Christian County, Missouri, Recognizes "Engaged Neighbor" Ashley Marks

 

In photo (left to right): David Burton, Ashley Marks, Commissioner Brad Jackson. The following is the text of the presentation to Christian County Commissioners at the County Courthouse in Ozark on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

What if the most powerful way to change a community wasn’t a new program, a new building, or a new policy but simply knowing the people who live nearest you? That’s the idea behind Missouri Good Neighbor Week—a statewide movement that takes place each year from September 28 through October 4, anchored by National Good Neighbor Day.

But this year, there’s a new theme that changes everything: “A Year of Neighboring. A Week to Celebrate It.” Because this isn’t just about one week. It’s about building a culture. And it’s working.

We are accepting reports of neighboring and nominations right now and will use Good Neighbor Week to celebrate success stories and announce the various winners.

In 2025 alone, Missourians reported more than 42,000 acts of neighboring —simple, everyday actions like checking on a neighbor, sharing a meal, or helping someone in need. Think about that. 42 thousand moments of connection. 42 thousand reminders that people are not alone.

That’s what makes Missouri Good Neighbor Week different. It doesn’t ask people to do something extraordinary. It invites them to do something intentional. And when those small acts begin to multiply, something bigger happens. Neighborhoods become safer. Loneliness begins to shrink. Trust starts to grow.

Because when neighbors know each other, they don’t just live near one another—they start looking out for one another. That’s how communities change. Not all at once. But one relationship at a time. And behind every number is a story.

One of those stories is Ashley Meredith Marks from Ozark—recognized as one of Missouri’s “Most Engaged Neighbors” in 2025. Ashley didn’t win that recognition because of one big event. She earned it through consistent, everyday presence.

Ashley is building connection in her neighborhood by choosing intentional presence over isolation. Rather than waiting for relationships to form, she has taken the initiative to meet her neighbors, learn their names, and create consistent opportunities for interaction.

She also fosters connection by creating shared experiences that bring people together through gatherings, informal meetups, and acts of hospitality. Ashley lowers the barrier for participation so neighbors can move from casual awareness to active involvement.

She saw needs and stepped in. She built relationships where others saw distance. She turned ordinary moments into opportunities for connection. She modeled what it looks like to check in on others, respond to needs, and encourage neighbors to take similar steps. And that’s what makes her story so powerful.

That’s the heart of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. It’s not just a campaign. It’s not just a celebration. It’s a reminder that every one of us has the ability to shape the place we live.

So here’s the invitation to participate:

•        Learn the names of your neighbors.
•        Start a conversation.
•        Do one small act of neighboring.

Because when you do, you’re not just helping a neighbor—you’re helping build a community where people feel seen, valued, and like they truly belong.

Ashley full profile can be read online.

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.