Nelly Chavez
March 9, 2023
CEO Weekly
Once upon a time, if you wanted to lend a hand abroad, options were limited. Lengthy commitments like the Peace Corps asked for more than a casual stint overseas, and shorter programs usually targeted the summer schedules of students or missions aligned with church activities. But what about the rest of us, the everyday folks itching to make a difference in a brief but substantial way? Enter Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the visionary behind Globe Aware, who has been transforming voluntourism with week-long service trips that beckon to those hungry for purposeful travel without the need for any special skills.
Now, what’s the secret sauce behind these expeditions that have expanded to 26 countries and feature in major media organizations? It’s about inclusivity and impact. Imagine being part of a group that installs concrete floors for single mothers in Guatemala or assembles wheelchairs for landmine victims in Cambodia. Corporations are catching on, recognizing not only the positive PR but also the boost in employee morale as they help build classrooms or homes—acts of service that double as a non-taxable benefit.
These journeys aren’t just about hammering nails or mixing cement; they’re gateways to a profound change in perspective. Kimberly Haley-Coleman sums it up best. “These experiences are absolutely transformative and make you see humanity in a new light.”
Picture yourself stepping into a new culture not just as a visitor, but as a participant. Globe Aware cradles this vision, offering organized yet flexible itineraries. A volunteer vacation here means about 35 hours of collaborative work, coupled with 3-4 optional cultural or leisure activities to deepen your connection to the locale you’re serving in. And they’ve thought of everything—safe drinking water, medical insurance, a bilingual coordinator, and all the necessary project materials and supervision. Hey presto, you’re ready to dive in without fret or fuss.
This isn’t your average travel gig. It’s an adventure with a soul, sanctioned by Globe Aware’s status as a nonprofit with no religious or political affiliations. It welcomes solo travelers, families, corporate groups—anyone with a pulse and a passion for global camaraderie.
Photo Courtesy: Monica Stevens
The transformative nature of these trips percolates through each participant. Busy professionals find a respite filled with gratitude, gaining a deeper reverence not only for what they have at home but also for the real wealth that pulsates within a foreign culture—the human connections formed and the shared smiles that need no translation.
Ready to be a globe trotter with a cause? You can connect with Kimberly and Globe Aware on platforms like LinkedIn or float in a sea of inspirations by tapping into their social media presences on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. For the auditory learner, Kimberly’s insights come alive on podcasts, readily streaming on Spotify.
Photo Courtesy: Monica Stevens
Voluntourism under Globe Aware’s wing is more than a mere feel-good phenomenon—it’s a tightly knit fabric of service and cultural exchange that tugs at the core of what it means to be human. It’s an opportunity to embrace a world where your vacation leaves a footprint, not of carbon, but of compassion and constructive change.
So, as the sun sets on the traditional ways of lending a hand abroad, and with Kimberly Haley-Coleman’s Globe Aware as your beacon, the door is wide open to redefine what it means to travel with intent. Your next holiday could be one where joy isn’t just discovered but delivered by your own hands. Isn’t it time to pack your bags with purpose?
