Ronnie PolaneczkyWhat I DoI edit the UpSide, covering good news and the best in us. I also write and speak about the benefits of using positive psychology to shape our stories.(215) 854-2217Neither the pandemic nor cancer can keep the Dance Happy design team from thrivingDance Happy Designs has emerged from the pandemic - and a co-owner's leukemia diagnosis last year - stronger than ever.Ronnie Polaneczky May 13, 2021Link copied to clipboardServing others has taught this house-cleaner that ‘loving people isn’t as hard as I thought it was’One man told her, "You cannot have expectations of us because we’re going to let you down every time." Her response: "I’m going to love people anyway, because somebody has to."Ronnie Polaneczky March 3, 2021Link copied to clipboardThe pandemic wiped out this Philly pawn shop’s big party but not its staying powerThe coronavirus is no match against the longtime success of Carver W. Reed & Co. at 10th and Sansom.Ronnie Polaneczky Oct. 14, 2020Link copied to clipboardThe Commencement: Be inspired by these 2020 graduates from the Philadelphia regionMeet a handful of hard-working local 2020 graduates who have done the Philadelphia region proud.Ronnie Polaneczky June 7, 2020Link copied to clipboardTo the Class of 2020: We want to hear your storiesThe UpSide is soliciting first-person tales of achievement and perseverance from 2020 graduates, to be celebrated in The Commencement, coming in June to The Inquirer.Ronnie Polaneczky April 28, 2020Link copied to clipboardUnion carpenters create free custom doghouses for the Pennsylvania SPCA“And I thought, who better than union carpenters union to build high-quality, amazing doghouses that are up to the city and state code standards?” Mandy Hood said.Ronnie Polaneczky March 18, 2020Link copied to clipboardBringing neurodiversity to the workplace: 5 tips from the pros"You just have to be committed to making it happen by continually inviting core staff into the decision-making process.”Ronnie Polaneczky Nov. 13, 2019Link copied to clipboardThey’ve shared a friendship for five years. Now they’re sharing a home.“I’m honored by the trust families put in us," he said. "Some people dread going into work. Every day for me feels like a privilege.”Ronnie Polaneczky April 2, 2021Link copied to clipboardThis high-school sex educator just snagged a $250,000 grant to teach kids about consent. It’s not what you think.“What we’re really talking about is helping people grow in their respect for others, recognizing their humanity, not treating them like objects. I think those are hard things to object to.”Ronnie Polaneczky Feb. 18, 2021Link copied to clipboardPhiladelphia’s Fire Commissioner stores funeral cards in his hat, to keep firefighters’ lives top of mindAt a memorial service four years ago, he tucked a funeral card in his hat for safekeeping. The hat now bulges with dozens of cards from Fire Department employee funerals.Ronnie Polaneczky Aug. 5, 2020Link copied to clipboardEnglish was not their first language, but these graduating Northeast High seniors write like American poetsAfter he crossed the southern border into America, one student wrote of feeling “as if I could fly, as a bird to her mountain.” And he realized he had not left all of himself behind, because “my heart, kindness, and intelligence have no borders.”Ronnie Polaneczky June 7, 2020Link copied to clipboardWhen the only thing that makes sense is kindnessIs anyone else weeping a lot? I am. This isn’t depression or sadness. I’m weeping over the aching beauty of the human condition, how much this world loves and needs us, how instinctively we hunger for connection — and how, when push comes to shove, we rush to help the people cut off from it.Ronnie Polaneczky April 3, 2020Link copied to clipboardHaving a dog means you have a story to tellThe day Blackie the dog moved in, my kid’s heart exploded in joy — and my own heart exploded in wonder. Blackie rounded out our family in ways I never knew were necessary until she loped through our house like she already knew its rooms.Ronnie Polaneczky March 18, 2020Link copied to clipboardWithout a Wawa manager’s decision 40 years ago, 500 special-needs adults wouldn’t have jobs todayWawa's deep commitment to workers of all abilities helps it stand out in the marketplace.Ronnie Polaneczky Nov. 13, 2019Link copied to clipboardThriving post-pandemic will take time, patience, and grace. I’m up for it.As the world opens back up, I’ve been trying to stretch my arms wide enough to hold all that’s happened during this time — the grief and the gifts.Ronnie Polaneczky March 19, 2021Link copied to clipboardUpdates on 11 UpSide stories that resonated with readers in 2020Through it all, UpSide shared hundreds of tales that reminded us of our essential goodness, ingenuity, courage, and humanity.Ronnie Polaneczky Dec. 26, 2020Link copied to clipboardSummertime means wooder iceThe flavor of summer returns.Ronnie Polaneczky June 19, 2020Link copied to clipboardThe UpShot: Photo by David MaialettiAn out-of-work ice sculptor is creating masterpieces as "guerrilla art" and placing them around the city.Ronnie Polaneczky May 16, 2020Link copied to clipboardHow much does that doggie in the window want a walk? This family knows. What began as a bar mitzvah project for one young boy has turned into a passion project for his entire family.Ronnie Polaneczky March 25, 2020Link copied to clipboardTheir tote bags sold out at Aerie — proving what people with disabilities can doWhen one of their bags disappeared from the Aerie website, they worried they'd done something wrong. The real reason it was gone? "It sold out!"Ronnie Polaneczky Jan. 11, 2020Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
