We Are Neighbors

  There is abundant evidence that social media makes people depressed, anxious, lonely, and unhappy.   Most studies find a positive correlation between time on social media and mental health problems, especially mood disorders (depression and anxiety). Fifty-five studies in one review found a significant correlation, and 11 had no relationship. Social media took off in 2010, and then we started to see its adverse effects shoot up among teens. Although teens may suffer the most, the American population isn’t doing well either. Why does social media cause these problems? We can’t say with absolute certainty, but as someone on the Internet before social media, I can guess what’s happening. 1) Toxic communication. Believe it or not, Internet forums and chat rooms didn’t use to be toxic. Today, if your Tweet goes viral, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you get hundreds of likes and others call you a dirty name. It’s poison for your mind, and it can make you sick. 2) Destroyin...

  Serving on a city council is considered a form of public service, a way to contribute to the well-being of one’s community through decision-making, policy implementation, and ensuring that local government meets the needs of its residents.  Traditionally, community service is understood as voluntary work that benefits others, typically without monetary compensation. This raises a pertinent question: Is serving on a city council still considered community service if the council members are being paid?  To answer this, we must explore the nature of both "community service" and the role of city council members, and examine how compensation may or may not alter the essence of the service provided. Nature of Community Service Community service is generally defined as work performed for the benefit of others, usually on a voluntary basis, and often without financial reward. It is an altruistic activity, carried out with the intention of improving the well-being of others or t...

  Have you ever heard the saying, “When we are born, we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our choices?” It’s a powerful reminder that while we may start life shaped by genetics and circumstances, it’s the decisions we make along the way that define us. When we are young, our parents, environment, and community play a huge role in who we are. They influence how we talk, think, and act. But as we grow older, we begin to make our own decisions. What we choose to do—or not do—becomes our responsibility. Think about it: our choices shape everything. If we choose to be kind, we build stronger friendships. If we work hard at school or a job, we create more opportunities for ourselves. If we make poor decisions, like being dishonest or giving up on our goals, those choices will have consequences, too. It’s not just the big decisions that matter. Small, everyday choices add up over time. If you choose to exercise a little every day, you’ll be healthier in the long run. If...

  Civic muscle is like the strength people build when they work together to solve problems and make their neighborhoods better. Just like your body’s muscles, civic muscle grows when people put in effort, work as a team, and share common goals. Civic muscle helps people join forces to make big changes. One person might feel too small to make a difference, but when a group works together, amazing things can happen. This teamwork makes neighborhoods stronger, builds trust, and helps people feel responsible for their community. Being a good neighbor is one way to build civic muscle. When people get to know each other and care about their surroundings, they create stronger, happier communities. Building civic muscle takes time and effort. It means stepping up, talking to your neighbors, and working on shared goals. This kind of teamwork doesn’t just fix problems right away—it also helps neighborhoods handle tough times, like big storms or money troubles. Civic muscle makes communities ...

  Robin Clay of Springfield, Missouri, clears the sidewalk of an elderly neighbor. I t was the winter of 2019 and two elderly neighbors had just moved in down the street. When I introduced myself, they said this was their final move after the husband’s job had led to 14 different cities during his career. The wife also mentioned that her husband was having knee surgery the following week. So, when a snowstorm struck the following week, I decided to go down and shovel their driveway and sidewalk. Now, do not give me too much credit. Both are pretty short! But when I was done shoveling, I turned around to see the wife on the front porch with a big cup of hot chocolate. She handed the cup to me and said, “Of all the places we have lived, you are the best neighbor we have ever had.” Well, the zipper on my Carhart coveralls nearly burst. I walked home carrying my shovel and hot chocolate with an extra spring in my step—until I realized that was only the second time I had ever spoke...

  As the New Year begins, many people reflect on their lives and create resolutions aimed at improving themselves and their communities. One powerful resolution for the year ahead is to focus on loving and connecting with your immediate neighbors.  Building stronger relationships with those who live near you can have a profound impact on your well-being, as well as that of your entire neighborhood and your community. Fostering strong connections with neighbors provides an opportunity for personal growth and can help create a more cohesive, supportive, and friendly environment. It also brings back the sense of community that many feel is lacking in today's society. One resolution might be to simply introduce yourself to your neighbors if you haven’t already. A friendly wave or a brief hello in the hallway can break the ice and make you feel more comfortable in your own neighborhood. If you’ve already met them, try inviting them for a cup of coffee or organizing a small gatherin...

  Arthur C. Brooks' new book, “Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt,” offers a timely and thoughtful exploration of the divisive nature of contemporary American politics.  Brooks, former president of the American Enterprise Institute and a professor of leadership at Harvard seeks to provide a way out of polarization by encouraging readers to embrace empathy, civility, and, above all, the radical idea of loving one’s enemies. The book builds on the premise that the growing culture of contempt—where political opponents are seen not just as wrong but as morally inferior—has deeply damaged the fabric of American society.  Brooks argues that this “us versus them” mentality undermines both social cohesion and individual well-being. He examines how this deepening divide has affected not only politics but personal relationships, the workplace, and even families, offering a compelling case for why reversing this trend is critical for o...

John Maxwell wrote a book called The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader . It’s full of lessons about being a good leader. But these lessons are not just for leaders in business or big organizations—they also apply to our neighborhoods!  Imagine a neighborhood where each neighbor as part of a team. It is a place where people trust and respect each other, where problems are solved together, and where everyone feels welcome. It is a powerful idea, and the book (and workbook if you choose to use it) offers a powerful opportunity for self reflection and personal improvement. In 2020, shortly after Missouri went into a lockdown due to COVID, I gathered some of my co-workers with MU Extension to teach all 21 chapters out of the book. We had nearly 100 individuals register join us online for the 21-session study. Links to the 30-minute class videos are linked in the heading of each quality or characteristic.  Let's look at the important lessons from the book, and how they can help...