Here’s a round up of recent positive stories and opportunities for action:

The Asheville Citizen-Times ran this feature story about Stephen Smith, “Asheville man uplifts others after prison stint.” It’s worth a read. Here’s a quote of Smith’s from the story, “I used the analogy of the body, how different organs and muscles and ears and eyes all work together collectively to achieve good health, and how a community of people is supposed to work when everyone is accountable and doing what they’re supposed to do.”

Right up the Asheville Action alley is this story in WNC Magazine, “Positive Reinforcements,” which features LEAF in Schools & Streets, Green Opportunities and others.

There will be a variety of Martin Luther King week events in Asheville. The MLK Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County has a series of events, including the annual Prayer Breakfast. UNC Asheville also will be hosting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration week, as well as supporting the MLK Association events. Finally, this Color of Asheville post includes community events hosted by the Ethical Society of Asheville and Burton Street Peace Garden.

Finally, the next session of Building Bridges “Going Beyond Racism Through Understanding and Respect” starts on January 27 at MAHEC. In their invitation to this session, the Building Bridges board states, “This is a way we can make Asheville/Buncombe County more inclusive and equitable, by building mutual understanding and respect. Let’s grow these seeds so that we can work together to actualize the kind of community we want to live in.” If that resonates with you, I highly encourage you to attend. Register here.

Note: I may not be able to post next week, but I’ll be back at the end of the month!

photo for the asheville citizen times by bill sanders