Posts

Theo of Golden: Rediscovering the Gift of Loving Our Neighbors

Image
There are books that entertain us, books that challenge us, and then there are books that quietly invite us to become better people. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi belongs firmly in that last category. It is a gentle, thoughtful novel that reminds readers that extraordinary change often begins with ordinary acts of kindness. Originally self-published in 2023, Theo of Golden found readers the old-fashioned way—through heartfelt recommendations from one person to another. Its message resonated deeply, and what began as a grassroots success eventually led to a major publishing deal with Atria Books, introducing Theo’s story to an even wider audience. The book’s remarkable journey mirrors one of its central themes: small, faithful acts can have far-reaching effects. Allen Levi is perhaps an unlikely novelist. Before writing fiction, he practiced law, studied literature in Scotland, and spent decades as a singer-songwriter and storyteller. Those varied experiences are evident in his writin...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Can We Learn from Community Foundations Nationwide That Have Supported Neighboring

Image
Across the United States there are a growing number of community foundations that have intentionally invested in  belonging, neighboring, social cohesion, and bridging social capital  rather than simply funding direct services. One interesting finding is that while many foundations describe these efforts as “belonging” or “community connectedness,” only a handful have published meaningful evaluation data. The strongest examples we will look at in-depth include the following. 1. Lancaster County Community Foundation (Pennsylvania) This is probably the best U.S. example of a foundation intentionally investing in  belonging across differences . Campaign: The foundation spent years convening residents around difficult conversations about immigration, race, faith, politics and civic life rather than simply making grants. Their work evolved into the  One Community / Building Bridges  initiative and broader efforts around common ground. The Council on Foundat...
Post a Comment
Read more

What the World’s Largest Study on Human Flourishing Teaches Us About Living Well

Image
  For decades, researchers have tried to answer one of humanity’s oldest questions: What does it mean to live a good life? While many studies have examined happiness, health, or financial success individually, the Global Flourishing Study takes a far broader view. It asks a more meaningful question: What allows people to truly flourish? With about 200,000 participants across 22 countries and one territory, the Global Flourishing Study is the largest and most comprehensive longitudinal study ever conducted on human flourishing. Unlike one-time surveys that capture only a snapshot in time, this study follows the same individuals over multiple years, allowing researchers to better understand not only what flourishing looks like, but also what contributes to it over time.  The findings challenge many assumptions about success, happiness, and modern life—and they offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in building a richer, more meaningful life. Flourishing Is More Than Happ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reaching Those Hard to Reach Neighbors

Image
Reaching hard-to-reach neighbors requires persistent, low-pressure efforts such as smiling/waving, offering help with chores (shoveling/pets), sharing food, or hosting casual backyard gatherings. Use tools like Nextdoor to build initial contact, and, if necessary, be willing to bridge gaps through consistent, friendly, and patient engagement over time. Practical Strategies for Reaching Neighbors Casual Socializing:  Host a "driveway happy hour" or set up a fire pit to encourage interaction. Invite neighbors to a yard cookout, which can feel less high-pressure than entering a home. Small Gestures of Kindness:  Offer to grab groceries, pick up mail, or share produce from a garden. Shoveling snow or helping with pets are great ways to show care. Utilize Public Spaces:  Engage while walking the dog, checking mail, or doing yard work. Leverage Technology and Groups:  Use the Nextdoor app to connect, or look for local community center groups and activities. Children and Pe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Show Me Neighborhood Art Month Announces Record Participation and 2026 Award Winners

Image
See our video announcement on YouTube  which includes pictures of the winners. University of Missouri Extension has announced the winners of the 2026 Show Me Neighborhood Art Month, celebrating a record-breaking year that brought together artists, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities across Missouri. Now in its third year, Show Me Neighborhood Art Month encourages residents of all ages and artistic abilities to create and display artwork that strengthens community pride, enhances public spaces, and helps neighbors feel more connected to the places they call home. The program's vision is simple: promote creative expression and public art created by residents as a way to build a stronger sense of place and belonging. The 2026 event established new participation records with 118 registered art sites across Missouri and 1,324 public votes cast on the art. In addition, 82 percent of participants reported that participating increased their sense of belonging and love for their comm...
Post a Comment
Read more