A Place of Our Own
By: Annie White, PhD
Fred Rogers often talked about the importance of relationships. He said “I’m firmly convinced that it’s through relationships we grow best – and learn best.” This month, the Fred Rogers Institute hosted its fourth annual Work of Fred Rogers conference welcoming 250 attendees from 26 states and 3 countries.
One of themes that emerged throughout the two days was the power of being present. Slowing down, being together, prioritizing conversation, and taking time to listen. This happened in formal ways during presentations on mindfulness and kindness, the human side of care, the art of the “pause,” and others. One keynote speaker, Michelle Figlar, shared about “compassionate leadership” which prioritizes listening first to those you lead. Finding moments to be present also happened organically among attendees. Participants shared about their lives and work with one another during lunches, sessions, and breaks. In fact, making genuine connections with others at the conference was one of the top reasons that attendees appreciated being there.
One of themes that emerged throughout the two days was the power of being present. Slowing down, being together, prioritizing conversation, and taking time to listen. This happened in formal ways during presentations on mindfulness and kindness, the human side of care, the art of the “pause,” and others. One keynote speaker, Michelle Figlar, shared about “compassionate leadership” which prioritizes listening first to those you lead. Finding moments to be present also happened organically among attendees. Participants shared about their lives and work with one another during lunches, sessions, and breaks. In fact, making genuine connections with others at the conference was one of the top reasons that attendees appreciated being there.
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A conference is a unique setting through which simple interactions can occur. It is a moment when people from different places and backgrounds come together to share and learn. At the Work of Fred Rogers Conference, we saw connections being formed, interesting questions and intentional responses, invitations to join in new conversations, and many opportunities for professional and personal growth. The relationships that have grown from this conference are creating a community of professionals dedicated to being present and learning with one another.
Archive Item
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By: Emily Uhrin
Fred Rogers was able to establish seemingly personal relationships with each of his millions of television viewers. So many people saw him as their neighbor and friend. Every time Fred looked into the camera to communicate his messages, he imagined just one person on the other side of the lens, looking back at him and joining in the conversation. This practice allowed Fred to connect with viewers in an interpersonal way, as he took into account what viewers might be thinking or feeling while watching the television visit. This early record album emphasizes that idea that Mister Rogers could be a friend to any child—or adult—who needed to hear his voice and songs. It invites listeners to have some alone time with their television neighbor. Songs include “A Lonely Kind of Thing,” “You Will Not Go,” “I Did Too,” and “I Need You.” With the many records, cassettes, and CDs that Fred Rogers produced, he included narration to provide context to the songs and help the albums flow like a conversation. This record album is just one of thousands of items in the Fred Rogers Archive that highlight his ability to communicate with both children and adults. |