Rural hospitality: Difference between revisions

[[Wiki.trustroots.org]] is an independent wiki with information for people who are actively exchanging hospitality.
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 4: Line 4:
Please do not edit this page without discussing it first in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=9949 Rural Hospex Group] or contacting [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/xnothingxheldxbackx Taylor]. This is largely because this page will be translated into other languages, which will mean making the same changes in mutltiple languages.'''''
Please do not edit this page without discussing it first in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=9949 Rural Hospex Group] or contacting [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/xnothingxheldxbackx Taylor]. This is largely because this page will be translated into other languages, which will mean making the same changes in mutltiple languages.'''''


== Languages ==
== Vision Statement ==


This wiki page should be translated into more languages. How many more? The more the merrier. Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/xnothingxheldxbackx Taylor] if you can help with translations.
<b>To build an international Rural Hospitality Network :) </b>
<br>
<Br>


* [[Rural Couchsurfing in French]]
== Purpose ==
* [[Rural Couchsurfing in German]]
* [[Rural Couchsurfing in Italian]]
* [[Rural Couchsurfing in Portuguese]]
* [[Rural Couchsurfing in Spanish]]


== Defining Rural==
The purpose behind Rural Couchsurfing is twofold,
#To allow travelers to '''experience rural areas''' that are often overlooked, letting them experience ways of life completely different to those found in cities.
#To allow rural communities to '''experience culture exchange''' they otherwise wouldn’t.


Rural areas (also referred to as "the country", countryside) are settled places outside towns and cities. Such areas are distinct from more intensively settled urban and suburban areas. Inhabitants live in villages, hamlets, on farms and in other isolated houses.
== Definition ==


''See the discussion about it [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=9949&post=853121 here]:''
Rural areas (also referred to as "the country", countryside) are settled places <b>outside towns and cities</b>. Such areas are distinct from more intensively settled urban and suburban areas, and also from unsettled lands such as outback, American Old West, or wilderness. <b>Inhabitants live in villages, hamlets, on farms and in other isolated houses.</b>


==== Rural en France ====
<i>There has been many debates about what is rural and what is not, please read [[What Rural Means]] to make sure that you understand the difference between rural and "out of big cities".


Project's started and runs! Have a look to [[The French Rural Hosts page]], [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=15039 the French CS Rural group] and [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&msa=0&msid=113144055528929546446.0004605cd5254b0b0620c&ll=46.600642,2.11062&spn=14.621186,39.550781&z=5 the French Rural Hosts map].
''See the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=9949&post=853121 discussion].''</i>


==== Rural in Australia ====
== Languages ==
 
Discussion about what rural means seen [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Rural_CouchSurfing here].
 
== Background ==
 
People in rural areas live a very different lifestyle to their urban neighbours. For a variety of reasons they tend to be less accessible to the passing traveler. Most traveling experiences outside of cities require the traveler to overnight in impersonal accommodations due to the lack of access to locals.
 
 
It needs to be understood that a rural couchsurfing experience is unlike an urban one in that the realities of rural life are different to that of urban ones. People in rural areas are more likely to have a stronger connection with the natural world. They generally have more land and often utilize it as a means of sustaining themselves, either by using it to directly sustain themselves through food production, or to generate money in some other way.
 
 
With there being a world-wide shift in demographics away from majority rural to majority urban, it is important to acknowledge that previously all of humanity lived in a rural setting.
 
 
“<i>Having traveled around the world and been to more cities than I can count, they all seem to blur together to me. What stands out most to me are the landscapes in the countryside’s I have traveled to.”  </i>Quote by [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/xnothingxheldxbackx Taylor Booth]
 
 
With the urbanization of the world cultures in cities are becoming blurred so that at first appearance it can be difficult to tell whether you are in New York or London, Hong Kong or Bangkok. Unique features of cultures are being lost in the rush to the cities. Often, they are only being preserved in the rural areas, where people still lead a traditional lifestyle.
 
 
Unfortunately many people are completely unaware of this. When they travel they go from city to city to city, flying the whole way in between, missing the most unique features of a culture that they are supposedly going to see.


This wiki page should be translated into more languages. How many more? The more the merrier. If you can help with translations please contact the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=18641 Rural CS Team].


