Positive People USA cover art

Positive People USA

Positive People USA

Written by: Mr. Positive M.A. B.Soc.Sci. CIT PEL A.A.S. – Paralegal
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To be a guest on Positive People USA and share what you're doing that's positive call 773-809-8594 or email educatorsocialscience@gmail.com

"Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail.” Ruby Bridges

Disclaimer: PP USA does not endorse any businesses and/or other works on our episodes.

"During struggles, always ask, 'What can I do?'—never, 'What can't I do?'"

In a time when negativity dominates headlines and feeds, this podcast exists to spotlight the people who choose to build, heal, and uplift. Each episode features someone doing real work in their community—whether through service, creativity, activism, or everyday kindness.

Each episode is a living archive of purpose: authors, business owners, artists, activists and others who transform struggle into service and creativity into community.

This is the "Positive People Podcast." Personal. Pervasive. Permanent. Because positivity isn’t a mood—it’s a movement.

Mr. Positive is an award-winning educator, curriculum designer, and transformative leader with over 15 years of experience spanning secondary education, juvenile justice, and strategic community engagement. As a licensed Social Studies educator and certified trainer, he has developed a culturally responsive curriculum, mentored educators, and led initiatives that drive systemic change across schools and civic institutions.

He has designed and taught more than eight elective courses—including Leadership, Race in America, and Community Organizing—while increasing student achievement and reducing disciplinary incidents through trauma-informed, inclusive instruction. His legislative advocacy has led to the introduction of House Files and secured over $355,000 in funding for student-centered programs. As Dean of Students and Director of Public Relations, he rebranded school identity, built strategic partnerships, and led restorative practice training for staff.

His impact extends beyond the classroom. Mr. Positive served nearly a decade as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Paralegal with Ramsey County Corrections, earning multiple awards for innovation and service. His professional background also includes roles as Legal Clinic Manager, Veterans Case Manager, Urban Elder Teacher Coach, Park Police and Military Police Officer—each reflecting a deep commitment to public service and educational empowerment.

As a creative force, Mr. Positive is the author of two books published through iUniverse Publishing, both available at major retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. His gospel album, Keep Your Faith in God, was reissued by Numer Records and is also available at leading record stores and online platforms. His creative work blends spiritual resilience with social commentary, offering inspiration rooted in lived experience.

He has been honored with induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Pillsbury United Communities Service Award, and multiple commendations from Ramsey County Corrections, the U.S. Army, and Minnesota civic institutions. He chaired the Governor’s Legacy Committee, overseeing $240,000 in arts grants with a perfect audit, and led youth civic engagement projects resulting in legislative wins.

Mr. Positive: MA in Advocacy and Leadership, a BA in Social Sciences and Counseling Psychology, an AAS in Paralegal and Law Enforcement, and Secondary Education Licensure. He is currently pursuing graduate studies in Adult Education. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • ICE AGENTS: Support and Deport

    ICE AGENTS: Support and Deport
    Jan 10 2026

    Mr. Positive Contact. 773-809-8594

    Condensed Lesson Plan: Public Conduct During Immigration Enforcement

    Learning Objectives (2)

    1. Understand why non‑interference with federal officers is required during enforcement operations.
    2. Identify safe, lawful methods for recording and reporting enforcement activity.

    Learning Outcomes (2)

    1. Participants will explain the risks and legal consequences of interfering with an arrest.
    2. Participants will demonstrate how to document an incident safely and submit concerns through proper channels.

    Lesson Sequence (2 per section)

    1. Non‑Interference

    • Interference endangers officers, subjects, and bystanders.
    • Approaching or distracting officers during an arrest may violate federal or state law.

    Examples

    • Correct: Observing from a distance without engaging officers.
    • Incorrect: Attempting to speak to the detained individual during the arrest.

    2. Safe and Lawful Recording

    • Recording is permitted if it does not obstruct operations.
    • Maintain a safe distance and avoid blocking officer movement.

    Examples

    • Correct: Filming from across the street using zoom.
    • Incorrect: Stepping into the arrest area to get a closer angle.

