American Youth Hostels
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2007) |
American Youth Hostels, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1934, whose formal name is Hostelling International USA (abbreviated "HI-USA"). It is the American member of Hostelling International. It is incorporated in Albany, New York.
Youth hostels offer inexpensive temporary accommodations around the world for travelers. Generally, the rooms are dormitory style.
Contents |
[edit] Offices
American Youth Hostels, Inc. is incorporated in Albany, New York under New York's not-for-profit law. Its executive offices are in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The flagship residence of the American Youth Hostels in the United States is in New York City, located in a landmark building designed by noted architect Richard Morris Hunt. This popular hostel occupies the entire east blockfront of Amsterdam Avenue between 103d and 104th Streets in Manhattan.[1]
[edit] Mission
The official mission of HI-USA is "to help all, especially the young, understand the world and its people through hostelling." [2]
According to the HI-USA web site:
HI-USA operates a network of nearly 80 quality hostel accommodations throughout the United States that are inexpensive, safe and clean. Our hostels range from urban high-rise buildings with hundreds of beds to small more remote hostels in rural settings.
HI-USA, in cooperation with other national associations worldwide, belongs to the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF). This entire network, known as Hostelling International, offers more than 4,000 hostels in over 60 countries. Hostelling International USA and the blue triangle with the tree and hut are the trademark and seal of approval of the IYHF, assuring travelers quality, affordable accommodations that are routinely inspected and travel programs worldwide.
HI-USA is also associated with 31 councils throughout the United States. These councils provide local members and visitors with a wide range of special programs, events, trips and activities."—[3]
[edit] Annual National Council Meeting
The American Youth Hostels, Inc. holds its annual convention, the National Council Meeting (NCM) in November of each year. In 2007, the NCM was held in Washington, D.C., and the keynote speaker was Brook Silva-Braga, the documentary film-maker.