Our Mission


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

Upcoming Events



Calling All Travelers!
Our Travel Circles allow locals to share tales of world travel, and provide anecdotal advice. Come listen and ask questions as a participant or email us to learn about sharing your adventures as a presenter - programs@hiwsc.org.

Annual Membership Meeting

posted Jan 19, 2012 9:45 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated Jan 19, 2012 9:53 PM ]

In an effort to expand and enhance our hostels and educational programming, HI-USA’s regional councils voted in June 2011 to create a single unified organization. To that end, the Washington State Council is proposing changes to our Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation which would dissolve our local Council and give our assets to the new nation-wide hostelling organization. These changes, listed below, will be voted on at our Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, February 25th.  For your reference, our current Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are attached to this post. Light lunch will be provided and free parking is available in the parking lot of the Good Shepherd Center and surrounding streets.


Please join us to vote on these proposals!


Date: Saturday, February 25
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Location: Good Shepard Center      
                 4649 Sunnyside Ave N.
                 Room 223
                 Seattle, WA 98103


Proposed Amendments

1.      It is proposed that the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation be amended as follows:

a.    Article Seven of the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation shall be amended to read in full as follows: 

i.     The name of the Corporation to whom net assets of the corporation are to be distributed in the event the corporation is dissolved is American Youth Hostels, Inc., a New York corporation (dba Hostelling International USA).


2.      It is proposed that the Bylaws of this corporation be amended as follows:

a.    Article III(e) of the Bylaws of this corporation shall be amended to read in full as follows:

i.     That the property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes, and upon dissolution, and after providing for the debts and obligations, the remaining assets will not accrue to the benefit of any person or organization; but will be distributed to American Youth Hostels, Inc., a New York corporation (dba Hostelling International USA).


3.      If the two preceding amendments are adopted, it is proposed that this corporation be dissolved.

Winter Wanderlust 2012!

posted Jan 13, 2012 3:02 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated Jan 24, 2012 10:04 AM ]

HI-WSC's annual Winter Wanderlust speaker series is back! Join us this year for one or all of these great events!

Saturday, February 4th

Hostelling in Castles: Sleeping Royally at Pauper Prices

Planning to hop across the pond this summer and looking for a unique experience?  Why not stay at a genuine European castle!  From the Highlands to the Riviera, Europe is awash with castles turned hostels -- if you know where to find them. Together we’ll explore 10 of Europe’s best castle-hostels, many complete with moats, turreted towers, panoramic views, and centuries of rich history.  So whether your future plans include France, Spain, Britain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, or the Netherlands, you’re sure to find the castle just for you!  Just remember your HI membership card, as nearly all these historic treasures are HI affiliates.

           When: Saturday February 4th 2pm

Where: HI-Seattle at the American Hotel, 520 S. King Street, Seattle WA 98104

Cost: Free! (Suggested Donation $3)


Tuesday, February 7th

Exploring Tanzania

Tanzania is a country rich in cultures, natural beauty and adventure. Learn about this friendly and fascinating country with CulturaLinks USA's Rebecca Blankinship and her partner, Tanzanian native Nyangusi (Stanley) Sirikwa at HI-Seattle on Tuesday, February 7th at 7pm! Rebecca and Stanley will be sharing stories, pictures and experiences about life in Tanzania, as well as talking about their upcoming Kilimanjaro climb for charity and ongoing volunteer opportunities for travelers to Tanzania. Stanley has a unique perspective, from growing up deep in Maasailand, to living in Europe and having over 15 years of experience in the eco-tourism industry in Tanzania. He has led many groups of European and American friends on wildlife and cultural safaris and to the roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Join Hostelling International and CulturaLinks USA for this special event!

           Where: HI - Seattle at the American Hotel, 520 S. King Street, Seattle, WA

When: Tuesday, February 7th, 7pm

Cost: Free! (Suggested Donation $3)

About Us: Want to know more about us? Check out our websites!

HI - Seattle www.americanhotelseattle.com

           HI - Washington State www.hiwsc.org

           CulturaLinks USA http://www.culturalinksusa.com/


Wednesday, February 15th


Tales from South America


Join Seattle travel writer Jon Meyer as he shares tales of daring dos through his six month trip from Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina! Jon will be sharing stories, pictures and travel advice from his journeys around South America, as well as reading an excerpt from his book. Join Hostelling International for this great event!


