is fundamental to the personal growth of every human being. Knowledge of diverse cultures and traditions, history and geography, empower us as citizens of the world.

Travel promotes personal growth, cultural awareness and self-reliance. Whether in the country or the city, for a day or a year, traveling simply with an openness to the people and places around us can increase our understanding of and respect for cultural and ecological diversity, thereby contributing to a better world for all.

Mission

To help all, especially the young gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.

Hostelling is educational travel, local and global, using programs and hostels to facilitate interaction between travelers and community members and to promote discovery of ourselves, local cultures and the world.

Hostelling seeks to:

Promote global awareness

…through a network of welcoming, comfortable and affordable hostels that encourage exploration and nurture cross-cultural communication, and through programs that interpret culture principally through interaction among hostellers and community members.

Encourage educational travel

…through information, activities and service that facilitates safe, affordable, and cultural-sensitive hostel travel for all ages.

…through activities that promote meaningful, low-impact travel using hostels and that focus on the conservation and interpretation of the built and natural environment.

Broaden community participation

…through involvement of all members of the community in hostel travel, council programs and volunteer participation.

Desired Outcome

Hostellers become caring world citizens who are catalysts for intercultural exchange and understanding and stewards of the earth.