Beautiful day in the neighborhood

Many Americans grew up watching “Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,” which first aired in February 1968 and ran for almost 900 episodes, until 2001.

On the show, the little red trolley took viewers in and out of a neighborhood of make-believe. People helped one another, were aware of one another’s struggles and challenges, and grew to be better together.

"The show set the bar for how neighbors should treat one another, and taught us that asking for help and helping one another is just the normal and right thing to do," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. 

The real world of work and family and community can be stressful. Some days, adults may want to escape to a world of make-believe for the fantasy of a “beautiful day in the neighborhood.”

"But, how much better to take the lessons learned from this extraordinary man and make every day in our own neighborhood as beautiful? Mr. Rogers conveyed so many valuable lessons," said Burton. "In fact, several of his lessons stand out as qualities essential to good leadership."

Respect.  To Mr. Rogers, everyone deserved his attention and respect. Even more, creating an environment where respect for others is the norm, and everyone is supported to do their best.

"If we are to be good leaders, treating everyone with respect is fundamental. After all, a healthy neighborhood has people with all sorts of gifts and abilities working together; teaching one another and learning from one another at the same time." said Burton.

Fred Rogers said it this way: “Every person in the whole world is different than everybody else, yet we can still love each other. Because the most important things about us are inside of us.  It’s what’s inside of us that matters most.”

Be Teachable. Mr. Rogers taught that no one is perfect. No matter how young or old we are, let us continue to encourage each other to stay open to learning and growing together.

"It is okay to try something and not be great at it. None of us can learn without making mistakes," said Burton.

Work hard and have fun.  Mr. Rogers encouraged his viewers to work hard at something they would like to do.  Because in doing so, they would be proud of themselves and have fun.

Responsibility. "We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. There are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes," said Rogers.

Be genuine. Be the best person you can be. Mr. Rogers inspired us all to be better people, but also reminded us that "there’s only one person in this whole world like you." Be the best version of who you were created to be. That will be exactly what is needed.

"The advice of Mr. Rogers seems so simple and ordinary. The hope is that we will live in a neighborhood that is extraordinary in the ordinary things of respect, teachability and responsibility. Let us build a community together that supports one another to work and play and grow into the best of what we can be," said Burton.

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Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.