By Paulette Clark

Austin Positive Action Coalition

Our great country recently celebrated the life and legacy of the great Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 15, 2018.  Dr. King taught us through example the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service.

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream and fought for a violence-free society where we appreciate our individual differences and live and work together in cooperation and unity.  Our news feeds are filled with stories of violence and hatred for those who are different than us.  We have even witnessed this through the displays of vulgarity, hatred and unsportsmanlike conduct exhibited by some of the Philadelphia Eagles fans against Minnesota Vikings fans in attendance at last weekend’s NFC championship game.  The behaviors of this group of Eagles fans were certainly not in line with Dr. King’s teachings and certainly not an example of building positive relationships and experiences.

Our community, through the work of APAC (Austin Positive Action Coalition), is being guided by similar teachings based on the research of Dr. Jeff Linkenbach and his work with the Science of the Positive and the Montana Institute.

The Science of the Positive is the study of how positive factors impact culture and experience.  Based on scientific research, it holds as one of its core assumptions that the positive is real.  Rather than focusing on the dangers and problems that exist in our lives, communities and society, the Science of the Positive encourages us to seek out and build on the strengths and protective factors that already exist within our communities.

Austin Positive Action Coalition is contributing to positive relationships and experiences for
our youth.

As I reflect on the work of APAC and the Science of the Positive, I can only imagine the support and enthusiasm that Dr. King would have for this thoughtful scientific approach if he were still alive today.  Austin area students, their families, educators and this community are examples of the core values Dr. King instilled in this country.

I encourage you to think about the messages you communicate to your families, friends and co-workers.  Try to frame your communication with positive messages that instill hope, rather than despair.  Positive experiences have lasting impact on human development and functioning.  We have the opportunity to write our life stories using kindness, courage, dignity, justice and service to others.

Paulette Clark is the Regional Prevention Coordinator (RPC) for Southeastern Minnesota and is hosted locally by the Parenting Resource Center.  Contact her at rpc@familiesandcommunities.org.