I found an argument in a random e-newsletter that provides a presentation 'hook'

Just in time, a newsletter from an Atlantic magazine writer named Tom Nichols arrived in my inbox yesterday, and though it focused on big picture American politics it provided a foundation for me to work with as tomorrow's presentation looms.

His post ended with the following four statements that he offered as a starting point for bringing the nation back together (slowly, perhaps):

1. For anything to work at almost any level of government, citizens first have to accept that they live in a community.
2. They have to begin with an assumption that finding common ground for solutions, however imperfect they may be, is possible.
3. They have to believe that other human beings are sensible and amenable to goodwill.
4. And they need to be honest about the past, and to dispense with false nostalgia.

What if we asked our own students to consider everything they do in media with the above four statements in mind? What if the way we structure our classes and our curriculum considered the four statements?

From #1, we might focus on our built-in community of interest -- our school -- and keep in mind that the vast majority of students and teachers are actually OK with being there and want things to get better. Unlike mass media, we have the opportunity to really get to know our audience and the various interests that audience possesses. We may be frustrated by the slow pace of change in a state or nation, but can often see positive change happen in real time on our campus.

From #2, we might think more deeply about how to find solutions and how our students can avoid the trap of constant criticism and focusing on what is not working. Yes, news tends to be "bad news," but our lives are not unremittingly disastrous, day after day. And we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

From #3, we need to think more about what we encounter in our hallways and classrooms and athletic arenas and realize that most people are pretty good the way they are. We really wouldn't want everyone to think and act exactly like us, would we? Who wants a world of identical androids?

From #4, the key is to recognize that the "golden age" or whatever that means to us, had plenty of flaws and problems and disappointments. That includes our somewhat misty memories of school prior to 2020. And let's face it: we aren't going back to whatever we had.

Teachers/advisers likely have more difficulties with the above than most students, who have an indispensable optimism and faith in the future. We educators need to tap into those energies.

So what might we expect if we focus on those four foundational statements? 

Less cynicism and whining. More suggestions for solutions or progress. Less cancelling and more trust, even though there may be disappointments along the way.

Less longing for the “golden years” and more focus on what can come in the future.

Less “global” and more “local” -- use a tightened focus to share helpful, inspiring, enlightening, and personal stories from our school community.

Maybe the Nichols article fed my "confirmation bias," but I don't really care. 

The event is tomorrow.