How to Launch Your City’s Own “Most Engaged Neighbor” Nomination Program

 

Strong neighborhoods don’t just happen—they are built by people who care enough to connect, serve, and create spaces where everyone feels included. One of the most effective ways to inspire this kind of engagement is to celebrate those already doing it well. That’s where a citywide “Most Engaged Neighbor” nomination program comes in.

This initiative (done as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week) provides residents with a platform to recognize neighbors who go above and beyond to build connection and community. It also raises awareness about the importance of neighboring, generates positive media coverage, and deepens trust between residents and city government.

If you’re ready to start your own program, here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide—complete with ideas for forming a selection committee and celebrating winners in ways that leave a lasting impact.

Step 1: Planning and Gaining Support (4–6 weeks before launch)

Before launching the program, secure buy-in from city leadership. Formal support from the City Council or City Manager’s office ensures your contest has legitimacy, access to resources, and visibility. Ask the Mayor or another prominent local leader to participate in the awards ceremony; their involvement will significantly boost participation.

Form a planning committee of 6–10 people to manage logistics. This group should include:

  • City staff (Neighborhood Services, Planning Department, or Parks & Recreation)

  • Neighborhood association leaders

  • Local nonprofit partners (especially those focused on community engagement)

  • Library or school representatives

The planning committee should determine the contest timeline, roles, judging criteria, and award structure. Decide whether the program will align with National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28) or Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28–Oct. 4) to tap into existing momentum.

Step 2: Design Contest Materials

Your materials should be clear, inclusive, and accessible both online and offline. Prepare the following:

  1. Nomination form: Include the nominee’s name and contact information, a description of why they are an engaged neighbor, the nominator’s information, and an optional photo or story. Online forms using Google Forms or SurveyMonkey work well, but provide paper copies for residents who may be less tech-savvy.

  2. Promotional flyer: Include contest dates, criteria, and how to submit nominations. Distribute through libraries, community centers, churches, and schools.

  3. Social media toolkit: Create ready-made posts, images, and hashtags for partners to share.

Optional: Offer multiple award categories (e.g., Most Engaged Neighbor Overall, Youth Neighbor Award, Lifetime Neighbor Award, or Neighborhood Group Recognition).

Step 3: Promote and Collect Nominations (2–3 weeks)

Use every channel possible to spread the word:

  • City website and newsletter

  • Utility bill inserts

  • Press releases to local media outlets

  • Flyers in high-traffic city buildings

  • Partnerships with schools, churches, and neighborhood associations

Offer bilingual materials and make sure there are options for residents with limited internet access. Encourage nominators to share stories and photos of their nominees—these narratives are powerful for future publicity.

Step 4: Create a Selection Committee

The judging process is a critical part of the program’s credibility. Here’s how to build a thoughtful selection committee:

  1. Balance of perspectives: Include city officials, neighborhood leaders, and community representatives. For example:

    • One or two City Council members

    • Staff from the city’s Neighborhood Services or Planning Department

    • A representative from a local school, library, or nonprofit

    • Past award winners (in future years)

    • Youth representatives (high school students bring fresh insight!)

  2. Avoid conflicts of interest: Selection committee members should not be eligible to win the award.

  3. Use clear judging criteria: Evaluate nominations based on:

    • Impact: How has the nominee’s engagement improved their neighborhood?

    • Consistency: Do they regularly show up for others, not just one-time efforts?

    • Inclusivity: Do they make efforts to connect across differences and ensure everyone feels welcome?

    • Generosity of spirit: Are their efforts selfless rather than motivated by recognition or financial gain?

  4. Selection structure: Depending on your city size, select 3–5 winners overall or one winner per council district. Avoid selecting individuals who are already paid to work in a community-facing role (e.g., code enforcement, social workers) to keep the focus on volunteer effort.

Step 5: Celebrate Winners Publicly

Recognition should be meaningful, memorable, and inspire others to get involved. Here are some ideas:

  1. City Council meeting presentation:

    • Invite winners to attend a designated meeting.

    • Have the Mayor or City Council present a framed certificate or plaque.

    • Take a group photo with city leaders for media and social channels.

    • Optionally invite nominators to share a few words about their nominee’s impact.

  2. Yard signs: Create weatherproof signs reading “Most Engaged Neighbor 2025” for winners to display at home. These serve as both recognition and inspiration for other neighbors.

  3. Storytelling: Post winner profiles on the city’s website and social media platforms. Share quotes and photos from their nomination forms to make the stories relatable and inspiring.

  4. Community celebration: Host a small reception after the City Council presentation. Offer light refreshments and use the opportunity to network and connect winners with neighborhood leaders.

  5. Media partnerships: Invite local newspapers, radio, and TV outlets to cover the recognition event. Earned media helps reinforce the message that neighboring matters.

  6. Tie-ins with larger campaigns: If your program aligns with National Good Neighbor Day or Missouri Good Neighbor Week, submit your winners to those statewide or national contests. This gives your nominees additional recognition and creates a positive feedback loop.

Step 6: Follow Up and Build Momentum

Your work doesn’t stop when the awards are handed out. The program can serve as a launching point for deeper community engagement efforts.

  • Thank all participants: Send a personal thank-you email or letter to all nominees and nominators. Encourage them to keep contributing to neighborhood life.

  • Feature nominees in ongoing city communications: Even those who didn’t win should be celebrated for their contributions.

  • Invite participation in other programs: Encourage engaged neighbors to join or lead neighborhood associations, volunteer for city boards, or mentor others.

By using the contest as an entry point, you can identify a network of residents already invested in building stronger neighborhoods.

Extra Ideas for Recognition

Here are additional ways to make the program even more impactful:

  • Scholarships or stipends: Partner with local businesses to provide small gift cards or stipends for winners.

  • Feature winners on utility bill inserts: These reach every household and celebrate the work citywide.

  • Podcast or video interviews: Create short interviews with winners and share them online.

  • Engaged Neighbor Hall of Fame: Maintain a running list of winners on the city’s website, complete with photos and stories.

Why This Program Matters

Launching a “Most Engaged Neighbor” program is about more than handing out certificates. It sends a powerful message:

  • Connection is valued: By recognizing residents who build community, you set a standard for what it means to be a good neighbor.

  • City government is accessible: The program gives residents a reason to interact with city leaders in a positive way.

  • Neighborhoods grow stronger: When people see their neighbors celebrated for small acts of kindness and engagement, they are inspired to do the same.

In a time when loneliness and disconnection are at historic levels, celebrating those who bring people together is not just a nice gesture—it’s a public good.

Sample Timeline Recap

  1. Weeks 1–6: Secure support, form a planning committee, design materials.

  2. Weeks 7–9: Promote the contest and collect nominations.

  3. Week 10: Convene the selection committee and choose winners.

  4. Week 11: Notify winners, hold the City Council recognition, and celebrate publicly.

  5. Week 12+: Share stories widely and build ongoing connections.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t need a big budget or staff to launch this program—just a clear plan, a committed selection committee, and a willingness to celebrate the people making your city a better place. Start small if needed; even a handful of nominations can create momentum. Over time, the “Most Engaged Neighbor” program can become an annual tradition that builds civic pride and strengthens neighborhoods.

To access templates for nomination forms, sample flyers, and promotional graphics, visit missourigoodneighborweek.com.

Let’s celebrate kindness, connection, and community—one neighbor at a time.

If you would like to access a suggested entry form and promotion flier you can do so at this Google drive address.


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 burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.


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