We Are Neighbors

  * * The slide is from Carol Naughton from Purpose Built Communities. I watched a speech in 2025 where Carol Naughton, director of Purpose Built Communities in Atlanta, Georgia, used the term "neighborhoodist." It was the first time I had heard the term used, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it! I want to be a neighborhoodist! But the question is how? Being a neighborhoodist means believing that real change starts right where you live. It’s the idea that strong neighborhoods are the key to solving many of our biggest problems. As our world grows more connected digitally, we must not forget the value of real, face-to-face relationships with the people next door. Neighborhoodists believe that strong communities, built on trust and care, can support people better than distant institutions ever could. Social problems like poverty, crime, poor education, and loneliness are often addressed with big, one-size-fits-all programs. But these programs don’t always work ...

  National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day is celebrated every year on May 16. This special day encourages people to be kind and helpful to those living nearby. Whether it's mowing a neighbor's lawn, sharing a meal, or simply saying hello, small acts of kindness can make a big difference in building stronger communities. This holiday was created in 2009 by Starr Valentino, who believed that good things happen when people come together and help each other. Since then, many towns and cities across the United States have recognized this day, encouraging residents to connect with their neighbors through acts of kindness. Valentino says over 800 communities have signed proclamations for the day. Another important day is National Good Neighbor Day , observed on September 28. This holiday was created in the early 1970s by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially proclaimed it as National Good Neighbor Day to encourage people to build st...

  Imagine a neighborhood where everyone looks out for each other, works together to solve problems, and shows kindness every day. That kind of neighborhood doesn’t just happen—it takes leadership. But leadership isn’t just for people with titles. Anyone can be a leader in their community if they choose to grow in the right ways. John Maxwell’s book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader explains what makes a strong, trustworthy leader. While it’s written for business and organizations, these qualities can also help make neighborhoods better. When neighbors take these lessons to heart, they can change the places they live for the better. 1. Character Builds Trust Good character means being honest, dependable, and kind. Neighbors with strong character keep their word and help out without expecting anything in return. Trust grows when people do the right thing, even when no one is watching. 2. Charisma Creates Connections Charisma is about making people feel welcome. A smile or...

A neighborhood is more than just a group of houses or streets. It’s a place where people live close to each other, share spaces, and often have things in common. A neighborhood can be as small as a block or as large as a few square miles. What makes it special is not the size or shape, but the people and the connections they have with one another. You might live in a neighborhood with sidewalks, streetlights, and playgrounds. Or your neighborhood might be rural, with wide-open spaces and farmland. Some neighborhoods are filled with businesses, schools, and parks. Others are quiet and mostly residential. No matter the layout, a neighborhood is defined by the people who live there and how they interact. So who is a neighbor? At the simplest level, a neighbor is someone who lives near you. It could be the person next door, across the street, or even someone a few houses down. But being a neighbor is about more than just living close by. It’s about how you treat the people around you. A...

  Trust is the foundation of every good relationship. It’s what helps us feel safe, understood, and connected—whether at home, work, or in our neighborhood. But in today’s world, many people feel isolated, nervous about talking to strangers, or unsure of how to build strong communities. One simple and powerful solution is celebration. From block parties to National Good Neighbor Day or Missouri Good Neighbor Week, neighborhood celebrations are more than just fun. They help people connect, share stories, laugh together, and feel like they belong. These joyful gatherings help build trust, reduce fear and anxiety, and even improve our health. Why Trust Matters Stephen M.R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust , says it clearly: “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships together.” When we trust each other, we work better together, feel safer, and solve problems more easily. In n...

In 2021, a survey conducted by United Way asked people in Allen County, Indiana (Fort Wayne) about their neighborhoods—what they liked, what they needed, and how connected they felt. Most people (84%) said they lived in a neighborhood. Of those, about two-thirds said they felt connected to their neighborhood either “some” or “a lot.” This shows that many people care about where they live and the people around them. One of the biggest concerns people had was safety. Nearly everyone (96%) said it was “very” or “somewhat” important that their neighborhood have little or no crime. This tells us that feeling safe is a top priority for most people. People also shared how long they’ve lived in their neighborhoods. More than half had lived in their neighborhood for 10 years or less. This shows that people are moving more often or choosing new places to live within the county. When asked what makes an ideal neighborhood, the most popular answers were well-kept houses and yards (71%) and having ...

