Empathy to Impact: Student Voices on Global Citizenship Education & Community Engagement

Inspire Citizens
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  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. This podcast is brought to you by Inspire Citizens.

  1. JAN 26

    A Powerful Example of Advocacy, Self Discovery & Raising Awareness of Local Issues at COJOWA

    Guiding Question: How might we empower our students by giving them freedom and agency to explore local issues that they are passionate about and utilize their public speaking skills to connect with local policy makers to raise awareness and inspire change?Key Takeaways: A different take on service learning and advocacy to raise awareness about important issues in our local community through public speaking.Modeling best practices in PBL by presenting work to an authentic audience.Using service learning as a vehicle to get to know more about our local community.How service learning experiences build essential skills and mindsets that shape students’ next steps as they move on from high school by giving them real-world experience.   If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we’d appreciate it if you could leave us 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 programsLearn more about the amazing service learning program at COJOWAConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary  On this episode, I meet Matilde, Dominique, Laura, Marianna, Sophia, & Miguel, an amazing group of seniors from Colegio Jorge Washington (COJOWA) in Cartagena, Colombia. These students were involved in a service learning project where they had the freedom and agency to choose a topic important to them that impacts their local community. This was an interdisciplinary project that was part of their Spanish language and sociales (Spanish social studies) classes that involved public speaking. Their job was to create a speech to inspire change in their community and to add a level of authenticity, the final speeches were delivered to influential members of their community, including the mayor and local media. These students were the finalists from their class selected to give their speech to these important policymakers, as well as fellow students and members of the school community, allowing them to reach a large audience and advocate for an issue that they care about. Hit 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.

    33 min

  2. JAN 9

    How Systems for Social Emotional Learning & Global Citizenship Can Shape the Future of Education with Kristine Mizzone from ISCA

    “A recent study examined emotional intelligence scores from 28,000 adults across 166 countries and uncovered an alarming trend: global emotional intelligence has dropped nearly six per cent between 2019 and 2024.”- Read more here from The Conversation Guiding Question: How might taking a systems approach to social emotional learning and global citizenship education create opportunities to live your school mission, and shape the future of education?  Key Takeaw ays: We have standards and learning outcomes in other academic subjects, so why not in SEL?Resources, frameworks, and professional learning opportunities from ISCA.Next steps for your school to enhance SEL and GCED.If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we’d appreciate it if you could leave us 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.  Connect with Kristine Mizzone and ISCADownload a free copy of the ISCA Student Standards Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary  On this episode we do something just a little bit different. Our mission for our podcast is to feature students and give them a voice and a platform to share their work as global citizens and changemakers. On this episode, we have an adult guest on the podcast. Kristine Mizzone from ISCA joins me to unpack the intersection of social emotional learning (SEL) and global citizenship education (GCED), how schools need to take a systems approach to this, and why this work is essential for the future of education. Join us to learn how your school can take important next steps to support and empower the students in your care. 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.

    45 min

  3. 2025-12-11

    Yeronga Celebrates: A Student-led Event Celebrating Cultural Diversity

    Guiding Question: How might we give students a voice in how we celebrate cultural diversity in our school communities?Key Takeaways: The importance of student voice and agency in designing whole school eventsCelebrating culture through learning, perspective taking, and shared experiencesUnexpected sources of inspirationA student perspective on the New Metrics from Melbourne University If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we’d appreciate it if you could leave us 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 programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary  On this episode, I meet Alejandra from Yeronga State High School in Queensland, Australia. Alejandra, who, along with her classmate, Tony, are in Year 9 and junior school captains at their school. They played an integral role in a community celebration of culture at their school, Yeronga Celebrates, that takes place every other year. Join us as we talk about this exciting event, the role that she played, and how all of this connects with the New Metrics. 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.

    28 min

  4. 2025-11-23

    A Student-led Carbon Audit to Quantify Sustainability and Measure Impact at SJII

    Guiding Question: How might we empower students to take the lead on sustainability initiatives within our school community?Key Takeaways: Climate action in our own school communities starting with becoming more deeply aware by quantifying our carbon footprint Measuring impact: 6 important data points for schools to considerThe importance of direct service opportunities for students Approaching challenges like the climate crisis with a growth mindset If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we’d appreciate it if you could leave us 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 programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary  On this episode, I meet Huy, Leia, & David, high school students at St. Joseph’s Institution International. These students are part of a CCA at their school called Sustainability Squad. Sustainability Squad is a well-established CCA that works to lead sustainability initiatives within their school community. In our conversation, learn how these students, and other members of their squad, have done something quick remarkable. They have quantified their carbon footprint by gathering data and worked with the WWF to build skills to effectively lead initiatives in an effort to achieve quantifiable, measurable impact on reducing their school community’s carbon footprint. How might this work be integrated into teaching and learning in our schools and how might your students become actively involved with this work in your school community? 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.

    46 min

  5. 2025-11-01 · BONUS

    ENCORE: What Sparks a Changemaker Journey?

    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.  Considering professional development? Inspire Citizens Global Citizenship Certificate courses launch November 30! Click to learn more and register for these impactful programs.Connect sustainability, service learning, economics, mathematics and data science in Sriya’s interactive simulation Grow All WealthCheck out Mia‘s book, A Blueprint for Saving the Planet, and Sriya’s book, Being the OneEmpower students to pursue their ideas with the UAE Changemakers Collaborative and listen to their podcastInvolve your school or host your own conference as part of the Global Issues Network Share using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode 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.

    39 min

  6. 2025-10-02

    Embodying Earth: Leadership for a Regenerative 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… Guiding Question: How might we take a regenerative approach to leadership?Key Takeaways: Explore what it means to take a regenerative approach to leadership.Regenerative versus sustainable, what’s the difference?Applying regenerative strategies in our school communities. If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we’d appreciate it if you could leave us 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.  Video link:  https://youtu.be/ftt2EvO5Q3g?si=jRkiZiDs104pnEz-Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode 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.

    48 min

  7. 2025-09-19 · BONUS

    ENCORE: Media for Impact & Sustainable Development with ES Students from Malaysia

    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 Here is a link to the podcasts that the students produced.Here are some samples of student videos.Here is the digital magazine produced by the class. 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.

    21 min

  8. 2025-09-07 · BONUS

    ENCORE: Sustainability and… Chickens?

    If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe and 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.  Considering professional development? Inspire Citizens Global Citizenship Certificate courses launch Sept. 20! Click to learn more and register for these impactful programsExplore a collaboration with Inspire Citizens. You can book a discovery call at this linkShare using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode 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.

    22 min
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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. This podcast is brought to you by Inspire Citizens.

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