Good news to be found despite 'downsides'

April 23, 2007 —

So here's my thought on news: it's just too depressing. Whether it's war, natural disaster, white-collar crime, or politics, not much good seems to come out of the TV and newspapers these days. We're all too focused on the downsides of life to realize that there's still a fair amount of good left.

There's lots of good to be had, if one digs deep enough. So this week I chased down some of the good that's going on around us. It may not be as flashy as a war, but it's about time that someone asked...

What is right with the world?

Well, here's a list:

After being held hostage in Iran, several British servicemen recently returned home. The return of the captives was great news in itself, but it also marked another momentous occasion. The high-tension hostage situation was resolved peacefully, without fighting. I don't care who you are, a few less dead at the end of the day is good news indeed.

Kicked off a year and a half ago, Product (RED) has already raised and distributed millions of dollars to fund HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in the poorest African nations. By tapping into the power of American commerce, founders Bono and Bobby Shriver found a way to bring the global family much closer together.

Random House Publishers announced plans to increase their recycled paper use tenfold in the next three years. That means more than a half million trees will be given a second chance on life. Makes you breathe a little easier, doesn't it?

Less than two years ago, Habitat for Humanity officially completed its one millionth house. For a project that started as a small-town idea grounded in a great service, that's not half bad. Here's to creating hope and bringing communities together across the world.

The national news is not the only place where positive things are taking place. They're also happening in our own communities and on campus.

Every year, SVSU and community members selflessly raise tens of thousands of dollars through Relay for Life. The event supports cancer research and expresses our solidarity with cancer victims and survivors. Working as a team to make a difference!

SVSU Alternative Breaks is relatively new on campus, but has already helped make a difference worldwide. Past breaks built wheelchair ramps and houses, planted trees, and worked with victims of sexual abuse. This year, Alternative Breakers gave up their hard-earned free time to work on various issues, including childhood literacy and writing, hurricane relief, and diversity. Hats off to the Breakers who gave up their week to show their Red Pride!

Every year, SVSU sends students to study abroad in many different countries. At the same time, we also host foreign students on our campus from a variety of countries and ethnicities. SVSU's campus is becoming more vibrant and culturally enriched every year. Let's hear it for campus diversity!

With a $1 million grant from the Allen Foundation, SVSU students and faculty are currently researching cheaper methods of growing food.

This will eventually help combat poverty and malnutrition. Charles Strosacker Chair of Engineering Christopher Schilling is also researching ways to produce efficient and cheap biodiesel fuel to ease oil dependency and reduce waste. Respecting our environment, as well as the people in it, is so right.

So there you have it - the bright side of the news. Didn't that feel good?