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Episode Summary
I first connected with Mia and Sriya when they were keynote speakers at the Toddle Service Learning Summit last fall, and was very inspired by all they have accomplished as changemakers. Sriya is currently a senior at ASD in Dubai and Mia is a senior at the International School of Amsterdam. Listen to hear what sparked their changemaker journey and what advice they have for leading projects and empowering global citizens at your school.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
Inspire Citizens would like to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dr. Jane Goodall. May her passion for the world we live in continue to inspire us all. I think she would’ve liked this one…
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Episode Summary
On this episode, I am joined by guest host Ivy Yan from Inspire Citizens and 3 of her students, Anandi, Diana, and Huy, to talk about a very special learning experience that took place in an eco-village in Vietnam this past summer. These students had the opportunity to learn about regenerative leadership, build deeper connections to nature and to each other, while spending time slowing down, being mindful and embracing interbeing. Join us for an inspiring conversation to, to quote John Lennon, “Imagine all the people sharing all the world”.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
Going way back in the archives this week to share one of our favorite episodes from the very beginning of the Empathy to Impact podcast. These students would just be starting high school now I think. I hope you enjoy the episode.
~Scott
These can be used as meta-models to inspire the learners in your classroom. If you would like help implementing a unit like this please reach out to Inspire Citizens by emailing scott@inspirecitizens.org
Episode Summary:
On this episode I meet Caroline, Fina and Neil who are living in Malaysia. We discuss a project that they did at the end of 3rd grade that involved becoming more aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, learning some new technology and research skills and producing media to have an impact.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
Yes…chickens! Jazlyn & Deniz are two changemakers from Frankfurt International School. They share a passion for animals and designed a project to help students learn about sustainability through having chickens in their outdoor learning area at school. This project involved so much cool learning from research skills, design skills and developing a pitch for school leaders to bring their idea to life. How might chickens impact learning and our understanding of sustainability? Listen to learn more.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, I meet Maria Bella, a high school student from Lincoln Community School in Accra, Ghana. As part of her studies, Maria Bella learned about child trafficking, and child labor, a complex issue that impacts her local community. She is passionate about humanitarian work, and chose to dedicate her work for her personal project to creating a children’s book to educate local children about this important issue. Join me, as we explore her journey to becoming a published author and shall she use this opportunity to further her learning as a humanitarian and set her sites on a potential career path.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, we explore a class taught by Rushton Hurley and Rita Lee at Junipero Serra High School and Notre Dame Belmont High School called Creative solutions for the Global Good and Advanced Solutions for the Global Good. This episode features students Rowan, Vicky, and Bella, who share their experiences from the course, the projects they were involved in, the international collaboration opportunities they had, and how this class impacted their high school experience in terms of creativity, leadership, perseverance, time management, collaboration, and impact. Listen to learn more and to see if the addition of this course, or something similar, might be an exciting next step for your school.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, after having the privilege of attending the Changemaker Conference at the American International School of Budapest in March 2025 (check out this episode with the student organizers), I had the opportunity to reconnect with Rae. Rae is a grade 8 changemaker from a school in the region, who, like me, was visiting, with other students from her school, to attend the conference. While at the conference, she attended one of my workshops, and we later had a great conversation about her work and her passion for creating inclusive communities. I was especially inspired learning that she had started a PRIDE club at her school. Listen to learn more.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, after having the privilege of attending the Changemaker Conference at the American International School of Budapest in March 2025, I had the opportunity to reconnect with 3 student leaders from that school, Alex, Shuo, and Aranya, who each played a pivotal role in the organization and resounding success of this conference. Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at all of the components and work that goes on behind the scenes to host an impactful and inspirational event like this. Maybe this is the spark that you need to start an event like this in your region.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, I meet Omaira and Tul, members of ServiceCo and service learning leaders at NIST. Following up on our previous episode with Y6 students, in Part 2 Tul and Omaira share a behind-the-scenes look at Community Partners Week, the organization of this impactful event, and their role as service learning leaders designing and leading learning experiences with Y6 students. This was the 3rd annual Community Partners Week at NIST, and by all accounts, the best one yet. During Community Partners Week, students in the primary years program had opportunities to connect with community partners like Helping Heart (EY-Y1), a local nursery (EY-Y1), Student-led service groups Eco and Plastic-free NIST (Y2), Operation Smile (Y3), Student-led service group FemiNIST (Y4), and Student-led service group FashioNIST (Y5). Join me for a great conversation with these student leaders to get a deeper insight on the impact of CPW at their school and how peer to peer learning leads to a service mindset, the ongoing sustainability of service learning initiatives, and a culture of service across the whole school community.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, I meet Charlotte, Saar, Stella, and Viviana (Vivi) to talk about Community Partners Week and their work leading up to the PYP exhibition at NIST. This was the 3rd annual Community Partners Week, and by all accounts, the best one yet. During Community Partners Week, students in the primary years program had opportunities to connect with community partners like Helping Heart (EY-Y1), a local nursery (EY-Y1), Student-led service groups Eco and Plastic-free NIST (Y2), Operation Smile (Y3), Student-led service group FemiNIST (Y4), and Student-led service group FashioNIST (Y5). Join me for a great conversation with these students from Y6 to learn what they were up to for CPW working with community partners and high school students from ServiceCo and don’t miss our next episode that will feature Omaira and Tul from ServiceCo sharing some behind the scenes information on this amazing peer-to-peer learning experience.
A big sh opportunitiesout out to Magic Mind for sponsoring this episode. Take advantage of our limited offer to get up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code ETI20 at checkout.
