County Extension Councils Spark Statewide Ripple of Neighboring


When Missouri celebrates Good Neighbor Week, it’s not just individuals who take part—it’s institutions rooted in community life. Across the state, 54 County MU Extension Councils played a pivotal role in sparking local acts of kindness, connection, and service that rippled far beyond their initial reach.

These councils, the local backbone of University of Missouri Extension, mobilized volunteers, organized community drives, and reminded Missourians that neighboring is more than a word—it’s a movement. Their coordinated efforts brought together thousands of people, proving that when education and engagement meet, the result is a stronger, more connected Missouri.'

County Councils reported a little over 19,000 acts of neighboring during the week. This year, 42,000 acts of reported statewide for Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

Extension at Work on Campuses

On the MU campus in Columbia, university-based teams set the tone for statewide involvement.

  • Team #1 partnered with the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, providing two hours of service that fed hundreds while showing that even brief, intentional acts of kindness can make a real difference.

  • Team #2 launched a Grab-and-Go Snack Drive for the Ronald McDonald House, collecting and delivering more than 700 items—a project that blended student energy with community compassion.

  • Team #3 rolled up their sleeves for Missouri River Relief, showing that caring for the environment is also a form of neighboring.

These campus-based teams embodied the essence of Missouri Good Neighbor Week: practical service, shared purpose, and local leadership.

Statewide Impact County by County

From rural towns to regional hubs, county extension councils expanded the idea of neighboring into classrooms, senior centers, and civic groups. Each project may have started small, but together they created statewide momentum.

For instance:

  • Adair County Extension collaborated with community volunteers to host an event encouraging residents to meet neighbors they didn’t know. 

  • Christian County Extension worked with local schools and churches to host a neighborhood clean-up and cookout, helping youth and adults meet face-to-face instead of screen-to-screen.

  • Boone County Extension supported a series of “Kindness Bins” for nonperishable foods — generated hundreds of donations.

  • Greene County Extension hosted a screening of two neighbor themed movies at the community cinema and hosted a "longer table" where extension council members, staff and partners sat and ate together.

  • Texas County Extension turned its Good Neighbor Week project into an intergenerational effort, pairing local 4-H youth with senior center participants to share stories and deliver handmade cards to homebound residents.

These examples illustrate what makes Missouri’s extension network unique. Each council understands its county’s pulse—what motivates its residents, where needs exist, and how to connect people through purpose. That’s why their projects don’t end when Good Neighbor Week does; they spark relationships that endure.

As one organizer said, “We didn’t just pick up trash or drop off food—we built trust.”

A Statewide Movement with Local Roots

The collective impact of Missouri Good Neighbor Week is unmistakable. Whether through acts of service, educational outreach, or local events, county extension councils have become catalysts for the Good Neighbor Movement in Missouri. 

The efforts of county extension councils connect dots between education, community engagement, and civic pride—reminding us that every lasting change begins with someone who cares enough to act.

As Missouri looks ahead to the next Good Neighbor Week, one truth stands out: when county extension councils lead, communities follow. From campus classrooms to country roads, Missourians continue to prove that good neighboring is not just an event—it’s a way of life.


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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