The Power of Positive Social Media #StartsWithUs

All the negative things about social media is what usually hits the airwaves and the mediasphere.  It's true that people can use Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and the like in inappropriate ways.  But the same could be said of cars, or other forms of technology.  We cannot respond to new media merely with fear.   If we want to show young people the power of our 21st century world, we have to show them positive models and how to become responsible leaders for change.

Next week is Kentucky Safe Schools Week.  While Shelby and other counties are out for fall break during this time, perhaps we can embrace the spirit of this year's theme to stand up against cyberbullying when we return.  Better yet, we can be inspired by something started at one St. Louis school and is quickly becoming a trending topic on Twitter and an Internet meme.

As often is the truth about human kindness, the act is simple yet profound.  A student or staff member uses a sharpie to write a short positive message on a clothespin.  The person then gives it to someone, who must "post and pass" it on: post a picture of the clothespin using social media with the hashtag #StartsWithUs before giving it to another person so the cycle can repeat.  That's it.  And yet, that's everything.

Here are some Tweets that capture the idea:

To St Charles Library & Beth Phillips for the social media expertise that inspired the kids to launch #StartsWithUs pic.twitter.com/twCBz3Rtsi
— Diane Stirling (@dstirling8) October 16, 2014

Students at Lafayette helped create the #startswithus campaign. Learn more: http://t.co/KLNEplG12b pic.twitter.com/h9VheftG2W
— Rockwood School Dist (@rockwoodschools) October 16, 2014

Make someone's day! If you get clipped w/ a clothespin, post a picture and pass it on! 😊 #PositivePost #StartsWithUs pic.twitter.com/nysxKQy1Uf
— Claudia Gallo (@Claudia_Gallo2) October 16, 2014

The idea has even spread to the St. Louis Rams:

Clothespins are the NEW black diamond earrings & gold chains. Find out why on @FOX2now #StartsWithUs @JOEL9ONE pic.twitter.com/QU4O2OAQyU
— Rampage Rams Mascot (@STLRampage) October 16, 2014

How can we be leaders against negativity and cyberbullying?  How can we fight the dark with light?

Inspired by St. Louis Ss using social media as force for good! Spread positivity online & off. #StartsWithUs pic.twitter.com/jXBGil9miU
— Adam Watson (@watsonedtech) October 16, 2014

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Spread positivity online and off, speak out against cyberbullying. #StartsWithUs

View on Instagram

You have to start somewhere.  One positive pinned message at a time.

@watsonedtech THANK YOU! Please join the cause and get your pins going in Shelby County KY too! #startswithus
— Stephanie Madlinger (@cyberteacher) October 16, 2014

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