    3. Recognizing Lawful vs. Questionable Conduct

    • Lawful conduct includes clear commands and controlled actions.
    • Questionable conduct includes unnecessary escalation or unclear procedures.

    Examples

    • Lawful: Officers giving clear verbal instructions.
    • Questionable: Force used after a subject is already restrained.

    4. Reasonable Force

    • Officers may use force proportionate to resistance or threat.
    • Use of force is serious and should not be trivialized.

    Examples

    • Reasonable: Restraining someone actively resisting.
    • Potentially Unreasonable: Striking a compliant subject.

    5. Reporting and Accountability

    • Submit documentation to oversight bodies or reputable media.
    • Reporting lawful conduct ensures accuracy and fairness.

    Examples

    • Correct: Providing unedited video with timestamps.
    • Incorrect: Posting misleading clips without context.

    Formative Assessment Tool (2‑part)

    Scenario‑Based Check

    Provide two short scenarios. For each, participants must identify:

    1. Whether the bystander’s behavior is lawful or interfering.
    2. Whether the officer’s conduct appears lawful, questionable, or unclear.

    Instructor Evaluation

    • Participant applies safe‑recording principles.
    • Participant identifies proper reporting steps.
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    13 mins
  • My Book: Electronic Introduction

    My Book: Electronic Introduction
    Dec 24 2025

    WE, US, OURS vs. I, MY, MINE.

    To give you an idea about my book—as many have requested—I’ve provided an e‑book interlude.

    For a copy go any bookstore online after January 2026 and/or email: educatorsocialscience@gmail.com

    Join my podcast. https://rss.com/podcasts/3ps-positive-people-podcast/
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Mayor Carter’s Upset Defeat — With Civic Lesson Plan

    Mayor Carter’s Upset Defeat — With Civic Lesson Plan
    Nov 5 2025

    Added Videos for the Lesson Plan: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZLRVFRf33vo?si=yYzHBlh3fViPt5Fj

    And: https://youtu.be/elg7fc9CKhg?si=BGizM2kfTw0ueduX

    🏛️ Civic Engagement Lesson Plan: “Your Voice, Your City”

    🎯 Learning Objective

    Participants will understand the structure and function of local government, identify current civic issues in their community, and develop strategies to engage effectively in local decision-making processes.

    🧠 Learning Outcomes

    By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

    • Describe the roles of key local government officials and departments Example: Explain the responsibilities of the mayor, city council, and public works department in St. Paul.
    • Identify one current issue affecting their community Example: Discuss the impact of rising property taxes or the closure of local grocery stores in Midway.
    • Analyze how local decisions impact daily life Example: Evaluate how rent control policies affect housing availability and affordability.
    • Develop a civic action plan to address a local issue Example: Create a plan to attend a city council meeting and speak about public transit improvements.
    • Demonstrate how to communicate effectively with elected representatives Example: Draft a letter to the mayor advocating for safer pedestrian crossings in their neighborhood.

    📝 Lesson Sequence

    1. Introduction (20 minutes)

    • Icebreaker: “What’s one thing you’d change in your city?”
    • Overview of local government structure
    • Discussion of recent local events (e.g., mayoral election, policy changes)

    2. Exploration (40 minutes)

    • Group activity: Map how a local issue (e.g., infrastructure repair) moves through city government
    • Research: Identify local representatives and their stated priorities

    3. Action Planning (60 minutes)

    • Workshop: Draft a civic action plan
      • Choose a community issue
      • Identify stakeholders
      • Plan outreach (letters, meetings, social media)
    • Role-play: Practice speaking at a city council meeting or writing to a representative

    4. Reflection & Wrap-Up (20 minutes)

    • Share action plans
    • Discuss barriers to civic engagement and strategies to overcome them
    • Encourage follow-up: Attend a real meeting or submit a letter

    ✅ Assessment Methods

    • Formative Assessment:
      • Participation in discussions and group activities
      • Completion of civic issue mapping
    • Summative Assessment:
      • Submission of a civic action plan
      • Reflection journal entry: “What did I learn about my role in local government?”

    Comments and/or to be a guest on the podcast call: 773-809-8594
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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