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About Us

The Oregon Council is a chapter of Hostelling International USA (HI-USA), a national non-profit organization working in association with an international network of hostels. Our mission is "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling."

To fulfill this mission, the Oregon Council provides educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages and nationalities through low-cost, high-quality accommodations and activities. Through formal programming as well as informal socializing among hostellers, HI-USA promotes international awareness and understanding. The Oregon Council was established in 1979, and over the years the organization has grown and adapted. The Council acquired and now operates the hostel on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland and works with owners of other privately owned, licensed hostels in Oregon and Idaho.

Hostelling International USA (registered as American Youth Hostels, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1934 to promote international understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. HI-USA is an organization driven by its mission of promoting global understanding through educational travel. Hostels, by design, are facilities that encourage interaction among their inhabitants. Common rooms, shared kitchen facilities, and small dormitory accommodations provide an environment that leads to valuable lessons in cooperative living. The very essence of the hostelling experience nurtures intercultural exchange, and it is in this context that all program content is implemented and enhanced.

Staff:
- Council Coordinator
- Educational Program Director
- HI-Portland Hawthorne Hostel General Manager
- HI-Portland Hawthorne Hostel Operations Manager

Board of Directors:
- President
- 1st Vice President
- 2nd Vice President
- Secretary & Treasurer









The Oregon Council fulfills its mission via committees comprised of staff and volunteers. Our committees are:
- Volunteer Management
- Educational Programming
- Communications/Marketing/Partnerships
- Hostel Operations
- Hostel Development

... if you would like to become involved with any of these committees, please contact us