Welcome to another episode of A Good Pour! Today, we have the wonderful Rachel Allison, co-founder of Stay Positive News, and I’m excited to share that we’re joined by Ryelynn Powers, one of our interns here at Good Circle Marketing. This is Ryelynn’s first time co-hosting, and she’s chosen Stay Positive News for her Good Project.
Stay Positive News is an uplifting resource focusing on local, good news stories right here in Sumner and Robertson County, Tennessee. Rachel and her team work to counter the overwhelming negativity often seen in mainstream media, offering a daily dose of positivity, inspiration, and community stories that make a difference. Ryelynn’s work with Rachel will bring awareness to this important cause, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of it.
The Need for Positive News
Rachel shares that one of the driving forces behind Stay Positive News was the realization that negative news far outweighs the good in our daily feeds. After researching the statistics, she discovered a staggering 17 bad news stories for every positive one. And let’s face it—bad news can feel overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. That’s why Stay Positive News set out to offer something different—a dedicated space for stories that celebrate the good happening in our own backyard.
“We want people to see that there is good happening in our community every single day,” Rachel says, and it’s clear from the way she speaks that this is a mission she’s deeply passionate about. Whether it’s a neighbor helping another, a local charity event, or a small act of kindness, Stay Positive News shines a light on the people and businesses that make our community better.
Spreading Positivity Through Stories
What I love most about Stay Positive News is how local these stories are. Readers recognize the names and faces featured in these articles—it’s about their neighbors, their teachers, and their local heroes. This sense of connection is powerful. As Rachel shared, “When you know the person in the article, you’re more likely to share it. And that’s how the positive news spreads.”
And the more we share, the more we improve our community’s collective mood. Even if we’re just scrolling past a headline, it’s a moment of joy in the middle of our busy day.
The Impact of Good Work
Rachel’s mission is already having a profound effect. One example is how followers of Stay Positive News have reported a shift in their newsfeeds—by following the positive content, the algorithm begins to suggest more of the same. A small action can lead to a bigger change.
But it’s not just digital content that’s making a difference. Stay Positive News also supports local fundraisers and events. For example, when a family needs help or a community group organizes a fundraiser, Stay Positive News amplifies those efforts, getting the word out to people who can help.
One of the most exciting initiatives on the horizon is the upcoming charity event in November to raise funds for Christmas gifts for foster children. The goal is $330,000 to buy presents for 150 kids in foster care. It’s a big undertaking, but Rachel and her team are determined to make it a reality, and they’re already well on their way.
Business Meets Purpose
As a business owner, Rachel is faced with the challenge of balancing her mission of spreading positivity with the financial realities of running a business. She explained, “If we want to keep existing as a business, we have to do things that bring in money.”
To support Stay Positive News financially, Rachel has built partnerships with local businesses that share her vision. In exchange for financial support, these businesses receive exposure on the website and through social media platforms. She also offers additional services like video footage and editorial pieces, helping them market their own good work.
By creating these win-win relationships, Rachel is able to continue growing Stay Positive News while ensuring it remains sustainable.
Encouraging Others to Get Involved
As Stay Positive News continues to expand, Rachel invites the community to get involved in a variety of ways. People can contribute by sharing their stories, nominating local leaders for the Legacy Awards, or simply following the page on social media. As Ryland shared from her own experience, “We had so many positive first impressions at our booth, and people were excited to know that something like this exists in our community.”
In fact, Rachel’s positivity challenge encourages followers to take small, meaningful actions every week, like writing thank-you notes or showing gratitude in simple ways. These acts ripple out, making the world feel a little warmer and more connected.
The Ripple Effect of Positivity
Stay Positive News proves that good work is not just about the big, headline-worthy moments but also the everyday actions that keep communities thriving. It’s about sharing stories, lifting each other up, and recognizing the goodness all around us. As Rachel puts it, “When we all invest in spreading positivity, it amplifies the good in the world.”
I’m so grateful to have Rachel on this episode to share her journey, and I’m thrilled to see what more is to come from Stay Positive News. If you’re in Sumner or Robertson County, consider how you can contribute, support, and spread the word. Let’s continue to pour out good work—one positive story at a time.