The Hopeful Neighborhood Field Guide by Don Everts and Tony Cook is an inspiring and practical resource that encourages readers to engage in their local communities with intentionality, kindness, and a vision for the common good. This six-session guide offers thoughtful reflections and actionable steps to help individuals and groups cultivate stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods. Rooted in Christian principles, the book challenges readers to rethink their role as neighbors and provides tangible ways to bring hope to their immediate surroundings.

Three Lessons from the Book

  1. Every Neighborhood Has Strengths to Celebrate
    One of the book’s central themes is that every neighborhood, no matter how diverse or challenging, has unique strengths. The authors encourage readers to shift their perspective from seeing problems to recognizing assets. By focusing on what is good and valuable in a community, individuals can foster a sense of hope and collaboration. This approach reminds us that neighborhood transformation doesn’t start with fixing problems but with appreciating and building upon what is already good.

  2. Small, Intentional Actions Can Lead to Big Change
    Everts and Cook emphasize that making a difference in one’s neighborhood does not require grand gestures or major resources. Instead, small, consistent acts of kindness, such as checking in on neighbors, hosting community gatherings, or supporting local businesses, can have a profound impact. They show that transformation happens over time through faithful, everyday engagement rather than instant solutions.

  3. Hospitality and Relationships Are at the Heart of Community Building
    A key takeaway from the book is the power of relationships in fostering a hopeful neighborhood. The authors advocate for intentional hospitality—welcoming others into our lives and making space for meaningful connections. They highlight that real community growth happens when people take the time to listen, share, and engage with their neighbors beyond surface-level interactions. By opening our homes and hearts, we create a culture of belonging and mutual care.

Two Positive Observations

  1. Highly Practical and Action-Oriented
    One of the book’s strengths is its practicality. Each session includes discussion questions, exercises, and actionable steps that make it easy for individuals and groups to apply the lessons to their own communities. Rather than just presenting abstract concepts, the book provides readers with the tools to implement real change in their neighborhoods.

  2. Encouraging and Hopeful Tone
    The authors do an excellent job of maintaining a hopeful and uplifting tone throughout the book. Instead of focusing on the difficulties of community engagement, they highlight the joy and fulfillment that come from investing in one’s neighborhood. Their writing inspires readers to take small but meaningful steps toward a more connected and compassionate community.

A Minor Criticism

While The Hopeful Neighborhood Field Guide offers an abundance of practical wisdom, some readers may find that its emphasis on optimism and gradual change does not fully address systemic challenges present in many communities. While the book encourages a positive and proactive mindset, additional discussion on navigating deeper social and economic issues would strengthen its approach.

Conclusion

Overall, The Hopeful Neighborhood Field Guide is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate meaningful relationships and contribute to the common good in their community. With its blend of insightful reflections, practical exercises, and an uplifting message, the book serves as both an inspiration and a guide for fostering positive change. By focusing on small, intentional acts of kindness and hospitality, Everts and Cook remind us that hope is not just an abstract idea but something that can be built, nurtured, and shared—right where we live.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Cities Named Most Neighborly in Missouri for 2024

Image
  Photo above: From a block party in Ferguson, Missouri. New to Missouri Good Neighbor Week this year was recognition for the most neighborly cities in the state.  This honor was based on points earned by participating in the week, city campaigns and proclamations, residents making nominations for most engaged neighbor and reporting acts of neighboring, and statewide or local prizes won.  "The goal was to further engage cities with Missouri Good Neighbor Week and we had over 12 pass proclamations and at least 12 that had organized city-wide efforts for Missouri Good Neighbor Week," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "We ended the week with over 31,000 documented acts of neighboring and five cities worthy of the title 'most neighborly city' in Missouri." In 2024, five cities were named the most neighborly cities in Missouri: Houston, Excelsior Springs, Sikeston,...
Read more

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 S...
Read more

Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbors Honored as Part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week

Image
 Jessica Bueler, Saint Louis City, Missouri During Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2024, over 120 individuals were nominated as Missouri's Most Engaged Neighbor, and 22 were selected for individual recognition. Our Missouri celebration also got national attention from NextDoor, the social media company, whose leadership team worked with us to create a post that went out nationwide on NextDoor on Sept. 27.  You can access it here . At that point, another 50 nominations poured in from across the state. "The nominations were of really high quality this year," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "Every nominee should have received a letter letting them know of the nomination and a memento, a Missouri Good Neighbor Week nominee keychain." The top nominees (22 this year) will receive a check for $100 and an official award certificate. In past years, there have been 50 to 60 n...
Read more