                When: Wednesday February 15th, 7pm
                Where: HI-Seattle at the American Hotel, 520 S. King Street

                   Cost: Free! (Suggested donation: $3)

Wednesday, February 22nd


Seeking Nirvana 

Are you interested in traveling and seeking the spiritual in India, Nepal and Southeast Asia? Join experienced traveler and classically trained Yoga instructor Robert Servine to learn about the different kinds of Yoga and meditation available, how to recognize a good teacher or school and avoid scams, and pick the right type of practice for you.


            When: Wednesday, February 22, 7pm

            Where: HI-Seattle at the American Hotel

                        520 South King Street

                        Seattle, WA 98104

            Cost: Free (suggested donation $3)


Wednesday, February 29th

Traveling Nicaragua
Are you a traveler interested in the third world but concerned about going alone?
  Have you spent time listening to your friends warn you about the dangers of Nicaragua?  Join traveler Jessica Dally to learn about her very recent experience traveling alone as a single female in Nicaragua.  Learn a bit about the country, places to go and things to see and how to get around safely in the second poorest country in Latin America.

            When: Wednesday, February 29th, 7pm
            
            Where:
HI-Seattle at the American Hotel
           
            
Cost:
Free!


Special Membership Meeting

posted Dec 2, 2011 1:34 PM by Carissa HI-WSC

The Washington State Council invites you to attend a Special Membership Meeting on Saturday, Dec 17th at the Good Shepherd Center in room 223 from noon to 3pm.

We will discuss important issues in hostelling, including HI-USA's upcoming unification, and vote on changing HI-Washington State Council's bylaws. Join us to learn about these exciting changes and help shape the future of hostelling!

The meeting is open to everyone; however you must be a member to vote. Please bring your membership card and join us at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. 

Snacks and refreshments will be served. Free parking is available in the Good Shepherd Center's parking lots. 

Where: Good Shepherd Center
            4649 Sunnyside Avenue North
            Room 223
            Seattle, WA 98103

When: Saturday, December 17th, 2011
          12:00pm - 3:00pm

Canceled! Explore Tanzania (Reschedule for Feb 7th, 7pm!)

posted Nov 17, 2011 12:48 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated Jan 19, 2012 12:10 PM ]

Saturday's Explore Tanzania event has been canceled as the speakers, Rebecca and Stanley, went into early labor last evening. The event will be rescheduled after the new parents have had a chance to catch their breath. Best wishes to them both, and stay tuned for more information on this great event's new date!

_________________________________________

Tanzania is a country rich in cultures, natural beauty and adventure. Learn about this friendly and fascinating country with Global Seattle's Rebecca Blankinship and Tanzanian native Nyangusi Stanley Sirikwa at HI-Seattle on Saturday December 3rd at 1pm! 

Speakers Rebecca and Stanley
Rebecca and Stanley will be sharing their stories, pictures and experiences in Tanzania, as well as talking about volunteer opportunities for travelers to Tanzania. Stanley will share is unique perspective from growing up deep in Maasailand, to living in Europe, to his 15 years of experience in the eco-tourism industry in Tanzania. He has led many groups of European and American friends on wildlife and cultural safaris and to the roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

Join Hostelling International and Global Seattle for this special event!

What: Explore Tanzania talk

Where: Guest lounge

             HI - Seattle at the American Hotel

             520 S. King Street, Seattle, WA  

When: Saturday, December 3rd, 1:00pm

 

About Us!

Want to know more about us? Check out our websites!

Thanksgiving Potluck at HI-Seattle

posted Nov 9, 2011 2:39 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated Nov 9, 2011 2:40 PM ]

It's that time of the year when being inside and cozy and eating food with friends is the best thing to do!Help us celebrate Thanksgiving by bringing either an ethnic dish or traditional Thanksgiving food to share on Saturday, November 19th from 6 - 8pm.

What: Thanksgiving Potluck
Where: HI-Seattle at the American Hotel (520 S. King Street, Seattle WA)
When: Saturday, November 19th, 6-8pm

This event is co-hosted by Global Seattle and will be held in the common room at HI-Seattle at the American Hotel (520 S. King Street). See you there!

