We Are Neighbors

Photo: keynote speaker John Drake Robinson signs a book for a summit attendee. This year’s Neighborhood Leadership Summit brought together 73 neighborhood leaders from Springfield and Greene County to learn, share, and grow. Hosted by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, University of Missouri Extension, and the City of Springfield, the event gave leaders new tools to make a difference in their neighborhoods. The keynote speaker, John Drake Robinson, an Emmy Award-winning author, inspired attendees with stories from his journey across every road in Missouri. His appearance was sponsored by MU Extension and its Engaged Neighbor program. Called the “King of the Road” by Missouri Life Magazine, Robinson lives in Columbia, Missouri when he isn't sleeping in his car. His articles are regularly featured in a half dozen magazines. “I have traveled every single mile of road in Missouri and seen the out of the way places, and the out of the way people too,” said Robinson. “This state ...

  Photo: Andrew and his family serving with NeighborLink In a world where people are becoming increasingly isolated, organizations like NeighborLink are stepping up to connect individuals and strengthen communities. Founded on the belief that neighbors should care for one another, NeighborLink provides a platform that links volunteers with those in need of home repairs, maintenance, and basic necessities. Andrew Hoffman, the executive director of NeighborLink for 13 years (until 2021), was instrumental in shaping this initiative and making it a vital resource for many communities. In 2025, he returned as the interim director. But in September 30, 2020, Andrew jumped on Zoom for an interview with David Burton for the third session of Neighboring 101. This article is written based on the content of that interview. The Origins of NeighborLink NeighborLink started in the mid-1990s with a simple yet impactful idea: churches and volunteers could fill the gaps left by social servi...

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are choosing to live in ways that separate them from others. Ann Meyer, co-creator of the website “The Neighboring Life,” calls this trend “intentional isolation.” Meyer believes that many Americans are deliberately cutting themselves off from their communities. While this might seem like a choice made for convenience, it often leads to loneliness and a lack of true connection with others. The rise of modern technologies has made it easier than ever for people to isolate themselves. For example, online shopping allows people to buy what they need without ever having to leave their homes or interact with others. Social media platforms, while seemingly a way to connect, often offer shallow interactions that don’t provide the same depth as face-to-face conversations. (Plus, some fake connections too!)  Similarly, remote work meetings, although practical, reduce the opportunities for casual interactions that can happen in an office setting....

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...

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. Advance stories about David's program in the Excelsior Citizen called him the " neighboring guru " for 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 to...

  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, ...

  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...