Rural couchsurfing seeks to fill the gap in between the cities, and to bring people together from different worlds, facilitating cultural exchange.
* [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Le_CouchSurfing_rural Rural Couchsurfing in French // Couchsurfing Rural en Français]


* [http://wiki.couchsurfing.org/en/Rural_Couchsurfing_in_German Rural Couchsurfing in German // Ländliche Couchsurfing in der Deutschen]


==Purpose/Mission==
* [http://wiki.couchsurfing.org/en/Rural_Couchsurfing_in_Italian Rural Couchsurfing in Italian // Couchsurfing Rurale in Italiano]]


* [http://wiki.couchsurfing.org/en/Rural_Couchsurfing_in_Portuguese Rural Couchsurfing in Portuguese // Rural Couchsurfing em Português]


The purpose behind Rural Couchsurfing is twofold.
* [http://wiki.couchsurfing.org/en/Rural_Couchsurfing_in_Spanish Rural Couchsurfing in Spanish // Couchsurfing Rurales en Español]
<br>
1.) To allow travelers to experience rural areas that are often overlooked, letting them experience ways of life completely different to those found in cities.
<br>
2.) To allow rural communities to experience culture exchange they otherwise wouldn’t


For this wiki in other languages please click [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Rural_Couchsurfing_-_Additional_Languages here] :)


== What is the difference between a rural and urban couchsurfing experience? ==
<i>Flags were removed from the wiki as Couchsurfing isn't about nationalism [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=9949&post=6011499 1]</i>


== What is the difference between a rural and urban Couchsurfing experience? ==


'''The principal difference is the location.'''
<b>The principal difference is the location.</b>


Note that there can be some other differences:
Note that there can be some other differences:


* No or few internet access
* No or few internet access  
 
* Difficulty to reach the place  
* Difficulty to reach the place
* Difference of activities to do around  
 
* Difference in lifestyle of host(s)  
* Difference of activities to do around
* In some cases, more help needed or expected than in urban environments(Click the following to read more [[WWOOF vs Rural CS]])
 
* Difference in lifestyle of host(s)
 
* In some cases, help needed or expected (1)
 
(1)In conventional couchsurfing (urban), the guest is not necessarily expected to do any work. There may or may not be a provision of cooking a meal, helping with chores or bringing a present etc. But with rural couchsurfing it MIGHT be expected (mostly in farms or alternative communities) that guests do contribute to the either the hosts activities (farming) or help around on the property (odds and ends, weeding, gardening etc) due to the fact that the rural experience will normally come with food provided simply because the properties are well removed the local towns (and hence grocery stores) and the host might give you a ride to bring you there and back.
 
 
This may be outside the set guidelines of CS missions and values point 3: “We have made a commitment that CouchSurfing will always be free to join and free to use.” It is our interpretation of this statement that giving your time to your host in exchange for room and board does not violate this because there is no exchange of money. The most important exchange would be the human and cultural, rather than the material exchange of food for time.
 
In any case, the host has to explain CLEARLY what will be expected from the guest and what will be given in order to avoid any bad surprise and frustration.
 
==What is the difference between [[wikipedia:WWOOF|WWOOF]]/[http://www.helpx.net/ Helpx] and Rural Couchsurfing?==
 
 
Many people ask why bother developing and implementing Rural CS when there are already networks in place that cover the same people and area. Why re-invent the wheel? Well the basic difference is that with couchsurfing hosts want to meet the surfer, where as WWOOF hosts want WOOFERs to work for them first, and meet them second (maybe).
 
 
Obviously people, who want both, can be part of more than one organization. In fact we encourage people who sometimes just want some company and to share their way of life but sometimes require serious help to be part of both and accept people from different organizations depending on their schedule.
 
 
In WWOOF: we host people because we need help for our garden or farm and in the same time we can provide them some food and accommodation and share our lives and cultures...
<br>
 
In Rural Couchsurfing: we host people because we want to help them travel in new places, we want to share our lives, cultures, and at the same time we generally don't have much time and money. Being in a remote place it might be difficult for a traveler to come equipped with all their own food so we '''might''' ask them for some extra help during their stay.
 
