HI-USA Annual Report

A copy of the complete 2008 Annual Report is available in PDF format.

A copy of 2008 Financial Statements is available in PDF format.

2008 Message from the Board President and the Chief Executive Officer:

Dear Friends,

Opening Doors, Opening Minds describes what HI-USA accomplishes at our hostels every day. It also is the name of a suite of HI-USA programs that enrich the experience of hostellers and connect local communities to each other and to the world at large.

Our network of hostels opens doors to travel by providing international and American travelers of all ages with quality, safe and low-cost accommodations. By doing so, we make meaningful travel experiences possible, especially for the young and those of limited means.

On their trips, hostellers experience different cultures, meet new people and see new places. Through the efforts of local volunteers, international visitors experience a different America than the one they may expect based on what they have seen in the mass media. Their presence in our hostels enables Americans to interact with people of different cultures and nationalities. All of our hostels have “common kitchens” where people of all ages and origins can share the experience of breaking bread together. Our hostels are designed for cooperative living that encourages lively engagement among people who would otherwise be strangers. Powerful learning experiences result.

Opening Doors, Opening Minds programs are delivered by hostels and local councils, and include:

• Community Walls – Young people from different communities (ages 11 to 17) are asked: “What is it like to live in your community?” They create original artwork representing their neighborhoods. The artwork is showcased in hostels, giving young people an opportunity to share their community perspectives with visiting travelers. The program creates community pride, appreciation of the attributes of other communities and the connection between those communities and the world at large.
• Cultural Kitchen – In collaboration with community groups and schools, Cultural Kitchen teaches young people (ages 8 to 18) about a different culture. This involves classroom study and the preparation of a meal authentic to the culture being studied in a hostel kitchen. The meal is shared with hostel visitors and demonstrates the relevance of studying other cultures and our connection to the world at large. A hostel overnight stay reinforces the learning experience.
• World Travel 101 – This program assists college-age and older travelers in planning their first trip abroad. It focuses on safe, responsible, culturally sensitive travel. Special seminars are available for younger travelers. We believe that travel abroad creates world citizens who have an understanding of the close economic, environmental and social relationships among the people of the world. They become informal national representatives as they travel and, on their return, they enrich their home communities with their insights and experiences.
• IOU Respect – In cooperation with the hostelling associations in Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco and Tunisia, IOU Respect brings together young adults (ages 20-25) for structured learning experiences while staying in our hostels. Participants educate each other on their homelands and cultures, share their hopes and expectations, challenge preconceptions and work collaboratively on activities. We believe that the understanding of and respect for different cultures are the beginning points for achieving peace in the world.

HI-USA partners with other nonprofit organizations to widen access to hostelling programs. Its partnership with Girls Scouts USA has brought Opening Doors, Opening Minds programs to thousands of girls nationwide.

All our programs are continually assessed for their value to the participants. We are pleased to report high program satisfaction and impact that indicate opportunities for expansion and growth. Local councils and hostels tailor existing programs to their own needs and interests.

Next year HI-USA celebrates its 75th anniversary of service. Our mission has attracted many generations of young Americans since our founding. In the coming Anniversary Year and beyond, we will engage new generations of young people working for peace and the protection of the planet.

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