Building Stronger Neighborhoods by Asking “Who’s Missing?”

 

In Colorado Springs, community leader Thomas Thompson—an ex-pastor turned civic advisor—is redefining neighborhood improvement by starting with one simple yet profound question: “Who’s not here?” As he explains, “Even when I started getting into church work, it was always the question of ‘who’s not here, who’s not included here.’ That’s still a driving question for me today. I’m driven to serve by that idea of who’s not brought in and who’s being left out.” 

My Neighboring 101 Interview of Thomas Thompson

Community Positive article on Thomas Thompson

That question formed the foundation of the city’s “1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings” initiative—a grassroots campaign designed to involve every corner of the city. Local residents, rather than the city, were invited to host small-scale events—“donuts on the driveway,” backyard barbecues, or evening strolls—with the goal of strengthening social bonds and identifying those who’d been overlooked. 

Initially seeking a thousand gatherings, the initiative drew nearly 900—but achieved full coverage across all 77 identified neighborhoods. And more than 10,000 residents met someone new.  The impact extended well beyond social niceties: one quiet Gulf War veteran, previously isolated and overlooked, was identified at a gathering. When neighbors met him, they learned he was struggling with PTSD and an overgrown lawn—neighbors stepped up to help, reducing city intervention. As Mayor Yemi framed it: “When neighbors serve their neighbor, the city doesn’t have to send neighborhood services out to find this guy or do his work.” 

Thomas attributes these successes to inclusivity: “I look around the table … who’s not here? Who do we need to go out and get? And I love being the person to go out and try to woo them in.”  This proactive stance—inviting excluded voices, especially from historically disengaged groups—has helped the city avoid repeating the flawed pattern of listening to the same few. It ensures every neighborhood, resident, and perspective is heard.

This method is not just reactive; it empowers residents. With provided resources—toolkits, invites, name-tag magnets—people took ownership of their local corners of the city. They became active participants and civic conveners. As Thomas says, community engagement isn’t just “reactive”—responding when residents reach out—but also “proactive,” activating communities before issues arise. 

The approach also speaks to a bigger truth: local action matters. Thomas highlights the distraction of national politics—“potholes are not Republican or Democrat. They are potholes.”  He reminds us that meaningful community work often starts at the block level, where neighbors help neighbors. When enough people participate, small efforts combine into collective civic health.

Colorado Springs’s strategy offers a model: ask who’s missing, invite them intentionally, and provide tools—not directives—for neighborhood engagement. In doing so, the city transformed passive residents into active community-builders. It demonstrates that the key to stronger neighborhoods isn’t grand programs, but getting everyone involved—one gathering, one neighbor, one question 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.