The students of Action Day Schools are more than learners—they are changemakers, guided by the principles of the Action Day Learner Profile. Through programs like the 1001 Stories Club and partnerships with organizations such as the Lotus Petal Foundation, Seeds of Empowerment, and Dr. Paul Kim from Stanford University, our students actively engage with the world around them, making meaningful contributions both locally and globally.
Action Day Learner Profile in Action:
• Empowered Learners
Action Day students take ownership of their learning. Whether they are editing stories, illustrating books, or organizing fundraising efforts, they demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and confidence. They are creators and collaborators who understand that their voice matters.
• Global Citizens
By working with student authors from Lotus Petal School in India, our learners expand their cultural understanding and compassion. They celebrate differences, promote equity, and develop a sense of shared humanity, making real-world connections across continents.
• Empathetic Leaders
Our students lead with heart. Through storytelling, they step into the shoes of others, build emotional intelligence, and develop deep empathy. Donating proceeds from their published books directly to the original student authors demonstrates their commitment to kindness and justice.
• Critical Thinkers
Action Day changemakers ask thoughtful questions, analyze stories for meaning, and creatively problem-solve when editing or illustrating. They reflect deeply on the impact their work can have, using their minds and hearts to guide their decisions.
• Creative Innovators
From story illustrations to marketing book sales, students express their ideas in powerful, artistic ways. They design, build, and innovate—bringing stories to life and transforming them into tools for empowerment.
• Resilient Contributors
Through perseverance and collaboration, our students understand that small actions can lead to significant change. Raising $2,100 through storytelling isn’t just a number—it’s a symbol of dedication, compassion, and the belief that even young voices can change the world.
Global Storytelling with Service: The 1001 Stories Club
The Global Storytelling with Service Club, also known as the 1001 Stories Club at Action Day Elementary School, is a vibrant initiative that bridges cultures and empowers young minds through storytelling. In partnership with the Lotus Petal Foundation in India and Dr. Paul Kim of Stanford University, the club creates opportunities for children to grow as writers, artists, and socially conscious global citizens.
The Lotus Petal Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to delivering high-quality education, healthcare, and nutrition to underprivileged children in India. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty by nurturing potential through opportunity.
Dr. Paul Kim, Chief Technology Officer and Associate Dean at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, co-founded Seeds of Empowerment, the parent initiative of 1001 Stories. His work focuses on educational research, community development, and designing impactful learning technologies.
How It Works – A Story of Global Connection and Creativity
At the heart of the 1001 Stories Club is a powerful, collaborative journey that connects children from two different parts of the world through the magic of storytelling.
• Story Creation & Collaboration
It all begins in India, where a student from Lotus Petal School writes an original story—rich in imagination, cultural flavor, and heartfelt perspective. This story becomes the spark that sets the global project in motion.
• Editing, Illustrating & Publishing
The story then travels across the globe to Action Day Schools in California, where Grade 3 and 4 students bring it to life. They serve as editors and illustrators, refining the narrative, designing authentic artwork, and turning the story into a beautifully published book. Along the way, they develop empathy, literacy, creativity, and real-world skills.
• Fundraising & Giving Back
Once the book is published, it is shared with the community. All proceeds are donated directly to the student author at Lotus Petal School to support their education. This year alone, the club raised $3,000, proving that when children collaborate across continents, they don’t just tell stories—they change lives.
This is more than a project—it is a movement of young change-makers turning creativity into compassion, and stories into seeds of empowerment.
Story Highlight: The Magic Mango Tree
This year, our students published a story about a magical mango tree. When Ravi and his friends discover a magical mango, their selfless wishes bring prosperity to their entire village, reminding us that true magic lies in kindness and generosity.
In the Words of the Authors and Illustrators
“I was inspired to write, and the 1001 Stories Club initiative helped me overcome my doubts and fear of expressing my views through words. I am immensely thankful for this opportunity, and I aspire to contribute to the story club this year as well. It has been a gratifying experience for me.”
— Ekta, 9th Grade, Lotus Petal School
Students at Action Day Schools also had meaningful reflections after working on the story:
“My favorite part of this story is how it shows that sharing is important, as it brings people together.”
— Avery Jo, 4th Grade
“I liked the part where the magic fairy comes into existence and brings rain for the villagers.”
— Gili, 4th Grade
“I really liked how the friends instantly thought about the whole village instead of themselves. It helped me realize that kindness is all you need to be happy.”
— Cameron, 4th Grade
“I was impressed by the young boys’ kindness as they hoped for prosperity and happiness for everyone in their village.”
— Anthony, 4th Grade
These reflections show how students on both sides of the globe grow not only as storytellers and artists but also as thoughtful, compassionate individuals. Through every story told, a bridge is built between cultures, generations, and hearts. The students at Action Day Elementary School are certainly changing the world, one story at a time.
