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...

Being a good neighbor is not always easy. Sometimes we have different opinions, habits, or lifestyles than the people who live around us. But if we approach our neighbors with curiosity and respect, we can build stronger and friendlier communities. The six strategies listed in the “Be Curious” guide from the Leadership Springfield Impact Retreat give us helpful tools to improve our neighbor relationships. 1. Be an active listener. When talking with a neighbor, it’s easy to get distracted or think about what we want to say next. But active listening means giving someone our full attention. We don’t interrupt or let our minds wander. We listen closely to understand their thoughts and feelings. This makes our neighbors feel heard and valued. Even if we don’t agree, we show respect by listening. 2. Assume positive intent. Sometimes, a neighbor might do something that annoys us—like play loud music or leave trash out. It’s easy to assume they’re being rude. But what if we assumed they d...

Being an engaged neighbor is about more than just knowing the people who live next door. It is about building a sense of community, helping each other, and looking out for one another. When you take the time to be an engaged neighbor, you are not only making your neighborhood a better place, but you are also becoming a more active and involved citizen.  Being involved in your community can help improve society as a whole, and it all starts with small acts of kindness and participation right where you live. One of the most important ways being an engaged neighbor helps you become a better citizen is by creating a stronger, safer community. When neighbors help each other out, it builds trust.  For example, if you notice that someone on your street needs help with their yard or groceries, offering assistance can make a big difference. When neighbors rely on each other, it creates an environment where everyone feels supported and safe. This sense of security is important because a...