If you asked most people what they want out of life, you’d hear answers like happiness, success, security, or maybe purpose. But underneath all of those is something simpler and more powerful:  "We want to know we matter." Not in a spotlight way.  Not in a fame or status way. But in a deeply human way. We want to know that someone would notice if we were gone. That our presence makes a difference. That our lives ripple outward in ways that help others. Recently, conversations sparked by "Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose" by Jennifer Breheny Wallace have helped bring this idea into the mainstream. But if you work in community development, neighboring, or local civic life, you probably recognize something important: We have been seeing the effects of mattering — or the absence of it — in neighborhoods for years. Because here’s the truth: For many people, the place where they are most likely to experience mattering is not at work. Not onli...

  Team sports events organized by neighbors can play a significant role in strengthening a community by fostering connection, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.  The ultimate example might be SGF Kickball, which  gained attention beyond Springfield. It was recently selected for the “Best Neighborhood Program” award by Neighborhoods USA. NUSA is a national group that has been celebrating great community programs for over 50 years. Just being named one of the top nominees in the country is a big deal for a volunteer-led program that started as a simple challenge between friends. Other cities with finalist programs in 2025 included Pasadena, California, Waco, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, St. Louis, Missouri, Monrovia, California, Anna, Texas, El Paso, Texas, Chandler, Arizona, Muncie, Indiana and St. Petersburg, Florida. A Fun Idea That Took Off The idea for SGF Kickball began with two friends—Bobbi Ream and Kevin Evans—talking about how to help their neighborhoods...

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...

  In a cozy town in Maine, just like those captured in Community Plate’s vibrant visuals, neighbors gather under string lights and lanterns for a “Story Sharing Potluck Supper.” Founded out of a desire to reignite human connection in an increasingly disconnected world, Community Plate —a Maine‑based 501(c)(3)—brings food, stories, and hearts to the table. The Gathering Begins It all begins simply: someone in the community offers their town hall or library basement. A theme is chosen—say “Sowing Seeds” in late summer—and story prompts are prepared: “Share a dish that reminds you of your childhood garden.” Folks bring family recipes—perhaps a grandmother’s hearty stew or a neighbor’s spiced pie—and sit at communal tables laid with vintage plates, fresh flowers, and cloth napkins. As they eat, guided conversation prompts help bridge divides. Jean, a retired schoolteacher, hesitates but then shares how her mother’s summer tomato salad was simply sunshine in a bowl. Across from her, Ahm...

In small towns across America, something remarkable is happening—not through flashy top-down programs or one-size-fits-all policies, but through stories, shared values, and the voices of everyday residents. This is the power behind the Community Heart & Soul  process, a proven model that puts people—not politics—at the center of community planning and transformation. Founded by Lyman Orton, proprietor of The Vermont Country Store, Community Heart & Soul was born from a simple yet profound belief: that small towns hold deep reservoirs of resilience, pride, and possibility. With the right framework, these qualities can be harnessed to create stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive communities. Over the past decade, more than 120 communities—mostly with populations under 30,000—have implemented this process with lasting results. So what exactly is Community Heart & Soul? At its core, it’s a four-phase, community-led planning model that helps towns discover what matters most ...

Best of Show   – One of 13 submissions from the Main Street of Marble Hill, Mo A video of the live announcement  of these winners and discussion about Show Me Neighborhood Art Week can be viewed on YouTube. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension is proud to announce the regional and statewide winners of the 2025 Show Me Neighborhood Art Week , a creative community outreach program that celebrates public art as a tool to build stronger neighborhoods and deepen residents’ sense of belonging. Now in its second year, the weeklong initiative encourages Missourians of all ages and skill levels to create art that reflects pride in their neighborhood and contributes to a shared sense of place.  In 2025, 68 sites from across every MU Extension region participated, and 434 public votes were cast to help us recognize outstanding entries. Fourteen votes from people out of state who were visiting displays.  The number of registered sites and Missourians vot...

Building a strong sense of city membership is not a short-term project—it requires ongoing commitment, adaptability, and creative thinking. After establishing leadership roles, fostering neighborhood participation, and launching key engagement programs, cities must focus on sustaining these efforts over time. This means securing funding, expanding participation opportunities, and making civic engagement a lasting part of local culture. Deepening Engagement: Keeping Residents Involved Develop Civic Education Programs – Knowledge is power, and cities can empower residents by offering civic education workshops, youth engagement programs, and mentorship opportunities . Schools, libraries, and community centers can host events that teach residents about local governance, how to advocate for change, and ways to get involved in city affairs. Encourage Digital Engagement – In today’s world, digital tools can enhance community participation. A city app or online platform could allow residen...