MISSOURI — University of Missouri Extension’s Engaged Neighbor program revolves around various community-focused programs, speakers, and events that emphasize the importance of creating positive neighbor relationships.
The most popular program focuses on National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28). This year will be the fourth year for a good neighbor day program in southwest Missouri. But according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension, 2022 will be different and bigger.
“As part of that celebration, I am looking to expand our good neighbor campaign statewide,” said Burton. “I call it Missouri Good Neighbor Week.”
But to make the expansion possible, Burton needs “neighborhood connectors” in Missouri counties. Those connectors will have some specific and fun duties.
• Help spread the word about Missouri Good Neighbor Week in their community.
• Help judge great neighboring submissions and good neighbor nominations in their county (made via the MU Extension website and sent to them for review).
• Secure a sponsor or two to fund small local awards with cash or gift cards. Burton says county MU Extension councils should be your first partner request.
• Present awards to the winners in your county and document those winners with photos.
Individuals willing to learn more about serving as a neighboring connector in your county for Missouri Good Neighbor Week should register for an online connector training set for June 16.
You can do that registration online at https://extension.missouri.edu by searching for Missouri Good Neighbor Week Connector Training in the website search bar.
“My long-term vision is to be able to fund part-time neighborhood connectors who help develop neighboring connections in their neighborhood or, in some cases, their small town. This model has been used successfully in a few towns across the nation and in apartment complexes by an organization known as ApartmentLife,” said Burton. “Based on the neighborhood pilot project we had in 2021 and 2022, I am convinced that this is the model we need to pursue for long-term impact.”
Persons interested in National Good Neighbor Day efforts in Missouri can read here about the success we had in 2021 in this media release: https://extension.missouri.edu/news/neighboring-challenge-logs-5-579-acts-of-neighboring-in-state-greene-county-prizewinners-announced-5368
MORE INFORMATION
Neighboring is the art and skill of building relationships with the people who live in the closest proximity to you. Being a good neighbor offers tremendous health benefits, leads to reductions in crime, reduces loneliness, improves communities, and improves your quality of life.
University of Missouri Extension is at the forefront of a national movement recognizing the importance of neighboring in community development. MU Extension is offering classes like “Neighboring 101” and “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” along with two annual neighboring events as a way to raise awareness and encourage others to focus on neighbors.
To learn more about our “Engaged Neighbor” program or the impact of neighboring, go online to https://extension.missouri.edu or contact David Burton by email burtond@missouri.edu or telephone at (417) 881-8909. “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” can also be found on Facebook.