550: Transform Your Next Vacation: Volunteer Abroad and Create Lasting Impact with Kimberly Haley-Coleman

·44 min·4 clips

Kimberly Haley-Coleman reveals how a concrete floor in Guatemala can redefine middle-class and transform a volunteer's worldview.

The episode begins with host Nicole Jansen introducing Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, an award-winning nonprofit that has mobilized volunteers in over 25 countries for 25 years. Kimberly defines 'impact travel' or volunteerism as one-week service experiences where participants work on community-chosen projects, such as assembling wheelchairs in Cambodia or building homes in Kenya, while also enjoying cultural sites like Machu Picchu. She shares her background in corporate work and travel, which led her to create Globe Aware after seeing demand for short-term service opportunities. Kimberly emphasizes that volunteering is a 'selfish enterprise' where unskilled volunteers learn from locals, gaining new perspectives on issues like water conservation. She details specific projects, like installing concrete floors for single moms in Guatemala to improve hygiene and safety, which indirectly addresses challenges like girls' education dropout rates due to safety concerns. The conversation covers ethical practices, with Kimberly noting that communities lead project selection to avoid 'poverty tourism' and ensure sustainability. She explains the logistics: volunteers sign up online for trips costing around $1,500-$1,600 per week, which are tax-deductible and cover all expenses except airfare. During COVID-19, Globe Aware adapted with virtual experiences and strict testing protocols, while continuing programs in places like Mexico. Kimberly discusses the growth of corporate groups using these trips for team-building, with companies matching donations or offering paid volunteer days. The funding model relies solely on volunteer fees, with 15% covering administrative costs and no government grants. She highlights the joy and personal transformation volunteers experience, reconnecting with humanity and challenging assumptions. The episode concludes with Nicole encouraging listeners to visit globeaware.org and consider booking a trip for personal or corporate development.

As heard by us

A grounded look at service travel shaped by community priorities, practical limits, and team fit.

Kimberly Haley Coleman frames volunteer travel as a practical question: how can a team bring useful resources without overrunning a community's own priorities?

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Why you'd press play

Turn your next vacation toward responsible volunteer travel, with a sharper feel for community fit, safety, and impact that lasts after you fly home.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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