(Originally posted as a comment on Omidyar Net)

While this group may primarily be a bunch of online people talking about what positive media or good news stories might be, I think it is important to take a step back from time to time, and following Gandhi’s advice, be the change we want to see in the world.

So, this discussion isn’t about what positive media might be. Instead, it is a positive news story about the gathering of a few dozen people brought together in large part through this network to find concrete ways of being the positive media we need to see in the world.

There was a strong desire and push to come out with something concrete, and some people might be disappointed that no one drafted a business plan, filed a new 501(c)3 shelf, created a new video, or made some other important break through at this meeting.

However, something more important happened. People have gone from this meeting, out into the world, energized, with new ideas, motivations, and friendships to bring about positive media.

One of the ideas about what positive media is, is media which helps people connect to bring about positive change in the world. Based on that criteria, this was an incredibly positive event.

There has been a lot of discussion here about the idea of a ‘do something’ router. This event saw a face to face implementation of a ‘do something’ router in operation. I am a lowly unemployed blogger. What can I do? Well, I can go out and spread the meme, Search for the Common Ground which I learned about at this workshop, through out my sphere of influence, however small that might be. If this results in people helping Search for Common Ground, that is an important success. If it results in people looking for ways to search for common ground in their daily lives in a country that is increasingly being portrayed as Red and Blue, instead of regal purple, that too is an important success.

I will be following up with people that need assistance in getting better websites up. I will be having lunch with new friends I have met. Out of this, I am sure, will come additional positive media stories.

Most importantly, I will relish the new friendships I have made, the opportunities they present to bring about positive change, and look forward to the next chance to see everyone face to face. I hope we meet again soon and that I meet even more agents of transformation.