We are going to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a special bonus session of Neighboring 101 at 12 noon CST on July 2. Our topic: “Talking Civics and Democracy with Neighbors.” This is a bonus session and the Zoom is open to the public . This is an especially important topic at a time when many Americans are searching for ways to rebuild trust, connection, and healthy civic dialogue in their communities. Our guest will be Siri C. Erickson, Senior Director for Strategy and Learning with Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement. PACE is a philanthropic laboratory for funders seeking to maximize their individual and collective impact on democracy and civic life in America. The PACE community achieves this through learning, experimenting, collaborating, and modeling vibrant civic space.   Of particular interest is the new study from PACE’s Civic Language Perceptions Project, “How to Talk About Democracy Under Pressure.” This study, called “How to Talk Bridgey 2.0,” translates fre...

  In recent years, many people have described a growing sense of fear and reluctance to speak honestly, even about things we privately agree on. In When the Majority Goes Quiet: Fear, Trust and the Spiral We Can Still Break , the author—drawing on the psychological concept of the “spiral of silence”—argues that people are increasingly hesitate to share their views not because they lack strong beliefs, but because they fear social, professional, and personal retaliation for doing so.  When decent, thoughtful voices go quiet, only the loudest and often the most divisive get heard, creating a false sense of consensus and deepening distrust.  This dynamic has parallels with a broader social condition: human isolation.  When people retreat from one another—whether physically, socially, or psychologically—trust erodes and fear becomes easier to sustain. What neuroscience and social science increasingly reveal is that human connection is not just nice to have; it’s essentia...

  For much of human history, relationships were shaped by proximity. Neighbors were not just people who lived nearby—they were allies, trading partners, babysitters, emergency helpers, and lifelong friends.  In today’s world, however, relationships based on proximity have steadily been replaced by those based on affinity. We now form friendships primarily through hobbies, professional networks, or online communities of shared interests.  While affinity-based connections can be meaningful, this shift comes with a serious cost: we are neglecting those who live next door. One of the primary problems with this trend is the loss of local trust and mutual support. In the past, neighbors often looked out for one another, whether by sharing tools, watching children, or checking in during crises.  When relationships are chosen solely through affinity, neighbors become strangers. This weakens the “social safety net” closest to home, leaving individuals more vulnerable during ...

In communities across the United States, local governments are increasingly turning to neighborhood or city ambassador programs as a means of deepening civic engagement, promoting social connection, and building trust between residents and city officials.  These ambassador models vary in their approach, but at their heart is a common goal: to empower everyday citizens as liaisons between the city and its neighborhoods.  Three such programs—in North Liberty, Iowa; Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and Springfield, Missouri—offer valuable insight into the benefits and possibilities of this kind of initiative. North Liberty, Iowa: From Crisis Response to Community Champions North Liberty’s Neighborhood Ambassador Program was born in the summer of 2020 in response to pandemic-related cancellations, including their popular Blues & Barbecue festival. The city issued a call to residents, asking for volunteers to serve as ambassadors for each neighborhood, using existing boundaries establishe...

  Trust is the foundation of every good relationship. It’s what helps us feel safe, understood, and connected—whether at home, work, or in our neighborhood. But in today’s world, many people feel isolated, nervous about talking to strangers, or unsure of how to build strong communities. One simple and powerful solution is celebration. From block parties to National Good Neighbor Day or Missouri Good Neighbor Week, neighborhood celebrations are more than just fun. They help people connect, share stories, laugh together, and feel like they belong. These joyful gatherings help build trust, reduce fear and anxiety, and even improve our health. Why Trust Matters Stephen M.R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust , says it clearly: “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships together.” When we trust each other, we work better together, feel safer, and solve problems more easily. In n...

  A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals something important—and a little sad—about life in America today: fewer of us know or trust our neighbors. According to their 2025 survey, only 26% of adults say they know all or most of their neighbors, and just 44% say they trust them. Both numbers have dropped in recent years, signaling a growing disconnection in our communities. So what’s going on? Let’s dig into the details. Fading Connections Back in 2018, 31% of Americans said they knew most of their neighbors. That number is now just 26%. Trust is also down—from 52% in 2015 to 44% today. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but strong neighborhoods often rely on knowing and trusting the people next door. When we lose those connections, we lose something powerful: the ability to lean on one another. Who Knows Their Neighbors Best? Some groups of people are more likely to feel connected to those living nearby. The Pew study found that older adults, white Americans, peo...

  Fundraising can make a big difference in neighborhoods. Whether it’s for fixing a park, helping a neighbor in need, or starting a community program, raising money the right way can help turn good ideas into real results. But successful fundraising doesn’t happen by accident. It takes clear goals, good stories, strong relationships, and most of all—trust. First, it’s important to know exactly what you’re raising money for. People are more willing to give when they understand the purpose. A goal like “make the playground safer” is nice, but “raise $5,000 to replace broken swings and repair the slide by August” is clearer and easier to support. When neighbors see a goal and a plan, they’re more likely to get involved. Next comes the power of storytelling. A good story connects people emotionally. Instead of just saying, “We need money for a new bench,” share a story: “Ms. Johnson, who’s lived on this block for 40 years, says she misses sitting at the park with her grandkids because ...