Building Empathy Through Cultural Identity & Travel
I'd consider myself "well-traveled" and know first-hand how impactful seeing the world or even just traveling locally can be. If you have had a similar experience, read/watch this one!
Our Lives As Seen Through Each Other
OLASTEO is a non-profit led by Aaron Friedman, Co-Founder & Executive Director dedicated to providing educational excursions to underserved communities. The organization was inspired by a Holocaust survivor they encountered and their mission is to build empathy by understanding cultural identity, history, and society. They strive to foster diversity and build community in the communities they work with, which requires earning trust over time.
To listen/watch to the full podcast interview hosted by Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP), visit our or Spotify or Apple.
Through these trips, they hope to expose students to different cultures and help them build relationships with each other and the people they meet. One example of this was a trip taken with a Holocaust survivor that had an impactful experience for the students involved.
Aaron discussed the need to be able to show donors the impact of their generosity, as well as how to retain donors through nurturing relationships. OLASTEO is looking for major corporate donors and building up their recurring giving program called the Catalyst Collective in order to reach $250,000 in yearly revenue which would allow them to do six local excursions and four national excursions with 40 students instead of 20 per trip. Additionally, he hopes to reintroduce international excursions by 2026 with a trip back to Poland for their 10 year anniversary.
They are also looking for company matches or philanthropy divisions that could provide support. Marriott Hotels and Delta Air Lines...HELP THEM OUT!
Through support of corporate donors and philanthropy divisions, OLASTEO is able to provide meaningful experiences that help build empathy in underserved communities.
OLASTEO has been successful in providing these experiences for students from all over the world, but they are now looking to expand their reach even further.
Check out their website to hear more of these stories of their impact and get engaged if you are inspired!
To listen/watch to the full podcast interview hosted by Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP), visit our or Spotify or Apple.
-Joseph
