Stephanie Olson - Speaker, Author, CEO, and resiliency, addiction, and sexual violence expert
Stephanie Olson - Speaker, Author, CEO of The Set Me Free Project, and resiliency, addiction, and sexual violence expert
The Heart of Service: Engaging with Communities - Guest Kimberly Haley Coleman - Resilience & Relationships (R&R) - Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders
The Heart of Service: Engaging with Communities - Guest Kimberly Haley Coleman - Resilience & Relationships (R&R) - Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders
The Heart of Service: Engaging with Communities - Guest Kimberly Haley Coleman - Resilience & Relationships (R&R) - Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders
Friday 23rd January 2026
Join Stephanie Olson and Kimberly Haley Coleman as they discuss meaningful volunteer experiences through Globe Aware's service vacations.
32 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Stephanie Olson - Speaker, Author, CEO, and resiliency, addiction, and sexual violence expert
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Success Stories
Healing Relationships
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
86 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Service Vacations: More Than Just a Holiday
Episode Overview
- Volunteers are partners, not saviours; collaboration is key.
- Understanding local needs is crucial for effective service.
- Short-term projects can have long-lasting impacts.
- Cultural immersion enhances the volunteer experience.
- Building relationships is as important as the work itself.
"We're partners, not saviours. It's about standing side by side with communities."
What does it mean to truly serve a community? Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders sit down with Kimberly Haley Coleman, the inspiring founder of Globe Aware, to explore this very question. Globe Aware offers a unique twist on traditional vacations by providing service opportunities in 26 countries worldwide. Kimberly shares her journey from the corporate world to creating meaningful volunteer experiences that focus on cultural immersion and understanding local needs.
Throughout the episode, you'll hear about the evolution of volunteerism and how Globe Aware distinguishes itself by avoiding the 'saviour complex' often associated with volunteer work. Kimberly passionately explains how volunteers are partners, not heroes, working alongside local communities to address genuine needs. Whether it's installing concrete floors in Guatemala or building homes in Kenya, each project is designed to respect and support the local culture.
Listeners will gain insight into the logistical and emotional aspects of service vacations, from navigating safety concerns to forming lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers. Kimberly also touches on the importance of asking communities what they need rather than assuming, sharing stories that highlight both the challenges and triumphs of this work. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, service, and the power of human connection.
It challenges us to think about how we can make a difference both at home and abroad. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this conversation and consider how you might stand side by side with communities in need.