What are the Goals of the Mo Neighborhoods Workgroup

 


The Mo Neighborhoods Workgroup is the brainchild of Laura Mize, neighborhood specialist for the City of Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The group was developed in conversations between Laura and David Burton as they explored ways to gather like minded individuals in Missouri (following MU Extension's Creating Entrepreneurial Communities conference held in Excelsior Springs Oct. 1-3, 2025). The idea was to help make Missouri a leader in the neighboring movement. The creation of a conference was discussed and quarterly meetings on Zoom was the first step to build momentum toward a Mo Neighborhoods conference.

What are the goals of the Mo Neighborhoods Workgroup?

1. Build a Statewide Network of Neighboring Advocates
Create a collaborative community of individuals, organizations, and professionals who are passionate about strengthening neighborhoods across Missouri.

2. Facilitate Regular Networking and Learning Opportunities
Host quarterly virtual gatherings to share ideas, celebrate local successes, and foster relationships among neighboring champions statewide.

3. Document and Share Best Practices
Collect, highlight, and distribute stories and models of effective neighboring initiatives from communities across Missouri.

4. Encourage Local Collaboration and Innovation
Inspire and support local efforts that promote connection, belonging, and engagement among neighbors—both in rural and urban settings.

5. Strengthen the Statewide Neighboring Movement
Coordinate communication and partnerships that align local projects with statewide goals for community connection and civic engagement.

6. Develop a Shared Vision for Missouri’s Neighboring Landscape
Engage members in identifying collective priorities and measurable outcomes to advance neighboring as a recognized and supported community practice.

7. Plan and Host an Annual Missouri Neighboring Conference
Organize an in-person, statewide conference to bring together practitioners, educators, civic leaders, and residents for learning, collaboration, and celebration.

8. Promote and Expand Involvement in Missouri Good Neighbor Week
Ensure neighboring initiatives at the city and neighborhood level as part of this unique weeklong holiday (Sept. 28-Oct. 4) to continue Missouri's leadership in the neighboring movement.

9. Build Leadership Capacity Among Neighboring Practitioners
Provide training and mentorship opportunities to equip local leaders, volunteers, and organizations to lead effective neighboring efforts.

10. Measure and Celebrate Impact
Track participation, collaborations, and community outcomes to demonstrate the ripple effects of neighboring across the state.

The group plans to meet quarterly by Zoom to share ideas and success stories related to neighboring and make connections. The long-term goal of the group is to host an annual Mo Neighborhoods Conference to meet and learn in person.

If you would like to be added to the group for meeting reminder emails and communication, email your interest to David Burton at burtond@missouri.edu.


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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