Six weeks ago we watched a heartbreaking tragedy unfold at Virginia Tech.
We mourn when the most innocent of our fellow human beings - kids - become victims of heinous crimes; we are shocked when we learn that they are the perpetrators. Learning that young people are capable of murderous acts turns our world upside down.

Can we use appreciative intelligence to make sense of this situation?

Remember that appreciative intelligence - seeing the positive potential in a situation - does not mean falsely labeling a tragedy as good or even okay. It does not deny that we feel pain or sadness for valid reasons.

Appreciative intelligence does, however, make space for hope and creating a new future. It can help provide possibilities for preventing future suffering.

Here are two stories of people who are working to make a difference in the lives of young people. They are reframing tragedy and need as a springboard for helping students, and reframing entertainment as education and a means for engagement - two examples of appreciative intelligence.

---Chet Thomas and his business partner, Darrin Fletcher, were talking after watching the film footage of the Columbine tragedy. "We asked, 'Why did it happen? Why kids from such a normal background?' We weren't psychologists so we didn't have those answers. So we asked, 'What could we - two film producers - do to keep something like this from happening ever again?'" The two connected their talents, skills and knowledge with a way to reach out to disadvantaged teens at risk for getting lost in the chaos of modern society and being left behind in school.

Thomas and Fletcher started a new business, Independent Student Media (ISM). They began to conduct film-making workshops for students - teaching them skills such as writing to create a script, photography and personal interaction to give direction. ISM created interactive online textbooks, chat rooms and spaces to engage kids' imaginations.

The results:  they provided a creative and safe outlet for kids to tell their stories, to find purpose and build caring relationships. Students have told Thomas and Fletcher that their participation has changed them. They haven't touched drugs or alcohol since the program. A girl who had contemplated suicide said she was looking forward to the next set of classes. The programs are making headway in ensuring that kids develop skills, healthy self-esteem and relationships that see them through their high school years and later life. For more information, visit www.ismfilms.com.

---Dr. Loretta Long, known and loved as the character Susan from Sesame Street has been working to educate underserved children for 40 years. Similarly, through programs of her new nonprofit organization, the Center for Positive Change, she is bridging the worlds of entertainment, education and technology by helping children ages 5-11 create their own television shows. Students who avoid writing English compositions delve into writing and editing when invited to craft a script. Their public speaking skills and confidence bloom when they are given an opportunity to face a camera. They learn about the right kind of heroes as they learn the art of storytelling. They shine when positive adult mentors help them learn through fun and meaningful projects.

I invite you to learn more about people and organizations who are appreciating their own talents and occupations as a way to get kids involved and learning. Explore your own successes as a way to make a noticeable difference in your community.

 

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