Creating Healthy Neighbor Relationships Begins With You, Impacts The Community


Nationwide, cities are increasingly helping neighbors and neighborhoods with engagement, social revitalization, and resident-led improvements.

Sometimes this looks like party trailers provided so neighbors can host block parties.

Other times it may be neighborhood councils that organize and help to host events on a neighborhood basis across the city.

Some cities host local engagement or training academies for neighborhood leaders.

Some communities have even embraced the idea of neighbors helping neighbors during clean-up or repair weeks.

The options are almost endless. But most of the time, the point is to make our neighborhoods cleaner, safer and friendlier. And in all cases, it works best when it is resident-led.

Here in Greene County, the goal of my engaged neighborhood project has been to encourage the development of engaged neighbor relationships, foster healthy neighborhoods, develop grassroots leaders, and fund neighborhood connectors in underserved communities. This type of grassroots approach to community development can make a real difference.

NEIGHBORING IS NOT A PROGRAM

Being an engaged neighbor is more than just a program; it is a lifestyle.

The government and other groups cannot force people to become engaged and active neighbors. People can't even be forced to be friendly neighbors. But a community group can set the table for people to be educated about the value of neighbors and even encourage neighboring connections. It is a low and slow process.

No matter the classes you take and the books you read, you eventually have to take action and make changes in your own life. Find some time for your neighbors and even turn off Netflix, get up off the couch, and go to your front yard to engage with the people living behind the eight closest front doors to yours.

IT STARTS WITH YOU

In the case of neighborhood improvements, the effort begins with you. Only you can reach out and develop positive relationships with your neighbors, not the city. Only you can organize relationship-building events with your immediate neighbors, not the city.

Meanwhile, studies show that most Americans have stopped engaging with their neighbors, trust others less, and feel lonelier. It is a dangerous combination for our communities, our nation, and our health.

A "good neighbor" is not someone who is quiet and leaves you alone. Instead, a good neighbor is actively engaged in their neighborhood and community and working to build positive relationships with others.

We all can participate in Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 – Oct. 4.). Do an act of kindness for a neighbor, report it online to help us reach our goal, and nominate someone you know as the most engaged neighbor in your county! Learn more online at http://missourigoodneighborweek.com.

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Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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