On Tuesday, June 25, the Camden County Council of University of Missouri (MU) Extension hosted a neighboring lunch and learn event at The Club at Porto Cima. The event featured David Burton, an author, neighboring expert, and MU Extension community development specialist. He led an interactive workshop, providing participants valuable insights into neighborly interactions and community engagement.

"The Engaged Neighbor program is for anyone wanting to improve their neighborhood or community, as well as their personal life and health," said Burton. "It's not just for new homeowners or people new to community life."

Burton shared practical strategies and tips for fostering a positive and supportive neighborhood environment during the presentation. Attendees also had the opportunity to create personal greeting cards to give to a neighbor they may not have spoken to before.

The event host, Laura Neely, emphasized the significance of becoming an engaged neighbor. "As a full-time resident in a second-home community, it can be difficult to know all of your neighbors. David has inspired me to take the first step in approaching my part-time neighbors the next time I see them," said Neely.

Burton stressed that being an active and engaged neighbor can help people, organizations, and communities to expand participation while respecting differences and embracing the diversity that makes communities vibrant. 

A 2020 study by NextDoor in conjunction with Brigham Young University revealed that knowing as few as six neighbors reduced the likelihood of feeling lonely. A recent study my MU Extension found that a majority of Missourians feel disconnected in their own community.

MU Extension offers Burton's Neighboring 101 program/network online to the public once per month. With a one-time registration, participants can access monthly Zoom classes that explore the science and art of neighboring. The classes include examples from across the nation and interviews with neighborhood award winners, practitioners, authors, and researchers.

Learn more and get registered by searching for Neighboring 101 at https://extension.missouri.edu.

The Engaged Neighbor program also includes other neighbor-focused events and activities like Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week, Missouri Good Neighbor Week, Neighbor Kindness Day and Neighborhood Labs.


 MORE INFORMATION

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MU Extension Announces Show Me Neighborhood Art Week June 1-15

Image
  To participate in Show Me Neighborhood Art Week, Missourians  must register here online . The registration deadline for Show Me Neighborhood Art Week is May 24. Preexisting and new public art can be registered, but only new art can be considered for prizes. The location for this event is ALL of Missouri -- your front yard, your neighborhood, and your community. The online state map marking locations around Missouri will be interactive. If you have questions, please see the contact emails at the end of this blog. SPRINGFIELD, MO. -  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 Springf
Read more

Hey Greene County Residents: Register for Neighborhood Leadership Academy 2024

Image
  Greene County & Springfield residents: Time to register for Neighborhood Leadership Academy!  BREAKING NEWS: Scholarship Deadline: August 1 (do this first if you need a full or partial scholarship). NLA Scholarship application link: https://bit.ly/4botrUV   Or apply without a scholarship.  Registration Deadline: August 21 (this is the second step if you are waiting to hear on a scholarship or you can do it now if no scholarship is needed or your employer is paying for your class attendance). Hybrid Class registration link BACKGROUND 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, Springfield and Ash Grove area residents in NLA or a similar class in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. In 2024, the class will be:  Wednesday nights, Sept 11 - Nov 13 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) Enrollment would be in the Southwest Missouri Cohort. People outside of Greene County are w
Read more

Winners Announced in First Show-Me Neighborhood Art Week

Image
  BEST IN SHOW: The mural by Donna Huellinghoff and Eileen Wade on the Chamber of Commerce building near 203 E. Main Street in Union, Mo. SPRINGFIELD, MO. -  University of Missouri Extension has announced the 2024 award winners in a new statewide public art exhibit called Show Me Neighborhood Art Week (June 1-June 15).  This art-focused 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. Winners in the 2024 event were announced as part of a live online event on Thursday, June 27. Prizes given are from other Missouri artists. Those selected for recognition included: BEST IN SHOW: The mural by Donna Huellinghoff and Eileen Wade on the Chamber of Commerce building near 203 E. Main Street in Union, Mo. The Harry Weber bronze sculpture and book of Weber prints are the awards given. This award winner also earned nearly 13% of al
Read more