In a world that rewards busyness and constant motion, courage might not seem like the first trait that comes to mind when we talk about being a good neighbor. But courage is at the very heart of neighboring. Not the kind of courage that earns medals or headlines or discovers new worlds like Columbus did —but the quiet, consistent strength to show up, slow down, and make space for the people around you. When we talk about becoming an Engaged Neighbor , we pledge to build connections intentionally, apply leadership skills right where we live, and grow our social capital through neighborhood relationships. Those ideas come to life through five REACH principles, and the fourth one— Courage —may be the hardest to practice in our everyday lives. Courage to Be Available The first act of courage is to discard a lifestyle of busyness. In many ways, busyness has become our society’s most accepted form of isolation. We fill every square on the calendar and call it productivity, but the cost is av...

Service is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. It means giving of yourself for the good of others. Every town needs people who serve—those who donate food, volunteer for cleanup days, or help lead community drives. Service is the grease that keeps a community moving. Yet, as valuable as it is, service alone is not the same as being an engaged neighbor . Service that makes it possible to help others in a community is worthwhile and commendable, but being an engaged neighbor is something deeper. It is service that repeats itself. It’s service that takes root on your street, among people whose names you know and whose stories you share. It’s not just about meeting needs—it’s about building relationships. The Power of Proximity Most acts of service happen outside of where we live. We go downtown to volunteer, to the shelter to serve, or to the community center to help. But engaged neighboring happens right where you are . It’s the ripple of kindness that begins whe...

  More than 500 Missourians have now taken the Engaged Neighbor Pledge — and the stories behind those signatures show that something powerful is happening across our state. What began as a simple personal commitment to know, care for, and serve nearby neighbors has turned into a quiet movement of kindness, creativity, and community renewal. Small Promises with Big Impact When people sign the pledge, they’re not just adding their name to a list. They’re making a conscious decision to live differently — to be more aware of who lives nearby and to take practical steps to strengthen those relationships. Many pledge-takers describe simple but heartfelt actions: checking in on elderly neighbors, waving more often, helping with yard work, and hosting small get-togethers. Others plan to attend neighborhood meetings, volunteer for local clean-ups, or start a community garden. One respondent wrote, “I plan to invite my neighbors over for chili night once a month.” Another said, “I’m goi...

  SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Over 250 people from across the United States have taken the Engaged Neighbor Pledge during 2025 . Each one was invited to share what that commitment means in practical terms.  “Their reflections reveal a consistent set of themes, a hopeful vision for stronger neighborhoods, and the first steps many are ready to take,” said David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of the Engaged Neighbor Pledge (accessible at https://engagedneighbor.com). According to Burton, these voices—ranging from small towns to big cities—show us both the simplicity and the depth of what it means to be an engaged neighbor.  Here is a summary of what we can learn from this year’s pledge takers. 1. Start with Simple Acts of Connection Many pledged neighbors emphasized the power of small gestures. Comments included: “Saying hello to my neighbors more with the intention of being available to each other.” “I’m new to my neighbo...

  In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel disconnected from their communities. Our busy schedules often keep us focused on work, errands, and immediate family needs, leaving little time to build meaningful connections with those around us. This lack of engagement can create a sense of isolation and missed opportunities for mutual support and a reduction in social capital. Fortunately, by adopting simple and thoughtful habits, we can enhance not only our own lives but also the lives of those in our communities. Building connections with those nearby fosters a sense of belonging and brings tangible benefits, including improved well-being, enhanced security, and a better quality of life. (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993).  The Engaged Neighbor Pledge was been developed by Community Development Specialist David Burton between 2020 and 2024 .This pledge outlines principles for fostering meaningful neighborhood connections. By visiting engagedneighbor.com , individuals can take...