Why Every Missouri Community Should Proclaim Missouri Good Neighbor Week

 

Every city council, county commission, and University of Missouri Extension Council has the opportunity to do something meaningful this September. It takes only a few minutes during a public meeting. It costs nothing. Yet it has the potential to spark thousands of conversations, inspire countless acts of kindness, and strengthen the social fabric of an entire community.

That opportunity is to adopt a proclamation recognizing Missouri Good Neighbor Week, September 28 through October 4.

At first glance, a proclamation may seem like little more than a ceremonial piece of paper. But history tells a different story. Public proclamations help establish community priorities. They communicate values. They signal what a community chooses to celebrate and encourage. In many ways, they become an invitation for residents to participate in something larger than themselves.

When a mayor signs a proclamation or a county commission adopts a resolution, they are sending a simple but powerful message: Being a good neighbor matters here.

That message carries weight.

A Public Invitation to Build Community

Most people want to be good neighbors. Research consistently shows that Americans value kindness, trust, and community. Yet many people simply need a reminder or an invitation to take the first step.

A proclamation provides that invitation.

It encourages residents to introduce themselves to someone new, check on an older neighbor, organize a block gathering, share a meal, welcome a new family, or simply learn the names of the people living nearby. These small actions often become the beginning of lasting relationships.

Communities become stronger one conversation at a time.

It Reinforces What Local Government Cannot Do Alone

Cities and counties invest millions of dollars in infrastructure, parks, public safety, and economic development. These investments are essential.

But no government can manufacture friendship and no ordinance or budget can create trust or require belonging.

Those things are created when neighbors know each other, care about each other, and choose to invest in the place they call home.

A proclamation acknowledges that while government plays an important role, every resident also has a responsibility in building a stronger community.

It Celebrates What Is Already Happening

Missouri is filled with remarkable neighbors.

They organize neighborhood gatherings. They mow a yard for someone recovering from surgery. They shovel snow. They deliver meals. They help after storms. They check on older adults. They welcome newcomers. They quietly make life better for those around them.

Unfortunately, these everyday acts rarely make headlines.

Missouri Good Neighbor Week gives communities an opportunity to recognize these local heroes and celebrate the positive stories that often go unnoticed.

In 2025, University of Missouri Extension and Missouri County Extension Councils documented more than 42,000 acts of neighboring during Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Imagine what could happen if even more communities joined the effort in 2026.

A Small Action with Lasting Impact

One of the greatest strengths of a proclamation is that it often becomes a catalyst.

A proclamation may lead to a neighborhood block party, a local newspaper story, a library display, a service project, a neighborhood event, a social media campaign highlighting good neighbors or even recognition of outstanding neighborhood volunteers.

One simple vote at a public meeting can inspire hundreds or even thousands of positive actions throughout a community.

MU Extension Councils Can Lead by Example

Missouri's County Extension Councils have long served as community conveners and educators. Encouraging neighboring fits naturally within Extension's mission of building stronger individuals, families, businesses, and communities.

By requesting proclamations from city councils and county commissions, Extension Councils can help place community connection on the public agenda. They can also use the proclamation as the starting point for educational programs, neighborhood initiatives, volunteer projects, and local celebrations throughout Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

More Than a Ceremony

Some people wonder whether proclamations really matter.

The answer is yes—but not because of the paper itself. They matter because symbols shape culture.

Communities celebrate what they value. They recognize what they hope will grow. When local leaders publicly affirm that neighboring matters, they help create a culture where kindness, connection, and belonging become community expectations rather than exceptions.

That is how stronger neighborhoods begin.

An Invitation to Every Missouri Community

This year's recommended proclamation reflects a simple truth: healthy neighborhoods create healthier communities.

It recognizes the importance of connection, highlights the benefits of neighboring, celebrates Missouri's more than 42,000 documented acts of neighboring in 2025, and invites every resident to become part of the solution to loneliness, isolation, and disconnection.

Whether you serve on a city council, county commission, or University of Missouri Extension Council, consider placing Missouri Good Neighbor Week on your next meeting agenda.

It may be one of the easiest decisions your governing body makes all year.

And it just might become one of the most meaningful.

After all, stronger communities don't begin in the state capitol. They begin next door.

Resolution Proclaiming Missouri Good Neighbor Week
September 28–October 4, 2026

WHEREAS, strong neighborhoods are the foundation of thriving communities, and connected neighbors help create safer, healthier, and more resilient places to live; and

WHEREAS, research consistently shows that most Americans do not know the names of their neighbors or engage with them in meaningful ways, contributing to increased social isolation and a diminished sense of belonging; and

WHEREAS, building positive relationships among neighbors strengthens community trust, develops local leaders, supports emergency preparedness, reduces crime, encourages civic engagement, improves decision-making, and enhances the overall quality of life; and

WHEREAS, simple acts of neighboring—such as introducing yourself, checking on a neighbor, sharing a meal, lending a helping hand, or welcoming a new resident—can have a lasting impact on individuals, families, and neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, being a good neighbor begins with each of us, and every resident has the opportunity to foster connection, kindness, and belonging where they live; and

WHEREAS, Missouri’s County Extension Councils and University of Missouri Extension documented more than 42,000 acts of neighboring during Missouri Good Neighbor Week in 2025, demonstrating the positive impact of intentional neighboring across our state; and

WHEREAS, Missouri Good Neighbor Week, established by the Missouri General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor in 2022, encourages all Missourians to strengthen relationships with those living nearby and celebrates the power of engaged neighbors to build stronger communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, ________________________________, do hereby proclaim September 28 through October 4, 2026, as Missouri Good Neighbor Week in ________________________________.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that I encourage all residents to celebrate this week by reaching out to their neighbors, performing acts of kindness, strengthening neighborhood connections, sharing stories of neighboring, and recognizing those who make our community a more welcoming and connected place.

Residents are also encouraged to learn more, report acts of neighboring, share neighboring stories, and nominate outstanding neighbors for recognition at MissouriGoodNeighborWeek.com.

Adopted this ______ day of __________________, 2026.

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.