  A recent Pew Research Center study sheds light on the evolving dynamics of neighborly connections in the United States, revealing a nuanced picture of community ties in 2025. Fading Familiarity and Trust The survey indicates that only 26% of U.S. adults report knowing all or most of their neighbors, a decline from 31% in 2018. Similarly, 44% express trust in all or most of their neighbors, down from 52% in 2015. This trend suggests a gradual erosion of close-knit community bonds over the past decade. Demographic Disparities Certain demographics exhibit stronger neighborhood connections. Older adults, white Americans, individuals with higher incomes, and residents of rural or suburban areas are more likely to know and trust their neighbors. Regular attendance at in-person religious services also correlates with increased neighborly familiarity and trust. Perceived Similarities Foster Trust Perceptions of similarity among neighbors play a significant role in trust levels. Approxim...

The Community Partnership of the Ozarks is hosting a free Conflict Resolution Workshop for neighborhood leaders on Thursday, June 26 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Library, located at 2214 S. Brentwood Blvd. This helpful and engaging workshop is led by an expert from Missouri State University’s Center for Dispute Resolution . It’s designed to help neighborhood leaders learn practical ways to deal with conflict in their communities. Attendees will gain tools to help them communicate more clearly, handle difficult situations calmly, and work through disagreements in productive ways. “Conflict is a normal part of life,” said Angela Watkins, Neighborhoods Coordinator with Community Partnership. “This workshop helps people manage those moments in ways that make relationships stronger instead of more divided.” Whether you are part of a neighborhood association, serve on a local board, or simply want to be a positive voice in your neighborhood, this event is for you. When ...

  In the past, American cities were more than just places to live; they were communities where residents felt a deep sense of belonging. However, as cities became more focused on service delivery and measurable outcomes, the idea of civic membership declined. The City Membership Campaign aims to restore this sense of belonging by encouraging residents to engage with their neighborhoods, local organizations, and city governance.  This initiative (from Sam Pressler and Pete Davis) fosters a culture where people feel responsible for the well-being of their communities, leading to stronger connections, better local services, and increased civic participation. The Role of Neighborhoods Neighborhoods are at the heart of city membership efforts. Strong neighborhoods create strong cities, as they serve as the foundation for civic engagement and community building. The campaign envisions neighborhoods as hubs for local activities, mutual support, and communication between residents an...

Building a strong sense of city membership is not a short-term project—it requires ongoing commitment, adaptability, and creative thinking. After establishing leadership roles, fostering neighborhood participation, and launching key engagement programs, cities must focus on sustaining these efforts over time. This means securing funding, expanding participation opportunities, and making civic engagement a lasting part of local culture. Deepening Engagement: Keeping Residents Involved Develop Civic Education Programs – Knowledge is power, and cities can empower residents by offering civic education workshops, youth engagement programs, and mentorship opportunities . Schools, libraries, and community centers can host events that teach residents about local governance, how to advocate for change, and ways to get involved in city affairs. Encourage Digital Engagement – In today’s world, digital tools can enhance community participation. A city app or online platform could allow residen...

A city thrives when its residents feel a sense of belonging and purpose within their communities. The City Membership Campaign  (developed by Pete Davis and Sam Pressler) seeks to deepen civic engagement by creating spaces for connection, fostering leadership, and ensuring that every resident has a role in shaping their city’s future.  This is part two of what I have learned from reading their posts and materials. After establishing foundational efforts—such as a Membership Director, a civic census, and accessible meeting spaces—cities can take further steps to strengthen local engagement. Strengthening Neighborhood Involvement To expand the impact of the City Membership Campaign, cities must focus on empowering neighborhoods to take charge of their own growth and development. While neighborhoods already serve as gathering places, they need resources, leadership, and structure to truly thrive as civic hubs. Three ways to do this include: Hosting Neighborhood Engagement Event...

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in cultural, scholarly, and civic attention to the importance of neighbors and neighborhoods. From bestselling books and academic research to grassroots movements and urban policy shifts, more people are turning their gaze inward—toward the hyper-local. This renewed focus on the spaces and relationships closest to home reflects profound shifts in society’s values, priorities, and realities. In this blog post I attempt to explore the drivers behind this trend and argue that a renewed investment in neighbors and neighborhoods offers a path toward more resilient, connected, and equitable communities. The Context: Why the Local Now? The move toward hyper-local engagement can be traced to several interlocking developments. 1. Global Uncertainty and Instability The first two decades of the 21st century have been marked by global turbulence—wars, climate change, pandemics, and economic volatility. These large-scale forces often feel overwhelmi...