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Book Review: “Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives”

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In Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives, authors Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler explore how our social networks, even the ones we don’t always notice, can influence almost everything in our lives. From our health and emotions to the choices we make, our social connections shape us in ways we often don’t realize. This book is a fascinating look into how deeply connected we all really are, and it’s perfect for anyone interested in understanding the surprising impact that our relationships can have on our lives. What the Book is About At its core, Connected is all about how people are linked together, even in ways we don’t think about. Christakis and Fowler explain that our connections go far beyond just our immediate circle of friends or family. The book dives into the idea that your friends’ friends’ friends can influence your life too. They use examples from science and real-world research to show how these connections affe...
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Excelsior Springs Kicks Off New Neighborhood Engagement Team and Block Party Challenge

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Excelsior Springs, Missouri is taking big steps to bring neighbors together. With the help of Laura Mize and other local leaders, the city has launched a Neighborhood Engagement Team and a fun Block Party Challenge to encourage connection and community. To help kick off the effort, neighborhood expert David Burton was invited to town to talk about his work on building stronger neighborhoods across Missouri. During his visit, he gave a talk at the public library about how to be an engaged and caring neighbor. He also met with the new engagement team, spoke with city staff, led a discussion with the ministerial alliance, and even had a one-on-one visit with the mayor. “I was excited to visit a city that already values community and is ready to take it to the next level,” David said. “Excelsior Springs is a great example of what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.” The Neighborhood Engagement Team , organized by Laura Mize, is focused on helping people get to...
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Literature Review of Neighboring Books, Articles and Studies

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  The resources shared on this blog in the post named " Literature Review and Neighboring " provides a wide variety of books, articles, and studies that focus on the importance of building relationships with neighbors and creating a strong sense of community.  In today's fast-paced and often disconnected world, the idea of neighboring is crucial for creating a more caring and connected communities. I hope this literature review is helpful, although not exhaustive. My goal is to highlight some of my favorite resources in this field of study.  My first exposure to the subject of neighboring was the book, The Art of Neighboring by Dave Runyon and Jay Pathak. This book introduces the idea that neighboring doesn't have to be difficult. Instead, it can be about simple, everyday actions, such as greeting a neighbor, offering help, or just being available. The authors emphasize that many people feel disconnected or lonely in their neighborhoods, and by taking small steps, ...
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Americans Need to Party More, and That is the Truth

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  Over the past decade, Americans have been spending less time socializing in person, leading to increased loneliness and feelings of isolation. According to journalist Ellen Cushing, author of "Americans Need to Party More" in The Atlantic, this trend has become a serious issue, with fewer people attending or hosting parties than ever before. While social media and online entertainment provide distractions, they don’t replace the deep connections that come from face-to-face interactions. This article explores why Americans have stopped partying as much, why it matters, and how we can change it. Why Are Americans Partying Less? Several factors have contributed to this decline in social gatherings: Busier Lifestyles – People today have hectic schedules filled with work, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. Finding time for social events has become difficult. Technology and Social Media – Many people spend more time interacting online rather than meeting in...
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Growing the Neighboring Movement Requires Action, Not Virtue Signaling

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  The neighboring movement across the United States is about building stronger communities by connecting with the people around you. It’s about getting to know your neighbors and creating relationships that can make a real difference in everyone’s lives.  However, some people think that simply posting on social media or showing support with nice words is enough. "Virtue signaling” or empty posts is not enough! Being an engaged neighbor requires real action and heartfelt connections. Virtue signaling is when someone shows support for a cause, but their actions don’t match their words.  It might feel good to share a post or talk about how much you care, but true change happens when we take action in our own communities.  The neighboring movement nationwide is not asking for likes or comments on social media; it’s asking for real connections that build a sense of community.  For example, instead of just posting about how important it is to help others, you could ...
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The History and Future of April Fool’s Day

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While April Fool’s Day has been a beloved tradition for centuries, some people believe it is losing popularity. Fewer people seem to pull off big pranks, and some major companies have even stopped participating.  One reason for this could be that people are more cautious about spreading misinformation, especially in the age of social media. Sometimes, pranks can be taken too far and cause real confusion or harm. Another reason might be that people are simply busier and less interested in practical jokes than they used to be. To understand these trends lets begin with some history. April Fool’s Day is celebrated on April 1st every year. It is a day filled with jokes, pranks, and laughter.  Where did this tradition come from? While no one knows for sure, many historians believe it started in the 16th century when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. In the old system, New Year's was celebrated around April 1st, but after the change, it moved to Jan...
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Men Have a Friendship Deficit; The Answer Could be in Your Neighborhood

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Male friendships were easier in eighth grade — at least they were for me.  Back then, expectations were simpler. My dad would load me and my friends into the car and drive us to the Fremont Theater in Springfield. We’d eat popcorn, watch a movie, and feel like we were living the high life, worthy of a photo.  It was the kind of low-key activity that built strong friendships among teenagers who went to school and played sports together. But as boys grow into men, things change. They go their separate ways, start families, and their social lives get consumed by family responsibilities. Hikes with a fishing pole along the Sac River get swapped out for grocery store runs for diapers, and before long, close male friendships can fade into the background. I often say that my married life can be divided into two phases: BK (Before Kids) and AK (After Kids). Before kids, I had more time for personal projects, playing golf, and even had a weekly basketball game with some business men in...
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Overcoming Loneliness: How Small Acts of Connection Can Transform a Community

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  In a world where people are more digitally connected than ever, loneliness continues to grow as a silent struggle affecting people of all ages.  Amber Allen, a human development and family science specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, is determined to change that trend. Through her work in human development and social connection, she emphasizes the importance of relationships in overcoming loneliness and building stronger, healthier neighborhoods. "People hear the word loneliness and think it’s going to be a gray rain cloud," Allen said during a presentation on Neighboring 101 in March of 2021. "But today, I want to talk about how to make the sun shine in your neighborhood by forming real social connections." Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation Allen explained that loneliness and social isolation, though related, are not the same. "Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact," she...
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