Posts

What Hamilton, Ohio Teaches Us About Building a Network of Active Neighborhoods

Image
What if building strong neighborhoods wasn’t about big plans—but about small, consistent investments in people and place? A small city in Hamilton is showing what that can look like. Through 17STRONG, Hamilton has quietly built one of the most practical and replicable models for neighborhood vitality in the country. What began in 2012 as a “Sense of Place” effort—bringing together residents, City Council, and city staff—has grown into a citizen-led initiative with an independent board, supported by local foundations and everyday residents. What makes this model so compelling isn’t a single program. It’s the system. And for communities working to strengthen neighboring, there is a great deal here worth learning. Start With Identity: Define the Neighborhood One of the most important moves Hamilton made was simple: they named and embraced their neighborhoods. Hamilton recognizes 17 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own identity, history, and character. That may not sound revolutionary...
Post a Comment
Read more

Missouri Good Neighbor Week Is More Than a Program—It’s a Theory of Change

Image
  When people hear the phrase “theory of change,” they often picture a complicated diagram—boxes, arrows, and technical language used by researchers and nonprofits. But sometimes, the most powerful theories of change don’t look complicated at all. They look like a wave across the street. A shared meal. A simple act of care. That’s exactly what we see in the mission and vision of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. What may appear at first glance to be a set of inspiring statements is actually something much deeper. It is a clear and compelling explanation of how change happens in communities . A Simple Idea With a Powerful Assumption At the heart of Missouri Good Neighbor Week is a simple belief: Small, intentional acts of neighboring—when repeated and shared—can transform the culture of a community. That statement alone contains the core of a theory of change. It assumes that: change doesn’t begin with large systems, it begins with people and relationships a nd it grows through consiste...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Neighbor Who Trims: Building Culture One Adjustment at a Time

Image
  In a time when everything feels like it’s pushing toward extremes—louder voices, sharper divides, bigger reactions—we often assume that meaningful change must come through bold, sweeping action. But what if the most powerful neighbors are not the loudest ones?  What if they are the "trimmers"? The idea of a “trimmer” comes from leadership and decision-making theory. A trimmer is someone who doesn’t overcorrect or blow things up. Instead, they make small, steady adjustments—shifting weight, recalibrating direction, and helping systems move toward balance over time. David Brook's wrote about this idea for the Atlantic that  article  inspired this blog. That idea has profound implications for how neighboring cultures are actually built. Neighboring Is Not Revolution—It’s Reform One of the most important insights from the article is the distinction between innovation and reform. Innovation seeks to rebuild everything from the ground up, often starting fresh and aiming ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Neighboring Research Guides Available on MU Website

Image
A University of Missouri Extension guidesheet is a short, practical educational publication designed to provide clear, research-based information on a specific topic for the public. MU Extension produces hundreds of these guidesheets as part of its mission to translate university research into useful, everyday knowledge for Missourians . These guides are always research-based, concise and practical, educational and not promotional and easy to access.  The State of Neighboring In Missouri (2022-2024)   This guide explores the evolving dynamics of neighboring within Missouri communities. Drawing on survey data, the findings shed light on the challenges and opportunities for fostering stronger neighborhood connections in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. This guide provides actionable recommendations to help communities rebuild trust, engagement, and resilience. To the Rescue: Benefits of Neighboring for Emergency Management and Disaster Response Neighboring plays a crucia...
Post a Comment
Read more

From Fireworks to Front Yards: Why America’s 250th Should Be Celebrated on Your Block

Image
  In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. Across the country, cities and states are planning events, festivals, and commemorations to mark the moment. But one city is offering a powerful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations may not happen on a stage or in a stadium. They may happen on your street. In Philadelphia, leaders have announced an ambitious idea: host 250 block parties across the city to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Instead of concentrating the celebration in one downtown event, they are spreading it across neighborhoods—inviting residents to gather with the people who live closest to them. It’s a simple idea. But it carries a profound lesson. Because at its core, America was never meant to be just a place we celebrate. It was meant to be a people we belong to. The Power of Taking Celebration to the Street Too often, we think of civic life as something that happens somewhere else—at city hall, at major events, or on national stages. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Springfield (Mo.) Neighborhoods Invited to Compete in 2026 SGF Kickball Championship

Image
  Friendly competition is coming to the ballfields this spring—and local neighborhoods are being called to step up, form teams, and claim bragging rights in the 2026 SGF Kickball Neighborhood Championship . The annual event will take place on Sunday, April 19 at the Meador Park Baseball Fields (2600 S. Fremont Ave.) , with registration beginning at 12:00 p.m. and games kicking off at 1:00 p.m. The tournament is free to participate in and open to ages 8 and up. Organizers say this isn’t just about kickball—it’s about building stronger neighborhoods through shared experiences and a little healthy rivalry. “We want to see neighborhoods show up, not just individuals,” said Ray Coleman, 2026 Tournament Coordinator. “There’s something powerful about playing alongside the people you live near. It turns streets into teams and neighbors into teammates.” Teams can include 8–13 players , with at least five youth ages 8–13 on the field. Games will be played in a fast-paced format—either 35...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Rise of Intentional Isolation in America and How We Can Break the Cycle

Image
  In recent years, more and more Americans are choosing a lifestyle of "intentional isolation." This means that instead of spending time with others, people are purposely deciding to be alone.  While technology and social media have made it easier to stay connected, many people are increasingly isolating themselves from real-world interactions. This trend has raised concerns about the mental and emotional well-being of individuals and society as a whole.  Understanding why this is happening and how we can break the cycle is important for building stronger, healthier communities. Why Are People Choosing Isolation? One reason for intentional isolation is the growing use of technology. With smartphones and computers, people can easily stay connected to friends and family through messages, social media, and video calls. While this keeps us "connected" in some ways, it often lacks the depth and warmth of face-to-face conversations.  Many people find themselves spending m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Your Neighbor Is Not Your Enemy: How Neighboring Can Help Heal America’s Divisions

Image
  If you spend much time watching national news or scrolling social media, it can begin to feel as if America is hopelessly divided. Every election cycle seems to intensify the narrative. Political ads portray opponents as existential threats. Commentators frame disagreements as battles between enemies rather than debates among fellow citizens. Online arguments escalate quickly. The result is a growing sense that people who disagree with us politically are not simply wrong — they are dangerous. But that idea collapses the moment you step onto a front porch. Because when you actually know your neighbors, something interesting happens. You realize they are not enemies at all. They are the person who waters your plants when you are out of town. They are the one who helped jump-start your car on a cold morning. They are the parent cheering next to you at the school ballgame. And sometimes, they vote differently than you do. Yet the relationship still works. The False Narrative of the E...
Post a Comment
Read more