"Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose" is a timely and deeply meaningful exploration of one of the most overlooked human needs: the need to feel that we matter. Jennifer Breheny Wallace offers readers a compelling blend of research, storytelling, and practical insight that speaks directly to the quiet ache many people carry—the desire to know they are seen, valued, and needed. The idea of mattering is especially relevant to the work I do in communities. Whether I am engaging partners, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting leaders, or serving residents, helping people feel that they matter is at the core of building resilient communities. Wallace’s research also highlights insights I can integrate into my programs, communications, and relationships. At its core, the book argues that mattering is not the same as achievement, popularity, or even success. Instead, mattering is rooted in relationships, contribution, and mutual recognition. Wallace caref...

A neighborhood is more than just a group of houses or streets. It’s a place where people live close to each other, share spaces, and often have things in common. A neighborhood can be as small as a block or as large as a few square miles. What makes it special is not the size or shape, but the people and the connections they have with one another. You might live in a neighborhood with sidewalks, streetlights, and playgrounds. Or your neighborhood might be rural, with wide-open spaces and farmland. Some neighborhoods are filled with businesses, schools, and parks. Others are quiet and mostly residential. No matter the layout, a neighborhood is defined by the people who live there and how they interact. So who is a neighbor? At the simplest level, a neighbor is someone who lives near you. It could be the person next door, across the street, or even someone a few houses down. But being a neighbor is about more than just living close by. It’s about how you treat the people around you. A...

  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...