The mission of Hostelling International-USA (HI-USA) is to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. HI-Washington State Council (HI-WSC) is a state based chapter of HI-USA. HI-WSC and its hostels offer programs and activities that promote international exchange and cross cultural understanding.

Description:
HI-WSC operates two small hostels on the Olympic Peninsula (HI-Olympic in Port Townsend and HI-Marrowstone Island) and a large hostel in downtown Seattle (HI-Seattle). Together, these facilities log an average of 45,000-50,000 overnights per year, introducing thousands of international and domestic visitors to Washington State. The following is a brief list of programs and services available through HI-WSC; Discover The World: available to Girl Scout troops in the Puget Sound area; World Travel 101 Workshops: a basic guide to budget travel; Opening Doors Opening Minds: a hostel based program for youth groups interested in improving their cultural competency and life skills in a fun, interactive setting. Finally, memberships to HI-USA are sold at all Washington state hostels.

History:
The hostelling movement began in 1919 in Germany. At the time, the purpose was to promote travel for schoolchildren to stimulate mental and physical growth and well being. From these humble beginnings, the International Youth Hostel Federation was founded in 1932 to promote international exchange and goodwill.
HI-USA was founded in 1934. By the end of WWII, its small, eastern based hostel network soon grew to include hostels in many major American cities and recreational programs across the country. Today, HI-USA overseas a network of 110 hostels in Gateway cities, national and state parks and small towns. In 2002, the HI-USA hostel network logged over 1 million overnights. HI-Washington State Council was incorporated in the state in 1973. Since that time, the all volunteer council has overseen the growth and development of state based hostels, introduced hundreds of thousands to the beauty of Washington State and offered scores of programs and activities to HI-USA members and the general public.

Contact person: Evelyn Laminack, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (206) 264-1454

Address:

84 Union St Seattle, WA 98101 This location is NOT handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.hiusa.org

Directions:

The Seattle HI hostel used to be located at at 84 Union St. in Post Alley Way in Pike Place Market. Do to rent and other unfortunate circumstances, we recently closed our hostel and are in the process of looking. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes