Buzz of Progress

A lot of people are upset with current events and newscasts. They fret over the direction of issues that matter to them. Some of these are: access to affordable healthcare; education that meets the unique needs of students – both kids and adults; continuing education for adults as they encounter a rapidly changing world of work and career; public infrastructure that gets patches but not fixes; elections that not free from foreign influence; digital networks susceptible to foreign hacking and uncontrolled shutdowns; cost of living increases without rising incomes; standard of living barely holding its own; rich getting richer and poor getting poorer; middle class disappearing and what’s left, stagnating.

Perhaps most upsetting is the temper of our public voice. Caustic, rude, loud, sarcastic and mostly unhelpful in dealing with or repairing the problems of our age. Political discourse is putrid and an obstacle to forward momentum.

While all of this goes on, here are things I’ve noticed of late:

·        People are inventing new products and services; they form new businesses; a steady stream of them; these are small entrepreneurs with hope and confidence in the future

·        Parents concerned about quality education for their kids form groups to support local schools and enrich the programs as best they can; some are after school programs; others are field trips with parent escorts; some are cultural events snagged on the cheap but organized for entire classes of students to attend; still others offer tutoring, daycare services for free, and a host of other supports to help teachers develop their children; some even open their own schools for gifted students

·        Professional teachers noting unfulfilled needs in the classroom invent programs and offer them as a product of a new nonprofit; topics such as bullying, special needs kids, and cultural diversity are offered in these programs

·        Nonprofit organizations tackle new and difficult programs; these are funded by private dollars for public good

·        Seeking answers to difficult problems, members of the public encounter thousands of other nonprofits already addressing many needs. All that is needed is a phone call or quick trip to a website

·        School kids at many grade levels explore their own culture and talents in music, drama and creative writing. They put on plays, concerts and recitals, even poetry slams. They not only share their artforms, but gather the money earned and donate it to local nonprofits helping senior citizens or alcohol/drug rehab centers

·        Dogs left stranded by storm, owner death or illness are quickly adopted by loving new homes

·        Wellness of senior citizens is addressed; rides offered; visits scheduled; recitals held; so many things to share and celebrate in later years

·        Medical personnel frustrated with diseases and physical deformities unaddressed, form cooperatives and nonprofits to deliver the needed help. Even across oceans and mountain ranges these services are offered and made available; and for free

This list goes on and on. We sense these things are happening, yet we focus on the negative news because that is what's broadcast. Good is being done. You and I are doing it. Or a neighbor or family member.

Just because it's not on the evening news doesn’t mean good isn't happening. It is. You are doing it. For a moment or two, celebrate that miracle of human nature needing to reach out and touch others with a hand of help and caring.

There is much to be thankful for.

August 15, 2018