Guest View: Look for the helpers

Fred Rogers, from the beloved children’s show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, once recalled how his mother comforted him during frightening times. “Look for the helpers,” she would say, reminding him of the people who, even in the worst situations, step up to help those in need. Many of those helpers recently returned home after restoring power in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, where entire towns were torn apart, homes were flooded, and millions faced the grueling uncertainty of days, even weeks, without power.

For millions across the South, those helpers came in the form of lineworkers — 88 of whom traveled from 20 Minnesota cooperatives to bring power, safety, and a sense of normalcy back to devastated communities. For those of us in Minnesota, who know how crucial electricity is during a storm, we can appreciate this dedication. These Minnesota lineworkers didn’t just restore electricity; they restored hope to people they had never met. Packing up their gear, leaving their families, and driving hundreds of miles into hard-hit areas, they faced the daunting task of rebuilding in difficult conditions.

With the Southern recovery now complete, the dedication of these lineworkers continues here at home. As another Minnesota winter approaches, they’re ready for our worst storms — blizzards, ice storms, and freezing cold temperatures. When an extended outage could spell disaster, these lineworkers will be the ones braving hazardous roads, downed lines, and ice-slicked poles to keep the heat on and families safe.

For those of us in rural Minnesota, we know the importance of this local commitment. Just like other emergency responders, lineworkers are ready to put others first. During severe weather events, they are on the front lines, working to bring security and warmth back to our homes.

The dedication of lineworkers and first responders represents the best of us — people driven by a sense of responsibility to help those in crisis, whether it’s a family waiting for lights to flicker back on in a Minnesota town or a hurricane-stricken neighborhood hundreds of miles away.

As we look ahead to winter, it’s also a reminder for all of us to be ready. Having a winter preparedness plan — whether a backup heat source, extra blankets, or emergency supplies — can make all the difference when facing a storm. And as we prepare, let’s take a moment to recognize the quiet heroism of those who brave the storms for others, both near and far. They remind us that communities, whether next door or across the country, are bound by shared strength and resilience.

In looking for the helpers, we see the best of our cooperative spirit, making a difference, one connection at a time.

Writer Darrick Moe is the president and CEO of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, the Minnesota statewide association representing 50 not-for-profit, member-owned rural electric cooperatives.