The Art of Neighboring is a Must Read

Dave Runyon is co-author of "The Art of Neighboring," the book that re-launched a neighboring movement nationwide when it was released 10-years ago. David remains a mentor to many, speaking to classes and groups nationwide about neighboring and helping at least ten other authors over the last six years that have also written about neighboring. He remains active in his neighborhood in Arvada, Colorado, where his story began.  

Dave details in his book, along with Jay Pathak, how a local mayor challenged him to work with people of faith to be better neighbors. Dave discovered he had not been a very good neighbor and set out to change in the process. His first step was to learn and use the names of his neighbors. He is the creator of the eight-neighbor spreadsheet that encourages individuals to get to know their eight closest neighbors and write down their name to remember it and use it. This neighboring grid is now used by countless churches and organizations nationwide. 

In 2010 he launched a neighboring movement that mobilized over 70 churches and 40,000 people in the Denver Metro area. When "The Art of Neighboring" debuted, it cast the issue of neighboring in a new light. Neighboring became a verb because of this book.

When the Engaged Neighbor Program began in Missouri, Dave Runyon took the time to answer emails and phone calls with questions. He did two different presentations to two different groups via zoom to cast his vision for what it means to be a good neighbor and how that interaction can improve your neighborhood. 

He is a relentless advocate for neighboring, and I believe the new resurgence we have revolving around this topic can be said to start with the publication of this book. 

In his own neighborhood, Dave Runyon is tireless in developing relationships with his immediate neighbors. The website that he and co-author Jay have provides free resources and materials for planning a block party, for getting to know your neighbor, even sermon notes for three sermons if a church decides to embrace the idea of neighboring.

I believe it is safe to say that Dave Runyon has inspired a whole new group of neighboring advocates. He continues the work in his own neighborhood and with his organization CityUnite.

He still maintains a website at https://www.artofneighboring.com/ where you can learn more.

“The Art of Neighboring” by Dave Runyon. This book offers practical examples of how to neighbor and way it matters. Dave is often referenced as the person who made neighboring a national topic of discussion. Over 3,000 communities have used his model.

If you don't have time for the book, check out this YouTube video of my interview with Dave Runyon from 2021.