 
See discussion of this in the following thread: [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=9949&post=853114 1]
 


== Expectation of Host ==
== Expectation of Host ==


A rural host can expect from his guest exactly the same things as in an urban area:
A rural host can expect from his guest exactly the same things as in an urban area:


 
* Respect of his place  
* Respect of his place
* Understanding and respect of his way of life  
 
* Sharing time, experiences, conversation, and some daily tasks (dishes, cooking…)  
* Understanding and respect of his way of life
* A great experience in general  
 
* Sharing time, experiences, conversation, and some daily tasks (dishes, cooking…)
 
* A great experience in general
 


A rural host can also sometimes expect:
A rural host can also sometimes expect:


* A little more help in the garden or the house
* A little more help in the garden or the house  
 
* A little sharing of the “work” tasks (for example when food or transport are provided)(1)
 
(1)All this has to be clearly settled on the profile of the host and clearly explained before the guests arrive. The most important thing is COMMUNICATION! :-)


== Expectation of Surfer ==
== Expectation of Surfer ==


A rural Couchsurfer at the very least is expecting to discover what it is to live in a rural environment in the country they are traveling through.


A rural couchsurfer at the very least is expecting to discover what is to live in a rural environment in the country they are traveling through.
A Couchsurfer in a rural area can expect:
 
A couchsurfer in a rural area can expect:
 
* A place to stay (bed, couch, place on the floor, place for a tent…)
 
* Understanding and respect of his way of life


* A place to stay (bed, couch, place on the floor, place for a tent…)
* Understanding and respect of his way of life
* Sharing time, experiences, conversation, and some daily tasks (dishes, cooking etc.)
* Sharing time, experiences, conversation, and some daily tasks (dishes, cooking etc.)
 
* A quiet place to rest and forget your busy city life
* A great experience in general
* A great experience in general  
 


Additional things that can be expected:
Additional things that can be expected:


* Discovering a bit of the daily life if on a farm or an alternative community for example.
* Discovering a bit of the daily life if on a farm or an alternative community for example.  
 
* Participating a little to the daily tasks (and then maybe learn and experience new things) (1)  
* Participating a little to the daily tasks (and then maybe learn and experience new things) (1)


(1)The guest has to make sure that he/she understands what is going to happen during the stay and that he/she is going to be able to give the little help that might be expected.
(1)The guest has to make sure that he/she understands what is going to happen during the stay and that he/she is going to be able to give the little help that might be expected.


== Marketing ==
== Countries/Regions Guides==
-
-
The meaning of rural changes from place to place, and while we have put a general population limitation in place we encourage people to come up with their own definition that suites their area, along with a matching icon. Moderators of the relevant group should maintain a basic wiki page for their respective area, if for nothing else than to explain the process of how to be added to the map.
-
-
See a list of the regions by clicking - [[Rural CS Regions]].


Couchsurfing members who are interested promoting couchsurfing in a rural setting are encouraged to start discussions in their local groups about Rural Couchsurfing. They are also encouraged to actively seek out rural hosts in their area and ask them to join their relevant Rural CS country group.
== Promotion ==


Rural CS has mostly spread through word of mouth and by people reading the groups.


After things become established, it could be possible for Rural Couchsurfing to be advocated more directly in the media. Possibly through CS Newsletters like in Australia [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Australian_CS_Newsletter 1]or through some official media channel of Couchsurfing.com
People interested in helping to promote and develop Rural Couchsurfing should join the
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=18641 Rural CS 'Team' group], read the group description and post there for how to get Rural CS started in their area.


The following is the 'marketing plan' for Rural CS:


If possible, at some stage down the road, permanent notices could be placed on the website promoting/describing Rural Couchsurfing.
=== Groups ===


*[http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=9949 main Rural Couchsurfing group]


== Technical requirements ==
The French Rural CS group got up and running through the promotion of groups. Read [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=18641&post=2809095  here] to follow the steps they took. This is the main way to promote Rural Couchsurfing - by making a Rural Group and then linking it to the main country group, as done in [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=176 France] and [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=351 Australia].


=== Newsletters/News feed ===


A first draft of a network of Rural CouchSurfing Maps has now been created. [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115068236617584758817.00045ef1142b9b3703c81&ll=9.102097,29.53125&spn=165.775749,360&t=p&z=1 The global map] now has links to six separate continent maps. From there, the maps are again divided into individual country maps. Currently only Canada, USA, France and Australia currently have maps created to be populated. Adding additional countries is a relatively simple process.
Rural CS can also be spread through Couchsurfing newsletters that are managed by volunteers. Please see examples from [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Australian_CS_Newsletter_February_2008#News_from_around_the_Australian_States Australia][http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Australian_CS_Newsletter_March_2008#Australian_Rural_CouchSurfing_news 1][http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Australian_CS_Newsletter_April_2008#Australian_Rural_CouchSurfing_news 2][http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Australian_CS_Newsletter_February_2009#News_from_around_the_Australian_States 3] and [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/French_CS_Newsletter_%28Novembre_2010%29#Histoire_d.27h.C3.B4te:_le_Couchsurfing_Rural_dans_le_Giennois_.21 France]. Rural Couchsurfing has also been mentioned in the official [http://www.couchsurfing.org/news/article/80 News Feed], it would be great if it could be periodically mentioned here so that new members could find out about it too.


