Heart of the Westside: Neighborhood Lab Focuses on Connection

 

Last Thursday evening (Feb. 19), I had the privilege of leading a Neighborhood Lab in Springfield — and it was one of those gatherings that quietly reminds you why neighboring matters.

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. It didn’t take long before ideas began to surface.

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. 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.

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

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.