The Compassion Games on United Way of King County's Day of Caring, September 21

Our society is fascinated by entertainers, sports heroes and lawbreakers. Glance at the “most read” list on most any online news site and you’ll find it overwhelmingly populated with articles that are variations on those themes.

 In this election year we’re also frequently reminded about our political and social divides. Yes, there are important issues and real divisions, but that’s an old story, and it’s demoralizing. Rather than spurring u to action, our continual political stalemates deflate us into non-action, isolation, and cynicism.

A new project asks residents of the Seattle area to tell the positive stories that are meaningful to them and that will inspire others to get involved in our community.

 It’s a story contest that is part of the Compassion Games sponsored by Compassionate Seattle and United Way of King County, with support from the City of Seattle and King County

 We figure if people are talking about the good things they do, we will inspire our neighbors to make our community a safer, kinder, more just and better place to live. To that end, winners will be named in six different categories, including youth, those working to provide basic needs, faith communities, education and business.

These stories can involve past experiences of compassion, or experiences of compassion that occur during the Games. Submission starts Sept. 21 and ends Nov. 1. Compassion can take many forms, but think of it as a commitment to appreciate and treat with respect all individuals we encounter, and to alleviate suffering when and where we encounter it. How and where have you seen compassion demonstrated? How can you best tell this story?

All stories will be displayed on the Compassion Games website as well as the Voices in Education website, becoming online galleries of acts of kindness and compassion. The stories can be text, video, MP3 or photography. Submission information is available on the web site.

The Compassion Games also includes community service projects and other activities designed to involve people in doing good works in the community, starting with United Way of King County’s Day of Caring on Sept. 21.