Feel Good Friday - A Plus

We’ve made it to the end of the week and another Feel Good Friday story. But what if you don’t want to wait seven days for more good news? Let me introduce A Plus.

Founded in 2014 by Ashton Kutcher, A Plus is “a digital media company devoted to spreading the message of positive journalism, a kind of storytelling that focuses on our shared humanity. It is rooted in our heartfelt beliefs that each person can effect positive change in the world and that we are all inextricably connected.” I love it already.

Topics of the stories on their website are divided into five categories: original, news, entertainment, lifestyle and innovation. The videos range between 2 and 10 minutes and samples of what you can watch include a woman who created a farm cooperative for Black farmers, news of CVS providing mental health counseling, YoYo Ma playing cello at a vaccine clinic, reusable “jelly” ice cubes, and a pizzeria in Philadelphia run entirely by formerly incarcerated men and women.

 

In addition to all the shorter stories, you can also follow an A Plus series. Going from Broke chronicles a team that helps people pay off student loan debt. A Plus Heroes and Thriving You tell stories of individuals making a positive impact on their communities and themselves. Stories of immigrants can be found in The New Americans, and you can watch some of the most popular stories in the Featured section.

Most of my posts end with a donation link but A Plus is supported by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment so there’s no need. If you find the A Plus content inspiring and want to let others know about it, the best way is to amplify their message on social media. Like their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter @aplusapp and Instagram @aplusapp, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Enjoy the videos! 

Feel Good Friday - Good News Network

I've been posting Feel Good Friday stories for over six years. Part of what makes that possible is having a set of go to resources, including today's organization, the Good News Network.

The Good News Network (GNN) has been publishing positive news stories from around the world since 1997, way more than six years! Founded by Geri Weis-Corbley, the website gets millions of page views each month.

Articles are sorted into five categories: USA, World, Inspiring, Animals and Heroes. Recent stories include: a man in Brazil turning recycled tires into animal beds; a man in Seattle who delivers roses to widows, military wives and single ladies on Valentine's day; and a farm in England where you can do yoga with alpacas. Goat yoga is so 2018.

If you want to make sure there are outlets for positive news stories, you can support the work of the Good News Network by becoming a member, and contribute to the community by sharing a story. There's also a shopping site where you can support a charity with your purchase while you get a GNN discount!

If your world could use a regular dose of "news to enthuse", like the GNN Facebook page, follow them Twitter @goodnewsnetwork and buy a copy of the Good News book! You don't have to wait until Fridays to feel good.