Perspective on Neighbors from Steve Hartman's "On The Road"
Steve Hartman’s “On the Road” stories (on CBS) provide powerful insights into the essence of community engagement and the importance of human connection. Through his heartwarming and often inspiring narratives, Hartman showcases the transformative power of compassion, cooperation, and collective action in communities.
Steve Hartman’s “On the Road” stories teach us that community engagement thrives on empathy, storytelling, grassroots action, and collaboration. By sharing these uplifting tales, Hartman not only entertains but also inspires viewers to recognize the potential within themselves and their communities. Ultimately, his narratives remind us that through connection and cooperation, we can build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
APPLY THE VIDEOS
In the "engaged neighbor principles" that I created, I use the word REACH to outline some steps to take to become an engaged neighbor. Those include:
- Pursue reconciliation, offer forgiveness, and give my neighbors the benefit of the doubt.
- Focus on what is strong, not what is wrong.
- Include neighbors who are overlooked, marginalized, disabled, widowed or lonely.
I think one of the reasons I love Steve Hartman's work so much is that many of his stories re-enforce these ideas. And also showcase examples of community engagement, sometimes for no reason other than kindness, connection or relationship. I have to be reminded of this from time to time. And when I need a reminder, these are some of my favorite "On the Road Again" stories to watch.
1. Forgiveness among neighbors for a wrong
Confederate Flag Tears a Neighborhood Apart Before it Comes Together
2. Learning together with neighbors
Community learns sign language to engaged with a 2-year old
3. Empathy for an elderly neighbor
4. Organizing acts of kindness for neighbors
5. Neighbors become family
Neighbors adopt elderly neighbor
6. Connecting with the lonely (Missouri)
After a Heartfelt letter, Neighbor Steps in to be a Friend
7. Every day is a good day to be thankful
8. Pulling a Neighborhood Together
9. Compassion knows no age limit
Elderly man with dementia meets his neighbors
10. Recognizing dedication as a virtue (Missouri)
Missouri school names elementary after its custodian
11. Forgiving past mistakes
How a mom invited her son's killer to live nextdoor
12. Importance of tradition and connection (St. Louis)
13. Neighborhood Watch
The opposite of yelling "get off my lawn."
14. Take Time to Slow Down
Taps Brings Neighborhood to a Halt
15. Kindness Matters
It is alright to be kind - four 20 year olds and an old lady
16. Watching out for the other
Neighbor subs in for a soldier's son
17. Friendship Brings a Two Men Together
Friendship Built on a High Five
18. Just Show Up - for 70 years
19. Window on the World
Quinn's Illness Keeps him Indoors
WHAT ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
So let's imagine that Steve Hartman calls you. He is going to be in your neighborhood next week. What story is he going to tell about your neighborhood? Will the story focus on indifference or anger or division? Or are their virtues and changes or neighborhood connections that might be the focus of the story?
Your story and the story of your neighborhood deserves to be told. But before it is told you need to decide what you want it to be and what you can do to change the current neighborhood or community narrative. Today is a great day to start.
MORE INFORMATION
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
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