=== Permanent website placements ===


The France map is now active as seen [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&msa=0&msid=113144055528929546446.0004605cd5254b0b0620c&ll=46.600642,2.11062&spn=14.621186,39.550781&z=5%22 here]. Discussions under way about how to add people on a global level.  
It is envisioned that Rural CS can be placed on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/tips.html Tips Section] underneath the Family Welcome Group.


As as well as being listed in the tips section, it is hoped that it would be possible to leave 'Rural Testimonials' under the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/testimonials.html Testimonials page] which would be flagged as 'Rural' and link back to the Rural CS group.


The creation of rural groups for different countries seems to be a good way to bring people together - from there country maps can be added to the global maps as different country groups are created and become active.
=== Other Media (Facebook/Pictures) ===


A Facebook account and fanpage have been created but have not yet been promoted. Eventually it is hoped that this will be one way for Rural Couchsurfing co-ordinators to communicate with Rural CS'ers as well as for people to share rural pictures.


==Icon==
Pictures are currently stored on the [http://picasaweb.google.com/ruralcouchsurfing Rural Couchsurfing Picaso account].


== Icon ==


Rural hosts may want to add an icon to their profile as well as a link to this wiki page explaining that they are rural hosts.  
Rural hosts may want to add an icon to their profile as well as a link to this wiki page explaining that they are rural hosts.  
Line 184: Line 138:
[[Image:try1.jpg]]
[[Image:try1.jpg]]
[[Image:RCSIcon2.gif]]
[[Image:RCSIcon2.gif]]
[[Image:rural_half.gif]]
[[Image: RCSIcon2_half.gif]]
[[Image: Rural_bw.png]]
To see some icons for Rural [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=20891 India] click the following link.
[[Rural CS India Icons]]


To add an icon for Rural CouchSurfing to your couch description, just copy paste the code below:
To add an icon for Rural CouchSurfing to your couch description, just copy paste the code below:
Line 194: Line 156:
More ideas are <b>MOST</b> welcome! There is no reason to only have one icon, the greater the variety the better. More discussion about icons [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=9949&post=1428360 here].
More ideas are <b>MOST</b> welcome! There is no reason to only have one icon, the greater the variety the better. More discussion about icons [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=9949&post=1428360 here].


 
== Examples ==
==Administration==
 
 
[http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/xnothingxheldxbackx Taylor] generally manages the wiki but see what is happening in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18641 group] and maybe someone there can help you.
 
As different country groups are created and become active, access to add people to the map will be given to different rural country group moderators once there has been some sort of discussion as to what rural means for that country/area.
 
 
==Examples==
 


Listed below are some examples of Rural Couchsurfing hosts all over the world:
Listed below are some examples of Rural Couchsurfing hosts all over the world:
Line 222: Line 174:
In [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/freebird28 Portugal]
In [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/freebird28 Portugal]


==Rural Couchsurfing – guidelines for hosts==
In [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/skywalke/ Slovenia]
 
The guidelines in a rural Couchsurfing experience remain the same as in a urban Couchsurfing experience.
 
'''Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/wiki/How_to_be_a_good_host "How to be a good host"] page'''
 
 
If you wish to ask your surfers for a little help at home:
 
'''1/ Inform'''
 
Make sure that you explain properly to the surfer what you're expecting before the surfer comes, to avoid any bad surprise. And again, fill in your profile as much as possible so that the people can know what to expect even before contacting you. Let them know any special warm clothing they need to bring, or if they need to bring a headlamp if there is no electricty.
 
'''2/ Don't ask too much'''
 
Don't ask your surfers too much, they might not be professional farmers and might mostly want to visit the area and rest. 2-3 hours of help a day should be enough.
 
'''3/ Adapt the task to the person'''
 
Remember that if a surfer comes to your place to help you it's also to discover a bit of your life, so please be kind and offer a wide range of activities, weeding for 3 hours a day might not be very exciting for a guest.
 
