The fifth annual  Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 - Oct. 4)  has a new website, a new theme and new award categories and community resources. The new theme for 2026 reflects the biggest change to Missouri Good Neighbor Week: "A year of neighboring activity. A week to celebrate it." "The Missouri Good Neighbor Week website is open now for all nominations and for the reporting of acts of neighboring. We hope Missourians will help us document activity and make nominations all year-long," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Award winners will be announced during Missouri Good Neighbor Week as a way to celebrate neighbors statewide. Activities and events are still planned for the week too, along with individual acts of neighboring. "We are still encouraging activity and events during the week too," said Burton. "Events and individual acts of neighborin...

Neighboring isn’t just something we talk about in Missouri — it’s something we live .  Every year during Missouri Good Neighbor Week , communities across the state take intentional, simple actions to build connection, show kindness, and make their neighborhoods better places to live. From small acts of service to inspiring community-led efforts, this week highlights the best of what it means to be a neighbor. But bringing this celebration to life — and helping it grow — takes more than goodwill. It takes support . That’s why we’re excited to offer a way for businesses and organizations to sponsor Missouri Good Neighbor Week and help amplify the reach and impact of this meaningful initiative. Current Sponsors  The presenting sponsors of  Missouri Good Neighbor Week  are  University of Missouri Extension  and  The Hopeful Neighborhood Project  and now also ServMo . The Hopeful Neighborhood Project inspires and equips everyday neighbors to pursue t...

  SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The statewide recognition of Missouri’s "Most Engaged Neighbor" as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4) is accepting nominations now at http://missourigoodneighborweek.com . This statewide award has been been presented since 2022. But starting in 2024, the nomination link has been open from mid-February to October 1 (to collect more nominations) not just during Missouri Good Neighbor Week.    Every person nominated is acknowledged with an official letter and keepsake memento. Those selected as the ten "Most Engaged Neighbors" in Missouri will be announced and recognized during Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 - Oct. 4). Most years, thanks to sponsors, we have been able to recognize more than ten. PROGRAM HISTORY “We heard from participants and nominators in 2023 that Missouri Good Neighbor Week came and went, and they did not get nominations submitted. So, instead of creating a barrier to nominations, we opened the proce...

  Strong neighborhoods don’t just happen—they are built by people who care enough to connect, serve, and create spaces where everyone feels included. One of the most effective ways to inspire this kind of engagement is to celebrate those already doing it well. That’s where a citywide “Most Engaged Neighbor” nomination program comes in. This initiative (done as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week) provides residents with a platform to recognize neighbors who go above and beyond to build connection and community. It also raises awareness about the importance of neighboring, generates positive media coverage, and deepens trust between residents and city government. If you’re ready to start your own program, here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide—complete with ideas for forming a selection committee and celebrating winners in ways that leave a lasting impact. Step 1: Planning and Gaining Support (4–6 weeks before launch) Before launching the program, secure buy-in from city leader...