Guiding Question:

• How might we empower students to organize an event to share, celebrate, inspire and BE changemakers in your region?

Key Takeaways:

• A behind-the-scenes look at hosting a student-led conference
• Making a conference more sustainable
• Developing a “Changemaker Mindset” to unlock the potential in our school communities
• Transitioning from advocacy to action

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programs
• Connect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettes
• Measuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives
• Access free resources for global citizenship education
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share on social media using #EmpathytoImpact

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.

Guiding Question:

• How might we empower students to organize an event to share, celebrate, and inspire younger students in our school community through service learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Peer to peer learning in the context of service learning
• Authentic engagement with service learning in elementary education co-facilitated by high school student leaders
• Planting the seeds with our youngest learners to develop the service learning mindset
• Sustainability of service learning initiatives through whole school events like Community Partners Week

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programs
• Connect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettes
• Measuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives
• Access free resources for global citizenship education
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share on social media using #EmpathytoImpact

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.

Guiding Question:

• How might we take creative action towards a reimagined future?

Key Takeaways

• Different types of service and ways we can take action
• PYP Exhibition and how we might empower students to take age-appropriate, creative, sustainable actions
• How meaningful actions can start a “chain reaction” in our school communities as we work to develop as global citizens

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programs
• Connect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettes
• Check out other PYPx stories from ARIS, CIS Beijing, and WAB
• Measuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives
• Access free resources for global citizenship education
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share on social media using #EmpathytoImpact

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.

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.

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.

Guiding Question:

• How might we create space for student leaders to thrive and inspire change in our schools and communities?

Key Takeaways

• Hosting “Summit” events for student leaders
• Bringing big global goals like the sustainable development goals down to a local level where we can think about how we might take action and make meaningful connections that lead to positive impacts
• Suitability of student leadership

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programs
• Connect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettes
• Access free resources for global citizenship education
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share on social media using #EmpathytoImpact

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.

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• Enjoy photos from the exhibition that the students created in this vignette
• See student examples from Inspire Citizens Eco-Media programs here
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share using #EmpathytoImpact

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.

Guiding Question:

• How might we identify authentic community needs as changemakers and global citizens?

Key Takeaways

• Creating time in the school day for impactful community projects
• Young people taking an active role in shaping a better future
• Authentic needs versus perceived needs through listening and collaboration
• SIMA Academy - The Netflix of Social Change - documentary films to inspire and empower changemakers

SIMA Academy

Referral Code: Here's a link and 20%OFF referral code for our Empathy to Impact community:

REGISTRATION LINK: https://simaacademy.com/affiliate-access/

REFERRAL CODE: SIMA4ICRC

Contact viri@simastudios.org for more info

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• Read this story from Hyderabad Public School
• For more information or to register for the Inspire Citizens Global Citizenship Certificate click here
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share using #EmpathytoImpact

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.

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please 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.

• For more information or to register for the Inspire Citizens Global Citizenship Certificate click here
• You can book a discovery call with Inspire Citizens at this link
• Share using #EmpathytoImpact

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.