'''4/ Feed your guests'''
 
If they help you, then it seems logical that they get the meals in exchange.
 
'''5/ Help your surfers'''
 
Maybe you live in a remote place, and if you have the possibility, you could give your surfers a lift to your place and to the nearest public transport when they leave.
 
'''6/ Be patient'''
 
It's possible that your surfers will not know anything about rural areas: be patient, fully explain your way of life and your expectations and everything should be fine.
 
 
==Rural Couchsurfing – guidelines for guests==
 
 
The guidelines in a rural Couchsurfing experience remain the same as in a urban Couchsurfing experience.
 
'''Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/wiki.html?page_requested=How_to_be_a_good_guest "How to be a good guest"] page'''
 
 
If a host is asking for few hours of help a day and if you wish to help:
 
'''1/ Be informed'''
 
Make sure that you know what will be expected from you to avoid any bad surprises. Don't be afraid to ask a potential host exactly what type of help is you will be doing. Your experience depends upon it!
 
'''2/ Be ready to help'''
 
If you tell your host that you're going to help 3 hours a day, after one hour do not say that  you don't want to help anymore and that you're going for a walk... Respect what has been agreed upon.
 
'''3/ Respect your limits'''
 
Never accept a task that you are not comfortable doing. Be sure to know what you're going to do in advance and that you'll be able to do it. If a host ask you for something that you can't handle, then refuse kindly and propose your help for something else.
 
'''4/ Don't believe that your help is paying a hotel service'''
 
* Working in the garden for 2 hours doesn't prevent you to help with cooking or washing dishes.
 
* Helping 3 hours a day for 5 days doesn't make you unable to clean the floor, set the table or give any extra help needed.


* In general, as in any Couchsurfing experience, be ready to give a little hand for the daily tasks.
== Background, Past and Future ==


'''5/ Bring appropriate clothing and equipment'''
Click here to read more about the [[Background, Past and Future]] of Rural Couchsurfing.


Example: If you know that you'll be helping in the garden, don't bring only your brand new skirt or your favourite pants. Adapt yourself to the situation.
== Feedback ==
Example: In some locations without electricity it is very difficult to function without a headlamp.


'''6/ Be curious but respectful'''
If you would like to propose a change to Rural Couchsurfing please do so [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=18641 here] or contact us directly at: [email protected]


Don't expect your hosts to entertain you with rural experience the whole day long. They might have to work and might not always have the time to explain what they are doing. Be curious and willing to help and learn within the limit of your hosts’ hospitality.
If you want to see an overview you can check out our administration page. [[Administration]]


[[fr:Le CouchSurfing rural]]
[[Category:Rural CouchSurfing]]
[[it:Rural CouchSurfing]]

Revision as of 14:22, 14 September 2012

Welcome to Rural Hospex!

The following is an outline of a working model for Rural Hospex. It has been created with the developedworld in mind. A draft outline of a model for the developing can be found at the following link Rural Hospex in the developing world.
 Please do not edit this page without discussing it first in the Rural Hospex Group or contacting Taylor. This is largely because this page will be translated into other languages, which will mean making the same changes in mutltiple languages.

Vision Statement

To build an international Rural Hospitality Network :)

Purpose

The purpose behind Rural Couchsurfing is twofold,

  1. To allow travelers to experience rural areas that are often overlooked, letting them experience ways of life completely different to those found in cities.
  2. To allow rural communities to experience culture exchange they otherwise wouldn’t.

Definition

Rural areas (also referred to as "the country", countryside) are settled places outside towns and cities. Such areas are distinct from more intensively settled urban and suburban areas, and also from unsettled lands such as outback, American Old West, or wilderness. Inhabitants live in villages, hamlets, on farms and in other isolated houses.

There has been many debates about what is rural and what is not, please read What Rural Means to make sure that you understand the difference between rural and "out of big cities".

See the discussion.

Languages

This wiki page should be translated into more languages. How many more? The more the merrier. If you can help with translations please contact the Rural CS Team.

For this wiki in other languages please click here :)

Flags were removed from the wiki as Couchsurfing isn't about nationalism 1

What is the difference between a rural and urban Couchsurfing experience?

The principal difference is the location.

