How Can I Participate in Missouri Good Neighbor Week?

 


Every fall, Missourians from all walks of life join together to celebrate Missouri Good Neighbor Week (September 28–October 4). It’s more than just a week—it’s a chance to build stronger, kinder, more connected communities.

This year, many people are asking the same question: How can I participate? The answer is simple—whether you take one small step or organize something big, every action matters. Here are a few ways you can get involved.

Learn more at the official Missouri Good Neighbor Week website.

1. Nominate an Engaged Neighbor

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to care for the people around them? Take a few minutes to nominate them for the Engaged Neighbor Award. These stories inspire others and shine a light on the everyday heroes living right next door.

2. Encourage Your City to Join In

City councils and mayors across Missouri have been showing support by passing proclamations or resolutions for Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Ask your local leaders to do the same—it’s a meaningful way to signal that your city values kindness, connection, and community spirit.

3. Spread the Word

Social media is a powerful tool. Share posts, tag friends, and invite others to participate. Let neighbors know about the week and point them to the official website: MissouriGoodNeighborWeek.com. The more people who know, the more good that will ripple through our neighborhoods.

4. Take Action Yourself

At its heart, this week is about you and your neighbors. Don’t worry about entertaining or putting on a show—focus instead on connecting. Knock on a door, share a treat, check in on an elderly neighbor, mow a lawn, host a driveway gathering, or simply offer a kind word.

These simple steps grow social capital—the trust and goodwill that make neighborhoods stronger. When neighbors know each other, it often leads to deeper collaboration and long-lasting community improvements.

5. Report Your Act of Neighboring

After you’ve done something kind or neighborly, visit MissouriGoodNeighborWeek.com to report it. Every story matters, and every submission increases your chance to win part of over $1,000 in prizes. More importantly, sharing your story inspires others to follow your example.

A Challenge for You

Hey neighbors! It’s time to celebrate kindness and community during Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Let’s brighten someone’s day—whether it’s yard work, cookies on a doorstep, or a friendly conversation.

✨ Here’s the challenge: Do one kind thing for a neighbor this week, then report it at MissouriGoodNeighborWeek.com. Your small gesture could spark a movement of kindness across our state.

Together, let’s make Missouri shine from September 28 through October 4. 💙


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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