What if there was a newspaper or publication that only focused on the good news? What a motivating piece of literature that would be! Most people love to hear the good news, or at least to end a conversation with good news so it diminishes the effects of the "bad" news.
Travelling throughout rural Alberta has been such a privilege over the last few months. As ACE Communities work with communities to host Community Building Workshops our team definitely hears many positive stories. At one point of the workshop participants are asked to share their "best story ever" about community development initiative. We are always astounded at what we hear. There is never duplication because each community initiative is unique and reflective of the community and its residents.
What stands out about this part of the workshop is that I am amazed that communities do not share this good "stuff" beyond the community. If others could read about the good news happening in other communities it would be inspirational. Sharing these stories could bridge the gap between communities and open up possibilities to share ideas and resources. Equally important, the stories would demonstrate the vitality and resilience of rural Alberta.
Community initiatives that move towards empowerment where residents are part of the decision making process are examples of positive stories. Building stronger, more cohesive communities are based on such a process. What needs to happen is spreading the word that communities are creating active, creative, and engaged communities!
In the meanwhile, remember to share "the good stuff" because it really does make a difference to others!
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1 comments:
Good idea having a publication that focused only on positive news. A constant barrage of bad news, as you say, dis-empowers people. Highlighting only the way things don't work out suggests this is the best we can expect, so why bother? How can ANYTHING get done in the atmosphere of low expectation constant negativity creates?
For "balance", the publication could have a sections called: "projects that just scrapped by", "good ideas that need another try" and "projects that are so difficult that only the brave-of-heart need apply."
It is true that negative attitudes tend to let us off the hook for trying things. Why start something that you can't finish or will flop or make you look silly, naive or unsophisticated? But how do you learn if you don't try something? So there should also be a section called: "what I learned from my mistakes this week."
People who are doing things with good intentions will always be newsworthy. We've just been offered the celebration of low expectations type of news for so long we've forgotten to celebrate the positive side of our nature.
Good idea Carolyn!
Scott Johnson
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