Note that there can be some other differences:

  • No or few internet access
  • Difficulty to reach the place
  • Difference of activities to do around
  • Difference in lifestyle of host(s)
  • In some cases, more help needed or expected than in urban environments(Click the following to read more WWOOF vs Rural CS)

Expectation of Host

A rural host can expect from his guest exactly the same things as in an urban area:

  • Respect of his place
  • Understanding and respect of his way of life
  • Sharing time, experiences, conversation, and some daily tasks (dishes, cooking…)
  • A great experience in general

A rural host can also sometimes expect:

  • A little more help in the garden or the house

Expectation of Surfer

A rural Couchsurfer at the very least is expecting to discover what it is to live in a rural environment in the country they are traveling through.

A Couchsurfer in a rural area can expect:

  • A place to stay (bed, couch, place on the floor, place for a tent…)
  • Understanding and respect of his way of life
  • Sharing time, experiences, conversation, and some daily tasks (dishes, cooking etc.)
  • A quiet place to rest and forget your busy city life
  • A great experience in general

Additional things that can be expected:

  • Discovering a bit of the daily life if on a farm or an alternative community for example.
  • Participating a little to the daily tasks (and then maybe learn and experience new things) (1)

(1)The guest has to make sure that he/she understands what is going to happen during the stay and that he/she is going to be able to give the little help that might be expected.

Countries/Regions Guides

-

- The meaning of rural changes from place to place, and while we have put a general population limitation in place we encourage people to come up with their own definition that suites their area, along with a matching icon. Moderators of the relevant group should maintain a basic wiki page for their respective area, if for nothing else than to explain the process of how to be added to the map.

-

- See a list of the regions by clicking - Rural CS Regions.

Promotion

Rural CS has mostly spread through word of mouth and by people reading the groups.

People interested in helping to promote and develop Rural Couchsurfing should join the Rural CS 'Team' group, read the group description and post there for how to get Rural CS started in their area.

The following is the 'marketing plan' for Rural CS:

Groups

The French Rural CS group got up and running through the promotion of groups. Read here to follow the steps they took. This is the main way to promote Rural Couchsurfing - by making a Rural Group and then linking it to the main country group, as done in France and Australia.

Newsletters/News feed

Rural CS can also be spread through Couchsurfing newsletters that are managed by volunteers. Please see examples from Australia123 and France. Rural Couchsurfing has also been mentioned in the official News Feed, it would be great if it could be periodically mentioned here so that new members could find out about it too.

Permanent website placements

It is envisioned that Rural CS can be placed on the Tips Section underneath the Family Welcome Group.

As as well as being listed in the tips section, it is hoped that it would be possible to leave 'Rural Testimonials' under the Testimonials page which would be flagged as 'Rural' and link back to the Rural CS group.

Other Media (Facebook/Pictures)

A Facebook account and fanpage have been created but have not yet been promoted. Eventually it is hoped that this will be one way for Rural Couchsurfing co-ordinators to communicate with Rural CS'ers as well as for people to share rural pictures.

Pictures are currently stored on the Rural Couchsurfing Picaso account.

Icon

Rural hosts may want to add an icon to their profile as well as a link to this wiki page explaining that they are rural hosts.

Possible ideas for an icon are:

Rural.gif Try1.jpg RCSIcon2.gif File:Rural half.gif File:RCSIcon2 half.gif Rural bw.png

To see some icons for Rural India click the following link.

Rural CS India Icons


To add an icon for Rural CouchSurfing to your couch description, just copy paste the code below:

<a href="http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Rural_CouchSurfing"><img src="http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/public/images/8/82/RCSIcon2.gif"></a>

Note: the last two images appear the same but the second has a white background and the third has a transparent background. The code to put an icon in your couch description is for the third image. You can change the image by substituting the url from one of the other images for it.


More ideas are MOST welcome! There is no reason to only have one icon, the greater the variety the better. More discussion about icons here.

Examples

Listed below are some examples of Rural Couchsurfing hosts all over the world:

In Australia

In France

In Ireland

In Mexico Located here

In Morocco

In Norway

In Portugal

In Slovenia

Background, Past and Future

Click here to read more about the Background, Past and Future of Rural Couchsurfing.

Feedback

If you would like to propose a change to Rural Couchsurfing please do so here or contact us directly at: [email protected]

If you want to see an overview you can check out our administration page. Administration

Retrieved from "https://wiki.trustroots.org/w/index.php?title=Rural_hospitality&oldid=4656"