Neither the pandemic nor cancer can keep the Dance Happy design team from thrivingDance Happy Designs has emerged from the pandemic - and a co-owner's leukemia diagnosis last year - stronger than ever.Ronnie Polaneczky May 13, 2021Link copied to clipboard
Neither the pandemic nor cancer can keep the Dance Happy design team from thrivingDance Happy Designs has emerged from the pandemic - and a co-owner's leukemia diagnosis last year - stronger than ever.Ronnie Polaneczky May 13, 2021Link copied to clipboard
Serving others has taught this house-cleaner that ‘loving people isn’t as hard as I thought it was’One man told her, "You cannot have expectations of us because we’re going to let you down every time." Her response: "I’m going to love people anyway, because somebody has to."Ronnie Polaneczky March 3, 2021Link copied to clipboard
Serving others has taught this house-cleaner that ‘loving people isn’t as hard as I thought it was’One man told her, "You cannot have expectations of us because we’re going to let you down every time." Her response: "I’m going to love people anyway, because somebody has to."Ronnie Polaneczky March 3, 2021Link copied to clipboard
The pandemic wiped out this Philly pawn shop’s big party but not its staying powerThe coronavirus is no match against the longtime success of Carver W. Reed & Co. at 10th and Sansom.Ronnie Polaneczky Oct. 14, 2020Link copied to clipboard
The pandemic wiped out this Philly pawn shop’s big party but not its staying powerThe coronavirus is no match against the longtime success of Carver W. Reed & Co. at 10th and Sansom.Ronnie Polaneczky Oct. 14, 2020Link copied to clipboard
The Commencement: Be inspired by these 2020 graduates from the Philadelphia regionMeet a handful of hard-working local 2020 graduates who have done the Philadelphia region proud.Ronnie Polaneczky June 7, 2020Link copied to clipboard
The Commencement: Be inspired by these 2020 graduates from the Philadelphia regionMeet a handful of hard-working local 2020 graduates who have done the Philadelphia region proud.Ronnie Polaneczky June 7, 2020Link copied to clipboard
To the Class of 2020: We want to hear your storiesThe UpSide is soliciting first-person tales of achievement and perseverance from 2020 graduates, to be celebrated in The Commencement, coming in June to The Inquirer.Ronnie Polaneczky April 28, 2020Link copied to clipboard
To the Class of 2020: We want to hear your storiesThe UpSide is soliciting first-person tales of achievement and perseverance from 2020 graduates, to be celebrated in The Commencement, coming in June to The Inquirer.Ronnie Polaneczky April 28, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Union carpenters create free custom doghouses for the Pennsylvania SPCA“And I thought, who better than union carpenters union to build high-quality, amazing doghouses that are up to the city and state code standards?” Mandy Hood said.Ronnie Polaneczky March 18, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Union carpenters create free custom doghouses for the Pennsylvania SPCA“And I thought, who better than union carpenters union to build high-quality, amazing doghouses that are up to the city and state code standards?” Mandy Hood said.Ronnie Polaneczky March 18, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Bringing neurodiversity to the workplace: 5 tips from the pros"You just have to be committed to making it happen by continually inviting core staff into the decision-making process.”Ronnie Polaneczky Nov. 13, 2019Link copied to clipboard
Bringing neurodiversity to the workplace: 5 tips from the pros"You just have to be committed to making it happen by continually inviting core staff into the decision-making process.”Ronnie Polaneczky Nov. 13, 2019Link copied to clipboard
They’ve shared a friendship for five years. Now they’re sharing a home.“I’m honored by the trust families put in us," he said. "Some people dread going into work. Every day for me feels like a privilege.”Ronnie Polaneczky April 2, 2021Link copied to clipboard
They’ve shared a friendship for five years. Now they’re sharing a home.“I’m honored by the trust families put in us," he said. "Some people dread going into work. Every day for me feels like a privilege.”Ronnie Polaneczky April 2, 2021Link copied to clipboard
This high-school sex educator just snagged a $250,000 grant to teach kids about consent. It’s not what you think.“What we’re really talking about is helping people grow in their respect for others, recognizing their humanity, not treating them like objects. I think those are hard things to object to.”Ronnie Polaneczky Feb. 18, 2021Link copied to clipboard
This high-school sex educator just snagged a $250,000 grant to teach kids about consent. It’s not what you think.“What we’re really talking about is helping people grow in their respect for others, recognizing their humanity, not treating them like objects. I think those are hard things to object to.”Ronnie Polaneczky Feb. 18, 2021Link copied to clipboard
Philadelphia’s Fire Commissioner stores funeral cards in his hat, to keep firefighters’ lives top of mindAt a memorial service four years ago, he tucked a funeral card in his hat for safekeeping. The hat now bulges with dozens of cards from Fire Department employee funerals.Ronnie Polaneczky Aug. 5, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Philadelphia’s Fire Commissioner stores funeral cards in his hat, to keep firefighters’ lives top of mindAt a memorial service four years ago, he tucked a funeral card in his hat for safekeeping. The hat now bulges with dozens of cards from Fire Department employee funerals.Ronnie Polaneczky Aug. 5, 2020Link copied to clipboard
