We Are Neighbors

“If the choice is between getting 10 percent more police or getting residents to create 10 percent more connections, pick the connections every time,” said Robert Putman in the new documentary Join or Die. The documentary examines social capital and its value to a community, based on Putman’s research and his book Bowling Alone. In his seminal work, Robert Putnam advocated for a societal shift in priorities, emphasizing the importance of fostering neighbor connections over bolstering police presence. This assertion underscores the fundamental significance of social capital in building cohesive and resilient communities. While the allure of increased policing might seem intuitive in addressing societal challenges, investing in neighbor connections offers a more sustainable and holistic approach to enhancing community well-being and safety. First, neighbor connections serve as the bedrock of social cohesion, fostering trust, reciprocity, and mutual support among community members. Wh

A social media poster from Republic recently put this provocative statement online: Republic is growing too fast; prove me wrong. Despite the obvious problems with his logic and argumentation and the fact that he cannot prove it is a problem but wants others to prove a negative, I am still glad to provide some feedback. The notion of rapid urban growth often conjures images of congestion, environmental degradation, and social upheaval. While it's true that burgeoning towns face challenges, framing growth solely as a detriment oversimplifies a multifaceted phenomenon.  Contrary to the assertion that "this town is growing too fast," it's imperative to recognize the manifold benefits and opportunities accompanying expansion. First, rapid growth fosters economic vitality. As populations swell, demand for goods and services escalates, creating fertile ground for entrepreneurship and job creation. New businesses emerge, attracting investment and driving innovation. The infl

  University of Missouri Extension has announced the launch of a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week. This outreach program strives to promote creative expression and public art made by residents, regardless of their skill level, as a contribution to the community's sense of place and residents' sense of belonging. The initiative was inspired by LAWN (Lawn Art With Neighbors), a grassroots program launched in Springfield, Missouri, in 2020. LAWN aimed to empower public art made by the people, promoting Springfield's sense of place and the built environment we all share. It was founded and organized by Sculpture Walk Springfield, Springfield Art Museum, Missouri State University: Art + Design Department, and Greene County MU Extension Council. All Missourians are encouraged to participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week by creating art using materials available at home, such as yard sculptures, chalk art projects, painted stones, or murals,

Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley, an professor of psychology and counseling at both Liberty and Regent University, is the author of, “The Mister Rogers Effect: 7 Secrets to Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others from America’s Beloved Neighbor.” The book looks at seven psychological principles that hallmarked the life of Mister Rogers and how people can apply those principles today. She will be my guest during Neighboring 101 on March 14, or you can enroll in the class anytime and see the class recording. Enroll in Neighboring 101 online here . The skills the book emphasizes include listening before speaking, validating the feelings of others, taking the time to pause and think, showing gratitude toward others, developing empathy for others, practicing acceptance, and establishing security. While writing the book, Kuhnley noted how Mister Rogers's kind and humble spirit could turn strangers into neighbors, and “he was looking below the surface…,” something Kuhnley believes we could e

This 90-minute “Join or Die” documentary, based on Robert Putman's classic book “Bowling Alone,” played in Springfield last week. I brought it to the Alamo on March 19 and 20. The movie should be out on DVD toward the end of 2024. The film explores the decades-long decline in civic infrastructure, and the community connectors that could help mend America’s unraveling democracy. The movie is entertaining, but it also challenges me to get up off the couch and do something for the betterment of my community. That story doesn’t sell a lot of tickets right now. Just like Putman's book, this movie is the Carney in the coal mine, gasping its last breath and letting us know that we have a social problem that needs all of us to be involved to get fixed.  Directed by brother-and-sister duo Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis, “Join or Die" is a film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America may depend on it. It traces America's civic unraveling through Putnam’s resea

  March Madness is a term that has become synonymous with the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, an annual event that captivates sports fans across the United States. This highly anticipated tournament takes place every March and features 68 college basketball teams competing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion.  The term "March Madness" perfectly encapsulates the frenzy and excitement of this tournament, as teams battle it out on the court in a quest for glory. It also captures the Madness (or fascination) surrounding men's college basketball at this time of the year. MARCH NEIGHBORLINESS This year, instead of March Madness (which started in 1939), what about a bracket for March Neighborliness?  The March Neighborliness chart can be downloaded from Google Drive  here for free  or shared with this shortened link:  https://bit.ly/MarchNeighborliness .  I created bracket in 2023 so it has yet to become a cultural phenomenon that transcends t