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Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
Empathy to Impact is a podcast designed for educators dedicated to global citizenship education. We explore themes of sustainability, service learning, student leadership, and community engagement, empowering students to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
While educators grasp the “why” and “what” of global citizenship, this podcast delves into the “how”. Through engaging storytelling and student voices, we provide authentic connections to curriculum, and showcase practical tools and frameworks that you can implement in your classroom.
By viewing learning experiences through the lens of Empathy to Impact, we can inspire students to take meaningful steps toward becoming global citizens and transform the culture of education in our schools.
Join us as we amplify the voices and stories of students who take ownership of their learning and make a difference in their communities.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
Thinking Globally - Acting Locally at The Summit at the International School of Bangkok
On this episode, I connect with Nami, a senior at the International School of Bangkok. In January 2025, ISB hosted their second student leadership summit, an international event drawing student leaders from across the region to attend workshops, build skills, make connections, and collaborate on new initiatives to work towards a more equitable, just, joyful and sustainable future. Aaron Moniz, co-founder and director of Inspire Citizens, has been involved as a speaker and key supporter of The Summit since its inception. Similarly, Nami has been part of the team who has organized The Summit in both 2024 and 2025. She shares her insights on the summit and the impact it has had on her and other student leaders in the region. Keep an eye out for next year’s Summit that will be held at Korea International School in Seoul, Korea.
A big shout out to Magic Mind for sponsoring this episode. Take advantage of our limited offer to get up to 48% off
your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code ETI20 at checkout.
Claim your discount at: https://www.magicmind.com/ETI20
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
At the end of the 22-23 school year, Seoul Foreign School paused their academic schedule for Discovery Week. This is an off-schedule week where students choose learning experiences in Korea and abroad. Juniors Jenna & Jia chose Eco-Photography facilitated by Ivy Yan from Inspire Citizens. Listen as they share their experiences, and the impact the program had on their connection to nature and their overall well-being.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Referral Code: Here's a link and 20%OFF referral code for our Empathy to Impact community:
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REFERRAL CODE: SIMA4ICRC
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Episode Summary
On this episode, we are featuring 3 students, Abigayle, Aalaya, and Aarna, from Hyderabad Public School in India. These young changemakers are in grade 11 and their class, along with their teacher, Pratibha Dhal, have been recognized globally as SIMA Changemaker Award recipients. Join me to learn about how watching documentary films from SIMA Academy inspired their work as leaders and changemakers to address issues connected to resource use, upcycling, westernized beauty standards, and equal access to quality education in their community. Their projects on creating audiobooks for students with vision impairment, an upcycle fashion show featuring their teachers as characters from Greek mythology, and a more natural and authentic look at beauty in their community are truly inspirational. Listen to learn more.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
On this episode, I catch up with Ferdinand and Thomas from Frankfurt International School. Both of these dedicated young men have been involved with the Changemaker Conference at FIS from the beginning and their passion is wellbeing. They have been working with Dr. Douglas Walker on a project called Peace of Mind. Press play to learn more.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
Youth sometimes are thought of through the lens of a stereotype that paints a picture of screen-addicted partiers who are disconnected from local and global issues. This is certainly not the case for my guests Alex and Marta from Barcelona. They contend that many young people are passionate about global issues, and are eager and enthusiastic for opportunities to be part of the solution. As high school students, they identified a challenge for young people in getting connected with NGOs, and other organizations that lead impactful, sustainable work in our communities. They, along with their colleagues at HelpUp, decided to take action and do something about this. They have created the app, HelpUp, to connect young people with NGOs to create opportunities for meaningful volunteer work. Join me as they discuss their experience and learning as entrepreneurs, their international recognition, and their aspirations for the future.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
Check out an upcoming live session series from Inspire Citizens on Building Capacity to Face Climate Change
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Episode Summary
Erika is a doctoral candidate and research associate at the Center for Sustainable Futures at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a research fellow at Columbia’s Climate School. Her dissertation focuses on youth climate activism and youth agency in social movements. On this episode she joins me to discuss her work empowering youth activists, and programs like Youth At The Center and how this leads to community engagement for students and opportunities for collaboration and action.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Episode Summary
Meet The Friendly Guides. Arnav, Lily, Leago, and Tlangelani are middle school students and part of the compassion club at American School Dhahran, part of the International Schools Group (ISG) in Saudi Arabia. Inspired by a workshop with Inspire Citizens facilitator Ivy Yan, these students developed a project to create a deeper sense of connection and belonging for all students at their school, and especially to support students who are new to their school community. Listen to learn how The Friendly Guides have impacted the culture of their school through compassion, connection, and kindness.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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Other recommended resources from Jaimie Cloud
Inspire Citizens
Episode Summary
Jaimie Cloud is the founder and president of the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education in New York. As a pioneer in the field of Education for Sustainability (EfS), Jaimie is an international keynote speaker, author, thought leader and educational consultant. She is a leadership advisor and curriculum development coach to administrators, teachers and curriculum specialists in schools and school districts around the country and in other parts of the world. She writes and publishes extensively, and is currently working on Response-able, a book project addressed to young people. I am a big fan of Jaimie and her work and much of what she has created has inspired our work at Inspire Citizens. Join us as I get to have a conversation with Jaimie about her work in Sustainability Education, what inspires her, and her aspirations for the future.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.
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If you have enjoyed the podcast, take a moment to subscribe so you don’t miss these inspiring stories from young people around the world, and also leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support.
Episode Summary
On this episode, we are off to Lincoln Community School in Accra, Ghana. I had the privilege of connecting with two grade 2 students, Anaya and Leonel, who had just finished up their Sharing the Planet Unit in the PYP. This is a thematic unit that is based on resource management and making sustainable choices. There was also a service learning component to this unit where students shared their learning by running workshops for other students at their school to inspire them to take action for a sustainable future. Big shout out to all of the grade 2 students for championing sustainability, and also to their teachers for empowering them to take action.
Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.