We Are Neighbors

Photo: David Burton (left) and Shari McCallister (right) in 2022. I lived through 41 National Good Neighbor Days (Sept. 28) before lifting a finger to help or celebrate a neighbor. In hindsight, this was a serious mistake. When I first learned about the holiday in 2018, it took me several days to decide what to do. I did not want to overcommit, but at the same time, I wasn’t sure if a small gesture would count. Could I celebrate a neighbor with a plate of cookies and a nice note, or did I need to throw a block party with food and a bounce house? That first year, I went with cookies and a handwritten note. I had considered delivering some fresh-cut flowers from my garden. But I could have also celebrated by making a phone call to each of my neighbors and providing encouragement! On my journey of discovery, Shari McCallister of Houston, Missouri, was one of the first people I met who took the celebration of National Good Neighbor Day seriously. Perhaps no one celebrates the big day with

Small decisions can lead to big changes. Many times this is a positive changes although I have seen negative examples, where people's negative choices become a slow fade into something bad. But in this case it is positive. Meet Justin Shaw. Justin is one of two council members for Ward 1 (my Ward) in Republic, Mo. Justin is also a graduate of Neighborhood Leadership Academy. He shared how efforts to make neighbor connections have impacted his life at a recent Republic City Council meeting. Read here how one simple decision, led to another, and then another, and then another, and another, and now he is serving on city council. This is the transcribed discuss and testimony from the Republic City Council meeting on Tuesday May 7, 2024. This confirms the difference that NLA can make in a person's life and in a community.  Council asked for an update on the neighboring project. They gave me five minutes. I had submitted a written report. When I was done, this happened: Mayor Frankli

  Calling all Republic, Missouri area residents: It is time to get on the waiting list for Neighborhood Leadership Academy! You can add your name to the list that will get information this summer when registration begins by emailing David Burton . The Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA)  is a statewide program that draws adult students from across the state. The program has a 40 year history! Locally, there have been Republic area residents in NLA or a similar class in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. B ut in 2024, David Burton plans to lead a Republic cohort. There might be a Springfield group too but the Republic Cohort will be saved for residents inside the Republic School District as long as we have six or more enrolled. Republic cohort members will participate in the online class but also get together locally for activities to be determined by the interest and needs of cohort members. Class content is provided online but we will meet together for the lessons and have our own discussio

  Reciprocity means exchanging goods, services, or favors for mutual benefit. It is a behavior that lies at the heart of human interaction. In communities, reciprocity takes various forms. One form is called generalized reciprocity. Direct reciprocity involves immediate exchanges between two parties. But generalized reciprocity fosters a community's giving and receiving culture. Generalized reciprocity is key to community building and fostering social cohesion, trust, and resilience in a community. Generalized reciprocity, with its proactive nature, serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering social cohesion within communities. When individuals engage in acts of kindness and generosity without expecting immediate or direct reciprocation, it strengthens bonds and promotes a sense of belonging. In a community where generalized reciprocity prevails, members feel interconnected and valued, leading to stronger social ties and a shared sense of purpose. By actively nurturing a