Heart of the Westside: Neighborhood Lab Focuses on Connection

 

On Thursday evening (Feb. 19), MU Extension Community Development Specialist David Burton led a neighborhood lab for the Heart of the Westside Neighborhood Association in Springfield, Mo.

"I had the privilege of leading a Neighborhood Lab and it was one of those gatherings that quietly reminds you why neighboring matters," said Burton.

The event was hosted by Flourish, a nonprofit that has intentionally embedded itself in the Heart of the Westside neighborhood. Their mission is beautifully simple and deeply ambitious: build relationships and transforming lives so the neighborhood can truly thrive — or flourish. 

About 20 neighbors gathered around tables, shared a meal provided by Flourish, and then leaned into a 90-minute workshop rooted in asset-based community development.

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong here?” we asked, “What’s strong here?”

Participants took time to identify their own gifts and talents — the skills, passions, and experiences they already carry — and then explored how those strengths might connect with assets that already exist in the neighborhood. 

Getting neighbors to consider their own resources and abilities, and what they can do together instead of relying on resource outside of their neighborhood, is a recipe for sustainable change and improved social capital in that neighborhood.

"As we worked the process, it didn’t take long before ideas began to surface," said Burton.

Top ideas include:

• A walking club at Nichols Park, taking advantage of the new trail that now winds through that park. 
• A monthly game night hosted at one of the six churches in the area — a simple, low-pressure way for neighbors to laugh and linger together. 
• A crochet class to connect those who love the craft and those who want to learn, creating space for conversation stitch by stitch. 
• Other ideas included a community garden and a candy making class.

"These ideas may seem small. But I’ve seen enough Neighborhood Labs to know that small ideas, when owned by neighbors, can grow into something meaningful. Sometimes the top vote-getters become reality," said Burton.

Other times, a quieter idea takes off because someone simply decides, “I’m going to make this happen.”

"My hope is that we’ll see that kind of momentum in the Heart of the Westside — neighbors discovering their gifts, connecting around shared interests, and building the kind of social fabric that makes a place stronger from the inside out," said Burton.

When neighbors recognize what they already have, thriving stops being an abstract goal — and starts becoming a lived reality.

UPDATES AFTER NEIGHBORHOOD LAB:

FIRST EVENT - First Heart of the Westside planned event: Mrs. Bomar (the one who raised her hand) and developed a plan for the first Neighborhood Game Night. She will serve as host and Flourish will provide volunteers and resources to support the event. 

Date: Tuesday April 14th, 5:30 - 7:00pm

Location: Immanuel Baptist Church

Pizza dinner from 5:30 - 6:00pm; Games from 6:00 - 7:00pm

Volunteers to be at each table to facilitate and encourage game play and interaction

ATTENDANCE: Had 28 people representing about 15 households attend. All arrived about 5:30 pm and most stayed until 7:00 pm. Good interaction among the neighbors.

SECOND EVENT - Last night (May 12) Flourish hosted our second neighborhood game night. 22 attended. We served a dinner of pulled chicken sandwiches, chips, cookies and lemonade. Handed out a few "get to know you" prizes (who lives closest, who has lived here longest. etc) Then played games. All stayed until closing. Circle of conversations at the tables during dinner expanded. All good stuff.

We have also planned a Community "take out" cookout for Wednesday April 29th. It marks the one year anniversary of the storm that tore up the neighborhood and the residents came together to support each other and the clean-up efforts. We will share with you how that goes as well.

THIRD EVENT - Mrs. Bomar and Flourish hosted our third game night gathering last night (Tuesday). We had 35 neighbors attend. All enjoyed a pizza, salad and apple pie dinner. Played bingo as they concluded dinner and then participated in the various games or sat around the table and conversed. Most stayed the entire evening. Five volunteered to help serve during the Summer Celebration event planned now for July 23rd. We are seeing the development of a core group. Exciting stuff.

WRITTEN BY

David L. Burton

For more information, visit the Engaged Neighbor website. Take our pledge and become part of a movement! Or subscribe to our newsletter. Access some of the research documents written by David Burton, the author of this blog. Or better yet, purchase one of his books off Amazon. Contact David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.