We Are Neighbors

  Civic muscle is like the strength people build when they work together to solve problems and make their neighborhoods better. Just like your body’s muscles, civic muscle grows when people put in effort, work as a team, and share common goals. Civic muscle helps people join forces to make big changes. One person might feel too small to make a difference, but when a group works together, amazing things can happen. This teamwork makes neighborhoods stronger, builds trust, and helps people feel responsible for their community. Being a good neighbor is one way to build civic muscle. When people get to know each other and care about their surroundings, they create stronger, happier communities. Building civic muscle takes time and effort. It means stepping up, talking to your neighbors, and working on shared goals. This kind of teamwork doesn’t just fix problems right away—it also helps neighborhoods handle tough times, like big storms or money troubles. Civic muscle makes communities ...

  Robin Clay of Springfield, Missouri, clears the sidewalk of an elderly neighbor. I t was the winter of 2019 and two elderly neighbors had just moved in down the street. When I introduced myself, they said this was their final move after the husband’s job had led to 14 different cities during his career. The wife also mentioned that her husband was having knee surgery the following week. So, when a snowstorm struck the following week, I decided to go down and shovel their driveway and sidewalk. Now, do not give me too much credit. Both are pretty short! But when I was done shoveling, I turned around to see the wife on the front porch with a big cup of hot chocolate. She handed the cup to me and said, “Of all the places we have lived, you are the best neighbor we have ever had.” Well, the zipper on my Carhart coveralls nearly burst. I walked home carrying my shovel and hot chocolate with an extra spring in my step—until I realized that was only the second time I had ever spoke...