Aaron Judge & Digital4Good

Being Positive

What better way to enjoy your summer break than watching a ballgame…and hanging out with a ve-time MLB All-Star? This summer, young fans of the New York Yankees enjoyed a special opportunity to meet Aaron Judge and his mom, Patty, at two meet-and-greet events hosted by the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and the nonpro t organization Digital4Good x #ICANHELP.

Before facing off against the Oakland A’s in June and the Los Angeles Angels in July, the Yankees right elder spoke to students about the importance of spreading positivity on social media and addressing negativity.

Amidst the widespread toxicity that can be found online, Aaron chooses to focus on the positive. "I can see some pretty mean stuff...from people I don't know. That can get to me a little if I let it,” he shared. “So that's why I try to look at all the positive things I can on there—whether it's seeing a cool message about somebody helping an elderly lady cross the street, or somebody helping somebody in the classroom. Little positive stuff like that is what I really try to focus on to stay positive in a world that can be pretty negative at times."

When students encounter mean-spirited content on social media, Aaron’s advice is to shoot the bully a quick, yet respectful message telling them to stop. If they see someone having a bad day, check in on the person being targeted and offer support. "Little things like that…are really going to change social media and really change the world,” Aaron encouraged students. “It starts with you guys here...you guys are the future."

Patty Judge joined her son in meeting and greeting students at both events. Not only did she give valuable advice about promoting online positivity, she also shared memories of Aaron’s pre-MLB days. According to Patty, Aaron showed signs of being a talented athlete from the very beginning. As a P.E. teacher, she was quick to recognize his good hand-eye coordination. “I didn't know that he was going to be a pro, but I knew that he had a gift.”

After a round of group photos with Aaron, the students headed off to their seats to watch him in action on the eld—and those who attended the event in Oakland got to witness the Yankees pitching a perfect game!

Digital4Good x #ICANHELP is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering students to delete negativity on social media. Follow @icanhelpofficial on social media and visit www.icanhelp.net to learn more about how you can advocate for social responsibility and digital citizenship.