Local Councils
Hostelling International USA has 29 local councils (local offices) throughout the US to serve you. Although services vary, all local HI-USA councils provide information and services for potential and current HI-USA members. At a local council, you can learn about programs such as educational travel seminars, and find out about local activities and volunteer opportunities. Volunteering with your local HI-USA council can help you keep your connection to travel well after you have returned home.
What can a council do for you?
Provide Memberships
Most local councils can sell or renew your membership. Find the local council nearest you to join or renew your current HI-USA membership
Activities
HI-USA councils not only help you prepare for your trip, but many provide activities for you when you're at home. You can participate in bike rides, hiking expeditions, and barbeques. Most of the councils have a calendar of events on their website. See what activities are going on at your local council.
Programs and Workshops
HI-USA's mission includes providing programs for individuals and groups, and our local councils facilitate these programs. A number of local councils have ongoing educational and travel programs for local members and participants. Programs include: Discover Your World; World Travel 101; Budget Travel; Hostel Adventure Program; and, Outdoors Activities Program. These are just a few of the many programs and workshops that you can find at local councils. Find programs offered at your local council.
Information and News
Stay informed. Most HI-USA local councils provide their local members with a newsletter detailing current and future local events. Newsletters are either in hard copy, e-mail or on the local council's Web site.
Special Services
Like we said before, different councils offer different things. Some councils offer a currency converter on their Web site. Another council hosts a weekly open house with slide shows on travel and outdoor recreation. See what special services your local council provides.
Volunteering
All councils have dedicated volunteers that assist them in fulfilling the HI-USA mission, which is "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling." Become a volunteer at a local council and help create a hostel in Minnesota, work with high school kids in Austin, help spark a moonlight ramble in St. Louis, or become a board member in San Diego. The volunteer opportunities are endless. Contact your local council for volunteer opportunities.
To locate a council, please select a state from the pull down menu.
Find Your Local Council