English was not their first language, but these graduating Northeast High seniors write like American poetsAfter he crossed the southern border into America, one student wrote of feeling “as if I could fly, as a bird to her mountain.” And he realized he had not left all of himself behind, because “my heart, kindness, and intelligence have no borders.”Ronnie Polaneczky June 7, 2020Link copied to clipboard
English was not their first language, but these graduating Northeast High seniors write like American poetsAfter he crossed the southern border into America, one student wrote of feeling “as if I could fly, as a bird to her mountain.” And he realized he had not left all of himself behind, because “my heart, kindness, and intelligence have no borders.”Ronnie Polaneczky June 7, 2020Link copied to clipboard
When the only thing that makes sense is kindnessIs anyone else weeping a lot? I am. This isn’t depression or sadness. I’m weeping over the aching beauty of the human condition, how much this world loves and needs us, how instinctively we hunger for connection — and how, when push comes to shove, we rush to help the people cut off from it.Ronnie Polaneczky April 3, 2020Link copied to clipboard
When the only thing that makes sense is kindnessIs anyone else weeping a lot? I am. This isn’t depression or sadness. I’m weeping over the aching beauty of the human condition, how much this world loves and needs us, how instinctively we hunger for connection — and how, when push comes to shove, we rush to help the people cut off from it.Ronnie Polaneczky April 3, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Having a dog means you have a story to tellThe day Blackie the dog moved in, my kid’s heart exploded in joy — and my own heart exploded in wonder. Blackie rounded out our family in ways I never knew were necessary until she loped through our house like she already knew its rooms.Ronnie Polaneczky March 18, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Having a dog means you have a story to tellThe day Blackie the dog moved in, my kid’s heart exploded in joy — and my own heart exploded in wonder. Blackie rounded out our family in ways I never knew were necessary until she loped through our house like she already knew its rooms.Ronnie Polaneczky March 18, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Without a Wawa manager’s decision 40 years ago, 500 special-needs adults wouldn’t have jobs todayWawa's deep commitment to workers of all abilities helps it stand out in the marketplace.Ronnie Polaneczky Nov. 13, 2019Link copied to clipboard
Without a Wawa manager’s decision 40 years ago, 500 special-needs adults wouldn’t have jobs todayWawa's deep commitment to workers of all abilities helps it stand out in the marketplace.Ronnie Polaneczky Nov. 13, 2019Link copied to clipboard
Thriving post-pandemic will take time, patience, and grace. I’m up for it.As the world opens back up, I’ve been trying to stretch my arms wide enough to hold all that’s happened during this time — the grief and the gifts.Ronnie Polaneczky March 19, 2021Link copied to clipboard
Thriving post-pandemic will take time, patience, and grace. I’m up for it.As the world opens back up, I’ve been trying to stretch my arms wide enough to hold all that’s happened during this time — the grief and the gifts.Ronnie Polaneczky March 19, 2021Link copied to clipboard
Updates on 11 UpSide stories that resonated with readers in 2020Through it all, UpSide shared hundreds of tales that reminded us of our essential goodness, ingenuity, courage, and humanity.Ronnie Polaneczky Dec. 26, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Updates on 11 UpSide stories that resonated with readers in 2020Through it all, UpSide shared hundreds of tales that reminded us of our essential goodness, ingenuity, courage, and humanity.Ronnie Polaneczky Dec. 26, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Summertime means wooder iceThe flavor of summer returns.Ronnie Polaneczky June 19, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Summertime means wooder iceThe flavor of summer returns.Ronnie Polaneczky June 19, 2020Link copied to clipboard
The UpShot: Photo by David MaialettiAn out-of-work ice sculptor is creating masterpieces as "guerrilla art" and placing them around the city.Ronnie Polaneczky May 16, 2020Link copied to clipboard
The UpShot: Photo by David MaialettiAn out-of-work ice sculptor is creating masterpieces as "guerrilla art" and placing them around the city.Ronnie Polaneczky May 16, 2020Link copied to clipboard
How much does that doggie in the window want a walk? This family knows. What began as a bar mitzvah project for one young boy has turned into a passion project for his entire family.Ronnie Polaneczky March 25, 2020Link copied to clipboard
How much does that doggie in the window want a walk? This family knows. What began as a bar mitzvah project for one young boy has turned into a passion project for his entire family.Ronnie Polaneczky March 25, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Their tote bags sold out at Aerie — proving what people with disabilities can doWhen one of their bags disappeared from the Aerie website, they worried they'd done something wrong. The real reason it was gone? "It sold out!"Ronnie Polaneczky Jan. 11, 2020Link copied to clipboard
Their tote bags sold out at Aerie — proving what people with disabilities can doWhen one of their bags disappeared from the Aerie website, they worried they'd done something wrong. The real reason it was gone? "It sold out!"Ronnie Polaneczky Jan. 11, 2020Link copied to clipboard