Check out Global Seattle's website here:  http://myglobalseattle.org/events/globalthanksgiving

Farewell Potluck

posted Oct 27, 2011 5:52 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated Oct 27, 2011 5:56 PM ]

Join us in sending HI-Olympic off in style with a farewell picnic on Saturday, November 19th from noon to 3pm at the HI-Olympic hostel. For more information on the hostel closing, please see our community page  or visit HI-Olympic's website: www.olympichostel.net. Hope to see you then!

 image: potluck flyer

Pubs for Peace

posted Oct 3, 2011 1:39 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated Oct 20, 2011 1:27 PM ]

Do you like peace? How about beer? If your answer is yes, join us for our new Pubs for Peace monthly meet and greet! Pubs for Peace is an opportunity to meet cool, internationally savvy friends over a pint of beer while supporting Hostelling International’s youth and community cultural programming! Join our kick-off event on October 20th to help grow the movement! 6:30 - 8:30pm at Murphy’s Irish Pub in of 45th Street in Wallingford, Seattle.

What: Pubs for Peace

When: Thursday, October 20th, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Who: All peace friendly travel addicts of the 21+ variety

Where: Murphy’s Irish Pub

 1928 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Why:  Because hostelling is awesome!

Want to know more? Check out our programs at www.hiwsc.org or check out the pub at www.murphyseattle.com .

Can’t make it October 20th? No frets! Check back later for our November Pubs for Peace event!

Internships Deadline: Sept 21st!

posted Sep 9, 2011 2:09 PM by Carissa HI-WSC

Help spread a love of travel and international understanding, be an all-star Hostelling Intern! Three internships are available for the Fall 2011 quarter: 

Community Engagement 

Have you had amazing experiences traveling the world? Have you hiked the Himalayas, bicycled through Italy or had a cup of joe straight from Kenya’s coffee fields? Share your experiences while inspiring others to explore their world! Hostelling International is looking for interns to help spark a love of traveling in college students through community programs, workshops and more!

 

Hostelling International is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to help all, but especially the young, experience the world and its people. Intern will help HI-Washington staff fulfill our mission by working with staff to develop a cultural and/or travel education event of their choice that engages students and staff within college campuses. Interns learn how to utilize media, community outreach and event planning to create and promote their event. 


Intercultural Education

Are you interested in international education, raising cultural awareness, and the development of an international community? Do you like working with middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds? Would you like practical experience in non-profit program delivery? HI - Washington State has an internship just for you!

 

International education intern will assist education staff in working with teachers, students and community groups from throughout Seattle to implement our curriculum based Cultural Kitchen and World Travel 101 programs. Our educational programs are based on the Coverdell WorldWise Building Bridges curriculum from the Peace Corps. This is a great opportunity for students interested in international education and intercultural relations to be trained a quality program!  Variable availability to help with programs during the school day and after school required.


Pubs for Peace
Share your love of travel while helping a small non-profit grow! HI - Washington is expanding, and is seeking to expand its funding base to match! Hostelling International is looking for interns to help with our Pubs for Peace fundraiser around the Seattle area. Pubs for Peace is a monthly meet and greet that helps support our cultural and travel education programs while strengthening our community of travelers in Seattle.

Interns will help reach out to bars around Seattle to identify places willing to host our events. Interns will also help spread awareness of the Pubs for Peace events to other international minded organizations and people around Seattle. Must be 21 or over at time of internship.



International 4th of July Picnic

posted Jun 28, 2011 11:42 AM by Carissa HI-WSC

Join HI for an international 4th of July weekend with a picnic in Wallingford's Meridian Park! We will be meeting with blankets in the field at 1 pm on Saturday July 2nd. Look for the Hostelling International logo to find us!

HI will be providing a main dish, drinks, dishes, and blankets. Additional side dishes, desserts, musical instruments, games, and friends are encouraged! It will be a nice casual opportunity for Seattlelites and current hostellers to hang out. Rain dependent (no one want to picnic in the rain...), but the current forecast is 72 and sunny!

Meridian Park is in Wallingford (behind the Good Shepherd Center, 50th and Meridian). Follow the google map link above for more detailed directions.

Summer Travel Seminar Series

posted May 24, 2011 12:42 PM by Carissa HI-WSC   [ updated May 24, 2011 12:48 PM ]

Join Hostelling International for our free Summer Travel Seminar Series!

Women Traveling Solo:
Preparing to strike off into the great wide yonder? Be inspired as experienced female travelers share adventures and tips for traveling solo around the world.
Tuesday July 12th, 7pm at HI-Seattle

Travel By Bike:  Got two wheels and a love of summer sun? Learn from experienced bicyclists how to travel long and short distances, choose gear, decide routes, and pack.
Tuesday July 26th, 7pm at HI-Seattle

Travel in Less Developed Countries: Going to the developing world? Not sure what to expect? Join our Travel in Less Developed Countries seminar and discuss health, packing, transportation & more.
Tuesday August 9th, 7pm at HI-Seattle

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