When Dan Prater talks about volunteerism, he starts with a simple but powerful reminder: at its core, volunteering is about choice. The word itself comes from a root meaning “of your own free will.” That framing matters, especially when we think about neighboring.  The most meaningful acts of service are not assigned, scheduled, or required—they are chosen. They come from a willingness to step in when someone else is in need. But Prather pushes us to see something deeper. While formal volunteerism—serving with organizations, logging hours, signing up for shifts—is easy to measure, the real story is often invisible. “The real untold story is the informal volunteering… neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends… that doesn’t show up on a register anywhere," said Prater. For anyone working with neighborhood associations, this insight is critical. The most impactful work may not be happening in meetings or programs—it’s happening in driveways, kitchens, and front yards...

  The concept of Neighborhood Labs was created by the Hopeful Neighborhood Project (HNP)  located in St. Louis, Missouri. Like MU Extension, HNP promotes asset-based community development (ABCD). MU Extension is proud to partner with HNP to offer neighborhood labs across the state or to train others to conduct a lab where they live. Why Neighborhood Labs Matter A strong neighborhood is built on relationships, shared resources, and a common goal of making life better for everyone. A Neighborhood Lab is an event where people come together to learn about their community, share skills, and make positive changes. It’s a chance to discover what makes your neighborhood special and find ways to improve it. This guide will walk you through how to plan and run a Neighborhood Lab in your community. Follow these steps to make the event easy, fun, and effective! Step 1: Define Your Neighborhood Before you start, take time to define what you mean by “neighborhood.” A neighborhood ...

In every neighborhood, there are individuals who go above and beyond to foster a sense of belonging, unity, and mutual support. These engaged neighbors take the initiative to build stronger communities, bringing people together through acts of kindness, service, and creativity. From organizing neighborhood events to tackling local challenges, their efforts create an environment where everyone feels connected and cared for. This story highlights the experiences and insights of four individuals—Susan Peck, Tracie Rice, Michael Brittain, and Darla Noble—who have led by example in their communities. Their successes and challenges offer valuable lessons on how to be an engaged neighbor. A Neighborhood that Feels Like Home For Darla Noble, fostering a sense of community in her Rogersville neighborhood was both a personal mission and a way to build new relationships. Having moved from her longtime home to a new neighborhood, she sought ways to connect with others and encourage engagement. ...