BLUAZ.COM Positive News: In It for the Long Haul

Why this story matters: In the face of daunting global challenges, it is the smaller, localized victories that often provide the most significant inspiration. This story highlights one of those bright spots, proving that positive change is always possible.

Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to holidays, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this weekend, many of its residents can sense the big, ideologically divided elephant in the room.

But while the country reckons with its national identity, on a local level, Americans continue to come together in ways that transcend politics, as they have for generations.

We asked you, our readers, to tell us about the places where your community puts aside political ideology and rekindles its sense of togetherness, despite it all. From local news festivals and tea in the park, to porch parties and “punk rope,” here are some of your words and photos.

I attend a free tea party on Thursdays in NYC’s Bryant Park. Host Liz Gannon Graydon says it is her gift to New York City and all are welcome. She carries china tea cups, home-baked treats, and thermoses of hot tea from her Long Island home by public transportation to share with anyone interested in stopping for tea and a chat.

Photo for the article In It for the Long Haul — All are welcome at Liz Gannon Graydon’s weekly tea parties. Courtesy of Colleen Cosgrove

She’s been hosting these tea parties for 13 years. Tourists and New Yorkers alike join her, and there’s no agenda or cost. She calls it her Communi-tea. It’s a lovely way to spend time in New York City.

–Colleen Cosgrove, Queens, New York

I have the great pleasure of directing The Can We? Project and that means I get to travel to high schools across Maine and New Hampshire to help students cultivate the mindset and skills of constructive dialogue across real and perceived differences.

On May 28th we held our final retreat of the school year with students from Foxcroft Academy, Maine Academy of Natural Sciences and John Bapst Memorial High School. At the end of this day that included a youth-led facilitated dialogue session on Universal Health Care, students and teachers stood in a final circle and were asked to share something they have learned from our work, something they will take with them, or something they will do. Here are their responses.

–John Holdridge, Portland, Maine

This pic is from tonight’s Punk Rope class at the 14th St Y, a Jewish community center in the East Village in New York City. For the past 22 years I’ve taught this inclusive, playful fitness class where students literally jump for joy.

Each week, my teaching partner, Shana, and I create a new themed playlist. Tonight’s theme was “Pride” and the playlist consisted exclusively of LGBTQIA+ artists.

In tonight’s class the age range was from 11 to 70. There was a student from Hong Kong, a student from mainland China, a student from India and an African-American student. I’m of Ukrainian descent and Shana is part Native American. In my opinion, our class is a beautiful reflection of the melting pot that is America.

–Tim Haft, New York City

Crowdsource Choir is a beautiful experience in self-expression, co-creation, and community building. The organizers, Joel and Ken, curate and facilitate an experience centered on raising our voices together.

These events are accessibly priced, all-ages and spread across the city in venues owned and operated by public agencies, nonprofit organizations and small businesses.

–Melissa Jonas

All scrolling images appear courtesy of the reader whose message they appear in, with the exception of the images in Bill Crandall’s message, which were taken by Nyle Leddy.

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