The Power of Celebrating Together: How Neighbor Events Build Trust and Improve Our Communities

 

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 neighborhoods, trust can mean the difference between people who live side by side but never speak, and people who look out for one another. Celebrations give neighbors a chance to meet, talk, and build that important trust over time.

Covey also explains, “The first job of a leader—at work or at home—is to inspire trust. It’s to bring out the best in people by entrusting them with meaningful stewardships.” 

When neighbors come together to plan a celebration—organizing a cookout, a potluck, or a sidewalk chalk festival—they are showing leadership. These small events become big chances to build trust.

Celebrations Create Belonging

Brené Brown, a researcher who studies human connection, says: “Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.” 

Celebrations give us that chance. Whether it's a picnic in the park or donuts on the driveway, people feel welcome when they’re invited and included.

When someone invites you to a neighborhood event, it sends a powerful message: You matter. You belong here. That kind of connection can help ease loneliness, boost confidence, and open doors to new friendships.

During Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 - Oct. 4) or on National Good Neighbor Day (September 28), people all over the country host events that create spaces for neighbors to connect and care for one another. These celebrations don’t have to be fancy. Even a simple fire pit evening or front porch gathering can make a big difference.

Shared Values and Unity

Every celebration is also a chance to highlight what we care about as a group. Maybe your block values kindness, creativity, or helping one another. Celebrations can help bring those values to life.

Edgar Schein, an expert in how groups form cultures, once said, “Culture is what a group learns over time as it solves its problems of survival and internal integration.” In neighborhoods, celebrations teach us how to come together, work through differences, and enjoy each other’s company.

For example, a community garden harvest party may remind people of the value of hard work and cooperation. A clean-up day followed by a barbecue can show that taking care of shared spaces is something to celebrate.

When we celebrate together, we start to build a shared story of who we are and what we care about. That kind of unity helps neighborhoods stay strong during hard times and grow even closer in the good times.

Less Fear, More Safety

In many neighborhoods, people worry about crime, noise, or conflict. But when neighbors know and trust one another, those fears often shrink. Why? Because familiarity builds comfort—and celebrations create familiarity.

Harvard professor Amy Edmondson says, “Psychological safety is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes.” 

When neighbors gather for friendly events, it sends a message: this is a safe space to be yourself.

When people feel safe, they are more likely to share ideas, offer help, and work together. That makes neighborhoods not only friendlier but stronger and more prepared for challenges.

Celebrations Improve Our Health

Did you know that positive emotions like joy and laughter can actually improve your physical and mental health? Barbara Fredrickson, a researcher in positive psychology, says that shared joy helps build lasting social resources like trust, cooperation, and resilience.

“Positive emotions broaden people’s momentary thought–action repertoires, and build their enduring personal resources,” she explains. That means the good feelings we get during a celebration don’t just fade—they help us build stronger connections and handle stress better.

Being socially connected can also reduce anxiety and depression. When people know their neighbors and feel supported, they are more likely to ask for help, check in on others, and feel like they are part of something larger than themselves.

Real-Life Examples

Missouri Good Neighbor Week is a perfect example of how a simple celebration can make a big difference. Every year from September 28 to October 4, people across the state organize neighborhood events to meet one another, share a meal, or offer help.

One neighborhood in Republic, Missouri, organized a “Donuts on the Driveway” morning where families gathered for breakfast. Another held a yard game tournament that brought together teens, parents, and older adults. These events helped neighbors who had lived near each other for years finally learn names and exchange phone numbers.

In Columbia, Missouri, a family hosted a “Chalk the Block” event during National Good Neighbor Day, encouraging kids and adults to draw colorful messages on the sidewalk. Laughter echoed through the street, and new friendships began with something as simple as a box of chalk.

These small events aren’t just fun—they’re healing. They help us trust more, fear less, and feel healthier and happier in the places we live.

How You Can Start

You don’t need a big budget or a special title to organize a neighborhood celebration. All you need is the desire to connect.

Start small:

• Invite a few neighbors for lemonade on your porch.

• Organize a potluck in your driveway.

• Host a front yard movie night.

• Plan a themed event like “Dog Day Afternoon” where pet lovers can meet.

Use Missouri Good Neighbor Week (September 28–October 4) or National Good Neighbor Day (September 28) as a reason to begin. You’ll be surprised how many people are eager for connection but don’t know how to start.

In Conclusion

Celebrations are more than parties—they’re powerful tools for building trust, reducing fear, and creating healthier, happier communities. When we make time to laugh, share stories, and enjoy life with our neighbors, we create bonds that make our neighborhoods stronger and more welcoming.

So take the first step. Knock on a door. Plan a gathering. Celebrate something—anything—with your neighbors. Because in doing so, you’re not just creating a fun moment. You’re building a better future, one smile at a time.

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.