Our mission is: To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people, through hostelling. Our vision is that hostellers become caring world citizens who are catalysts for intercultural exchange and understanding and who are stewards of the earth.

Description:
Hostelling is educational travel, local and global, using programs and hostels to facilitate interaction between travelers and community members, and to promote discovery of ourselves, local cultures, and the world. Underlying our mission are organizational goals of promoting world peace and international understanding, intercultural exchange, and stewardship for the earth and its resources.

History:
The hostelling movement begain in Germany in 1909. It spread to the United States in 1934 through school teachers Isabel and Monroe Smith. Local volunteers established the Golden Gate Council in 1958 to bring hostelling to the Bay Area. We operate nine youth hostels and sponsor an environmental educational program for inner city youth as well as programming on intercultural exchange and responsible travel for people of all ages.

Contact people:

Danielle Brumfitt, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Mercedes Abraham, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

425 Divisadero Street San Francisco, CA 94117 (See a map)

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

Directions:

We are at the corner of Divisadero and Oak Streets. Easy public transportation nearby through the N-Judah, the 21, 24, 7, and 71 buses.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N-Judah -- Duboce Park,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: Haight and Divisadero, 3 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes