A proclamation may be a piece of paper, but the message behind it is much bigger: Being a good neighbor matters here. That message is being delivered by Missouri communities as we approach Missouri Good Neighbor Week, Sept. 28–Oct. 4, 2026. So far, I have received proclamations from communities across the state, including Republic, Forsyth, Fremont Hills, St. Peters and Kirkwood . I know of about six others that are pending. Each has put its own touch on the proclamation, but together they make an important statement about the kind of communities Missourians want to build. Missouri Good Neighbor Week was established by the Missouri General Assembly and signed into law in 2022. This year's theme, “A Year of Neighboring Activity. A Week to Celebrate It,” reflects our growing emphasis on making neighboring something we practice throughout the year, while using Sept. 28–Oct. 4 as a statewide celebration. ( MU Extension ) Why Proclamations Matter Earlier this summer, I challenged eve...

  Every city council, county commission, and University of Missouri Extension Council has the opportunity to do something meaningful this September. It takes only a few minutes during a public meeting. It costs nothing. Yet it has the potential to spark thousands of conversations, inspire countless acts of kindness, and strengthen the social fabric of an entire community. That opportunity is to adopt a proclamation recognizing Missouri Good Neighbor Week , September 28 through October 4. At first glance, a proclamation may seem like little more than a ceremonial piece of paper. But history tells a different story. Public proclamations help establish community priorities. They communicate values. They signal what a community chooses to celebrate and encourage. In many ways, they become an invitation for residents to participate in something larger than themselves. When a mayor signs a proclamation or a county commission adopts a resolution, they are sending a simple but powerful mes...

New to Missouri Good Neighbor Week in 2024 was recognition for the most neighborly cities in the state. The program continues in 2025 with even more opportunities for communities to showcase their commitment to kindness, connection, and civic pride. Unlike typical competitions, this honor isn’t about trophies or titles—it’s about encouraging cities and their residents to weave neighboring into everyday life. Cities earn points through a variety of activities that highlight how neighbors can come together for the good of their community. How Cities Earn Points The competition is designed to be flexible so communities of all sizes can participate. Points are awarded for a wide range of activities, including: Citywide Campaigns : Cities that organize intentional outreach or awareness efforts during Missouri Good Neighbor Week earn points for mobilizing residents and celebrating community spirit. Proclamations from City Councils : When a mayor or council issues an official procla...