In a world where people are more digitally connected than ever, loneliness continues to grow as a silent struggle affecting people of all ages.  Amber Allen, a human development and family science specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, is determined to change that trend. Through her work in human development and social connection, she emphasizes the importance of relationships in overcoming loneliness and building stronger, healthier neighborhoods. "People hear the word loneliness and think it’s going to be a gray rain cloud," Allen said during a presentation on Neighboring 101 in March of 2021. "But today, I want to talk about how to make the sun shine in your neighborhood by forming real social connections." Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation Allen explained that loneliness and social isolation, though related, are not the same. "Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact," she...

  To combat loneliness, you can:  reach out to friends and family, pursue hobbies or interests, volunteer in your community, get outdoors, consider getting a pet, practice self-care, engage in online communities, join social groups based on shared interests, and if needed, seek professional help to address underlying issues. Key strategies: Connect with others: Call or text friends and family regularly. Reach out to neighbors or acquaintances. Join social groups or clubs related to your hobbies. Volunteer to connect with others and give back. Connect with a neighbor over a pet, perhaps walk dogs together. Engage in activities: Explore new hobbies or interests. Take a class or workshop Spend time outdoors Exercise regularly Be of service to someone else, especially in your neighborhood Self-care practices: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good diet and sleep Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques Acknowledge and accept your feelings of loneliness Be honest with neighbo...

Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world but didn’t know where to start? B.L.E.S.S. by Dave and Jon Ferguson is a powerful and practical guide that shows how small, everyday actions can have a big impact. This book is full of encouragement, real-life examples, and simple steps that anyone can follow to love their neighbors and build stronger communities. The authors introduce a method called B.L.E.S.S. , which stands for five key ways to show love and kindness to others: B egin with prayer – Start by praying for the people around you and asking God to help you be a blessing. L isten – Instead of rushing to give advice, take the time to really hear what others have to say. E at – Share meals with people to build relationships in a natural and comfortable way. S erve – Find ways to help and support others in their daily lives. S tory – When the time is right, share your own story of faith and hope. One of the best things about this book is how simple and doable these...

  Have you ever felt lonely, even when surrounded by people? In Find Your People , Jennie Allen helps readers understand why true friendships and deep connections matter—and how to build them. This book is inspiring, practical, and easy to understand, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to strengthen their relationships. Allen begins by explaining that many of us live in a culture that values independence. We are busy, distracted, and often afraid to open up to others. But humans were made for community. She shares personal stories, biblical wisdom, and research that show why deep friendships are important for our well-being. Her message is simple: We need each other, and we have to be intentional about forming real connections. One of the best things about this book is that it doesn’t just tell readers why friendships matter—it also gives advice on how to make them stronger. Allen talks about practical steps, like finding people with shared values, being vulnerable, an...

  Last year, I traveled across Missouri, meeting with community leaders and residents, working to strengthen neighborhoods and encourage civic engagement. But in nearly every town, I heard the same concern: civic bullies. You see them on Facebook pages like [Insert Community Name] News and Events. They tear down every idea, drown progress in negativity, and discourage others from getting involved. Whether through toxic social media posts, obstructionist politics, or relentless pessimism, they do more than frustrate—they hold communities back. When I brought up negative Facebook comments in my talks, people immediately nodded, laughed, or sighed in frustration. They had stories of how these pages discourage business owners, stop people from running for office, and stir up drama over small issues. I understand because I’ve seen it happen in my hometown of Republic, Missouri. Weeds in the Garden Civic bullies remind me of something David Engwicht once said about weeds in a field. Weed...

  ​ In his article " Counting the Cost of Bowling Alone ," Andy Haldane discusses how the weakening of social connections, known as "social capital," affects our lives. ​ Social capital refers to the trust and relationships among people in a community. Haldane notes that over the past 50 years, this social fabric has weakened, leading to more isolation and less community involvement. This trend was first highlighted by Robert Putnam in his book "Bowling Alone," where he observed that activities like bowling leagues, which once brought people together, have declined. ​ The decline in social capital has significant consequences: ​ Economic Growth : Communities with strong social bonds tend to have better economic performance. Trust among people makes business transactions smoother and reduces costs. Haldane points out that a 10% increase in trust can boost a country's economic output by over 1%. ​ Social Mobility : Social connections can open up o...

  Communities thrive when people come together to support one another, and one of the best ways churches can help their communities is by working together.  When different churches collaborate, they can have a much bigger positive impact than when they work alone. These partnerships offer numerous advantages, like providing better services to building stronger connections among community members. It is past time for church members to be asking their leaders about working together cooperatively with other local congregations in support of the community and neighbors. MORE RESOURCES One of the biggest advantages of churches working together is the ability to offer more resources to those in need.  Churches often have food pantries, clothing drives, and shelters to support families facing hardship. However, no single church can meet all the needs of a large community on its own.  When churches join forces, they can combine their resources, such as money, volunteers, a...

  In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel disconnected from their communities. Our busy schedules often keep us focused on work, errands, and immediate family needs, leaving little time to build meaningful connections with those around us. This lack of engagement can create a sense of isolation and missed opportunities for mutual support and a reduction in social capital. Fortunately, by adopting simple and thoughtful habits, we can enhance not only our own lives but also the lives of those in our communities. Building connections with those nearby fosters a sense of belonging and brings tangible benefits, including improved well-being, enhanced security, and a better quality of life. (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993).  The Engaged Neighbor Pledge was been developed by Community Development Specialist David Burton between 2020 and 2024 .This pledge outlines principles for fostering meaningful neighborhood connections. By visiting engagedneighbor.com , individuals can take...

  To understand how big a $36 trillion debt is, it helps to put it into perspective. Here are a few ways to think about it: 1. Per Capita (Average per person): If the U.S. has a population of around 333 million people (as of 2025), you can divide $36 trillion by that number to see how much debt each person would owe if the debt were equally distributed. So, each person would owe approximately $108,108. 2. Comparison to GDP: The U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2024 is estimated to be around $26 trillion. This means the debt is about 1.4 times the size of the entire economy in a year. This ratio can help you understand how the debt compares to the nation’s economic output. 3. Daily Costs: If you spent $1 every second, it would take you more than 1,100 years to spend $36 trillion. That’s how much time it would take to “pay off” the debt by spending at a rapid pace every second. 4. Historical Context: The U.S. debt has been steadily increasing for decades, b...

In every neighborhood, there are individuals who go above and beyond to foster a sense of belonging, unity, and mutual support. These engaged neighbors take the initiative to build stronger communities, bringing people together through acts of kindness, service, and creativity. From organizing neighborhood events to tackling local challenges, their efforts create an environment where everyone feels connected and cared for. This story highlights the experiences and insights of four individuals—Susan Peck, Tracie Rice, Michael Brittain, and Darla Noble—who have led by example in their communities. Their successes and challenges offer valuable lessons on how to be an engaged neighbor. A Neighborhood that Feels Like Home For Darla Noble, fostering a sense of community in her Rogersville neighborhood was both a personal mission and a way to build new relationships. Having moved from her longtime home to a new neighborhood, she sought ways to connect with others and encourage engagement. ...