Turn on the television for the evening news and the message is the same: stories that sadden and scare but fail to directly inspire us. At some point we must ask ourselves, "Isn’t there something a bit more positive happening out there?" In fact there is. Throughout the world, a number of individuals have poised themselves to create a new message for everyone to hear: another world is possible, and it’s in fact happening right now!
Born in the United Kingdom in the early nineties, Positive News is a bottom-up organization formed with the simple yet revolutionary notion of, "reporting on the people, events and influences that are helping to create a more positive future in areas of sustainability, education, and social justice." The paper now has a global circulation of over 100,000 with the demand only growing.
The founder of the US edition, Ilonka Wloch, began her relationship to Positive News by simply bringing home copies from a trip to Ireland. "I thought the whole concept was great," says Ilonka, "and I found that people here in the states saw the articles as uplifting and inspiring." Joining her was a number of local writers, artists, and activists interested in bringing inspiring stories to the community. Among them is former New York State Assemblyman Marty Luster, now the City Attorney of Ithaca, who helps as co-editor of Positive News. Luster was quickly "intrigued by the message and the professionalism [of the paper]"
The publication, based in Ithaca, NY, has quickly become popular wherever it’s found. With headlines like "Building Around the Sun" and "Steps for Peace," readers quickly find that while the paper is traditional in appearance it is far from typical in content. Even more surprising may be some of the locations where such a publication can be found. Besides the co-ops, natural foods restaurants, and libraries, copies of the newspaper can be found in schools, doctor’s offices, and shopping centers.
Currently there are over 30 volunteers committed to helping with everything from article writing to the layout of the paper itself. In addition, beneficial partnerships are currently blossoming among the various Positive News editions around the world. In addition to the UK, publications in Hong Kong, Germany, Spain, and Brazil are sprouting, sharing stories and ideas on how to spread their message in the most effective way.
Positive News-US is printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks. Supporting the publication comes in various facets, but mainly boils down to writing, distributing, or generating income so it can grow and reach a wider audience. The editors and publishers are always excited to receive letters and articles with stories and/or feedback.
It’s important to note that Positive News is not attempting to ignore or cloud over the difficulties of the world today, but rather hopes to create a more balanced and solution-oriented publication to inspire others to act. As Ilonka notes, "I enjoy seeing how it [Positive News] motivates peoples to act on behalf of creating a better and healthier world all around for humans and the earth." We are in the midst of challenging times, and mediums that exist to uplift and inspire us can only be for the good."
