What a privilege to be here on the planet to contribute your unique donation to humankind. Each face in the rainbow of colors that populate our world is precious and special.? - Morris Dees

As we approach the 10 year anniversary of the Madison Hostel, the quote above has a double meaning to me. Hostelling International - Wisconsin enhances cross-cultural understanding in our community and around the world, in part, by the diversity that exists in all of us.

However, these intrinsic qualities can't sustain any non-profit organization. Thus, as we celebrate a major milestone, with Madison's only International hostel celebrating its 10th anniversary, we ask for your financial support.

There are so many celebrated causes and organizations that champion the betterment of our communities that its easy to forget about an organization that works to achieve World Peace, one community at a time. I thank you in advance for your contribution to our organization and supporting the programs we provide throughout Wisconsin!

Madison's International Hostel

Celebrating 10 Years of Community Support Please clear your calendars and join us in celebrating the Madison Hostel first ten years. This celebration will be a guaranteed good time! When: May 5, 2007 Where: High Noon Saloon, 701A E. Washington Avenue Time: 3-6 pm Included in our May 5th celebration is our annual fundraising "$10 for 10" campaign. We would like to ask for $10 for our ten years in Madison with the goal or reaching $10,000. To help keep the Madison Hostel and our educational programs going for another 10 years, please support our fundraising endeavours by clicking on the following link and utilize our organization's Paypal account

Hostelling International - Wisconsin

Annual Meeting for Wisconsin's Members Hostelling International- Wisconsin Annual Meeting Saturday April 14, 2007 6:30pm - 8:00pm Buraka Restaurant & Bar- East African Cuisine 543 State Street, Madison WI 53703 608-255-3646 You are invited to join us to celebrate the highlights of Hostelling International-Wisconsin at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Members. Hear about our hostels and programs, meet other members, and learn how you can get more involved with HI-Wisconsin. Interested in being a Director on our Board? Help make change and promote hostelling by being part of the Hostelling International- Wisconsin Board of Directors. We need individuals that are passionate about hostelling and can help us market and raise funds for our organization. Click here for a list of director responsibilities. Please return forms by April 7th. Can't make the Annual Meeting? Fill out the this proxy form to have a HI member vote on your behalf. A valid Hostelling International membership is required. MEETING PROGRAM: 6:30-7:00pm: Social time- Meet & Greet 7:00-8:00pm: HI-WI Members? Annual Meeting

Why I Volunteer with Hostelling International-Wisconsin

Thoughts from Our Board Members Wendy Beranek: I volunteer my time [on Hostelling International - Wisconsin's Board of Directors] because I feel strongly about giving back to our community. The other volunteers and staff are a fun and interesting group of people. I believe in Hostelling International's mission and enjoy the [cultural & educational] programs with local children. Mitch Weber: I volunteer my time to HI-Wisconsin and the Madison Hostel because of the people and the mission. It's a great place to learn about other cultures and countries that I might never get a chance to visit. Jacquelyn Jacobs: When I was an undergraduate, I worked at the Madison Hostel. I learned to love the organization and the people who are involved with the group. Now, I volunteer as a member of the Board of Directors. I enjoy staying involved with the organization that I love and it makes me feel good to help our organization grow. For more information about joining our board: VolunteerYourTime.Org

Madison Hostel Manager Sought

Leading Madison's Hostel Into The Next 10 Years The Madison Hostel has an opening for its General Manager position. For a detailed job description, please contact Mike Krause at 608-441-0030 or mike_madisonhostel@yahoo.com The Hostelling International Madison Hostel is a 31-bed hostel providing low-cost, short-term overnight accommodations for 4,000 educational and recreational travelers each year. It is based in a historic 1890?s Victorian house in beautiful downtown Madison, Wisconsin (just two blocks from the Capitol Square). The Hostel Manager actively engages in achieving the mission of HI-USA, "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people, through hostelling." Moreover, the Manager is responsible for all facets of the hostels' day-to-day operations as well as general oversight of the hostel operations in accordance with the purpose and goals of HI-USA and the policies of the Wisconsin Council.

IOU Respect: A Cultural Exchange Program

A Call For Participants Hostelling International USA is proud and excited to offer the Opportunity for 4 young Americans (2 men, 2 women) to participate in this summer's IOU Respect international exchange program taking place in Bizerte, Tunisia from July 28th-August 11th. Two new countries will be participating this year(Egypt and France), bringing the total to six (plus Germany, Morocco,Tunisia and the U.S.). How to apply: Applications are due by March 30th. Program information and application forms are online at: http://www.hiusa.org/programs/exchange

Hostel of the Month: Austin

Heart of Texas Hill Country Austin is more than just the capital of Texas, it's the Live Music Capital of the World! With dozens of bands playing every night of the week, you're sure to find something to delight your ears. Be sure to ask our staff about their favorite local bands and venues! Hostelling International-Austin rests on the shores of Town Lake, providing a peaceful setting only minutes from downtown Austin. Guests are only footsteps away from bus lines, the hike & bike trail, and the Colorado River - bikes, canoes, and kayaks are conveniently available for rent. A 10 minute journey could take you to the middle of the Red River music district, to the stylish hub of South Congress, to the cool waters of Barton Springs Pool, or to the natural beauty of the Austin Greenbelt.

Still need to sign our Online Petition?

100th Anniversary of Hostelling Postage Stamp Send your message of support to the United States Postal Service by clicking here or on the photo above. It's easy! You will be linked to the on-line petition and asked to fill in your name, State, and email address. You can even forward the petition on to friends that care about hostelling! A heavy volume of support can help make the Centennial of Hostelling commemorative stamp stand out among the many thousands of ideas received by the Advisory Committee each year. Act now!

Travel Quote of the Month
by Caskie Stinnett "I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine."