Five Years of Neighboring 101 Demonstrates Programs Success

 

Over the past five years, the Neighboring 101 class has shared countless stories and lessons from people across North America who are changing their communities by simply becoming engaged neighbors.

 Through monthly Zoom sessions, this interactive series has shown how small, meaningful connections between neighbors can lead to powerful improvements in quality of life, safety, and sense of belonging. From stories of front yard meet-ups to neighborhood cleanups and creative celebrations, the class has made one thing very clear: neighboring isn’t complicated, but it is important.

What Is Neighboring 101?

Neighboring 101 is led by David Burton, a community development specialist with the University of Missouri Extension. In 2018 he was inspired by the book The Art of Neighboring by Dave Runyon, and  Burton worked toward creating a class to educate and motivate people to take small steps toward becoming more engaged in their neighborhoods. 

The program encourages learning names, making connections, and finding simple ways to serve those who live nearby. The results have impacts beyond the neighborhood itself.

Neighboring 101 was originally going to be a five-week class that would get repeated. The idea was to focus on individuals and cities that were healthy examples of neighboring and neighborhoods. 

But by the time the second class rolled around, over 300 people were enrolled from across the country and they were wanting to make connections with each other and have more of a long-term network, which is what Neighboring 101 has become.

The class is of benefit to anyone interested in health neighborhoods, not just new homeowners! 

There are now over 950 people enrolled from 42 states. 

Class attendees have run for public office (including Mayor), won local, state and national neighboring awards, started neighborhood programs and departments at various cities, taken on leadership roles in neighborhood associations, and started their own organizations and associations to strengthen communities.

What makes Neighboring 101 unique is its mix of practical tips, inspiring guest speakers, and real-life examples from towns big and small. Over time, the class has become a network of passionate individuals who want to change their communities one neighbor at a time.

Key Lessons Learned in Neighboring 101

1. Knowing Names Is the First Step

One of the most repeated lessons is the value of simply learning and using your neighbors’ names. Research shows that a surprisingly small percentage of Americans know even a few of their immediate neighbors by name. But learning someone’s name builds trust and opens the door to friendship.

Burton often shares a tool called the “Who Is My Neighbor?” chart, which helps participants write down and remember the names of the eight closest households. This small action has led to deeper relationships and more connected streets.

2. Small Acts Matter More Than You Think

Whether it's delivering baked goods, mowing a lawn, or just waving hello, small acts of kindness have a big ripple effect. During one class, a participant shared that they put out donuts in their driveway and only two people showed up. But those two neighbors went on to organize multiple events and cleanups themselves. That’s the power of starting small.

Another speaker shared how a simple act—like a neighborhood Fourth of July parade—turned into a yearly tradition with dozens of kids and families participating. The class often repeats this idea: “Two people is better than none. Keep going.”

3. Loneliness Is a Real Issue, and Neighboring Can Help

Loneliness has been described as a public health issue in America, and Neighboring 101 addresses this head-on. Sessions have included presentations from human development experts and social capital researchers who show how isolation negatively impacts health, while strong neighbor relationships can increase well-being and even life expectancy.

Loneliness is a serious problem not just among the elderly, but the age group of 30-50 year old men is negatively impacted as well. This focus on loneliness has inspired block party campaigns, table gatherings, elderly outreach efforts, and the motivation to reach out to those individuals who are often overlooked and forgotten in a neighborhood.

One book highlighted in the series, A Man Called Ove, follows a lonely man who finds new purpose and friendship through connections with his neighbors. It's a fictional story, but it mirrors the very real experiences of many people who’ve participated in Neighboring 101.

4. Service Is a Powerful Tool for Connection

Neighboring 101 often talks about service as a key ingredient for strong neighborhoods. Whether it’s shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor or fixing broken teeter-totters in a local park, these acts of service break down walls and build bridges. 

Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote— “Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve”—has become a favorite among class participants.

The NeighborLink project in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is one example of this in action. Volunteers there help others with home repairs and yard work, creating bonds between strangers who might never have met otherwise.

5. Events Create Energy and Momentum

Many sessions focus on neighborhood events like block parties, National Good Neighbor Day, Missouri Good Neighbor Week, and “Front Yard Fridays.” These events don’t have to be big or expensive. 

One example was a woman named Velma who started a self-service grocery store in her backyard she-shed, using the honor system and a bucket for payment. It became not just a place to shop, but a place to gather.

Another popular idea is hosting a Turquoise Table—a picnic table in the front yard that serves as an invitation to stop and chat. Even in colder areas where outdoor dining isn’t possible all year, variations like porch visits and seasonal get-togethers help maintain the rhythm of connection.

6. Neighboring Requires Margin and Intentionality

One theme that comes up often is the need for “margin” in life—the idea that if we’re too busy, we won’t have time to meet and care for those around us. Advice from the neighborhood has included tips like aligning your daily routines with the rhythms of your neighbors, pruning unnecessary commitments, and simply choosing to be more available.

Choosing to be a good neighbor doesn’t require more hours in the day, but it does require intention. Whether it's walking the dog without headphones or having coffee on the front porch, creating space to notice others is key.

7. Asset-Based Thinking Builds Stronger Communities

Instead of focusing on problems or needs, Neighboring 101 encourages participants to look for the strengths and talents already present in their neighborhoods. This approach, known as asset-based community development, flips the question from “What’s wrong here?” to “What’s strong here?”

When getting to know your neighbors, discover their gifts and talents, then consider how those match up with the assets that exist in your neighborhood already, and come up with a plan to activate both of those assets together!

One memorable story came from a pastor who stopped asking what services people needed and started asking what gifts they had to share. This shift led to people discovering their own value and contributing to their communities in new ways.

The Impact of Neighboring 101

The impact of Neighboring 101 can be seen in countless stories from participants. Neighborhood cleanups have uncovered everything from junk piles to a live pot-bellied pig. Tool libraries have started in places where residents couldn’t afford their own equipment. Local governments have adopted neighboring strategies to address code violations and improve safety. Even homeowners’ associations are beginning to include neighbor training in their budgets.

The class has helped thousands of people rethink what it means to live in a community. 

It’s proven that being a good neighbor isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a powerful way to build trust, improve lives, and create joy.

Final Thoughts

Neighboring 101 reminds us that everyone has the power to make a difference, starting right outside their front door. You don’t need a title, a grant, or a big plan. You just need a little time, a little courage, and a willingness to show up.

As David Burton says, “Neighboring is a lifestyle that leads to adventure.” And judging by the stories shared over the last five years, that adventure is one well worth taking.

Enroll in the network by searching for "Neighboring 101" online and paying the one-time fee to attend the class live and get access to all past classes as well.

If are not sure yet that you want to take a class, trying signing up for the Engaged Neighbor Newsletter.

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.