BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Cassville Mayor Bill Shiveley issued a proclamation this month recognizing Missouri Good Neighbor Week, aiming to encourage residents to get to know their neighbors better.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week, established in July 2022, begins on Saturday and continues through Oct. 4, also National Good Neighbor Day (first created in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter). Missouri Good Neighbor Week was selected as the best neighboring program in the United States for 2023 by Neighborhoods USA.
The goal of the week is to encourage more acts of neighboring and to foster discussion about what it means to be an engaged neighbor.
“Talk to members of your household about a way to connect with your eight closest neighbors,” a Missouri Good Neighbor Week press release said. “It could be a front yard cookout, or delivering cookies, or just beverages and cookies on the driveway. Then, report what you did online at https://www. missourigoodneighborweek. com, so your city gets credit.”
In 2023, nearly 20,000 acts of neighboring were performed and reported during the event, and 12 engaged neighbors were recognized and awarded.
“New this year is an effort to recognize the most neighborly cities in Missouri,” said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “We will recognize four cities based on size categories provided by the Missouri Municipal League. The recognition is based on participation in Missouri Good Neighbor Week by your residents.
“The four cities recognized will receive a digital ‘badge’ that can be used on newsletters, letterhead, social media, etc., and a plaque delivered during a council meeting. There will also be media coverage of the award and the honored cities.”
Burton said there are additional reasons to embrace and encourage the celebration of Missouri Good Neighbor Week.
“A Nextdoor study showed people who know six or more of their neighbors have decreased levels of social iso- lation and loneliness compared to people who do not,” Burton said. “By stepping out of your home and connecting with neighbors through a neighborhood gathering or act of kindness, you are helping to build a social support system in your neighborhood.
“This is an effort that benefits your city, which is why we believe Missouri Good Neighbor Week is worthy of your support. Recognition of great neighbors provides tangible examples for others to follow and highlights leaders of all ages who are engaged neighbors. It is important to remember that this grassroots community and leadership development effort is the starting point for good neighbors, not the finish line.”
Regarding the Most Neighborly City awards, points are assigned to communities based on:
• Reported acts of neighboring from that community during Missouri Good Neighbor Week,
• The number of engaged neighbor nominations submitted,
• Points for a local Good Neighbor Week proclamations reported,
• And bonus points for any winning acts of neighboring or winning engaged neighbor nominations.
Residents of Cassville may do an act of neighboring and report it via the Missouri Good Neighbor Week website. Ten of the top acts in Missouri will be recognized, and those efforts help the city, too.
The award categories are: Small City, with population under 5,000; Medium City, with population 5,000- 15,000; Large City, with population 15,000 -30,000; and Metro City, with population more than 30,000.
The statewide recognition of Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbor as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4) is being expanded this year with nominations accepted all year online at http:// missourigoodneighborweek. com. “We heard from participants and nominators this year that the week came and went, and they did not get nominations submitted,” Burton said. “So, instead of creating a barrier to nominations, we want to open the process to collect names all year. Then, we will recognize the winning nominations during Missouri Good Neighbor Week. During Missouri Good Neighbor Week in 2023, 62 people were nominated for recognition. Each of them received an acknowledgment letter and gift by mail.
“Twelve were selected for the statewide honor and received an award certificate and prize check. These statewide awards are provided by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, which sponsors Missouri Good Neighbor Week.”
In the past, Missouri cities have partnered with the MU Extension, and so have MU Extension Councils all over the state. This year, MU is expanding efforts with Missouri cities and adding a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
“We hope to raise awareness of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, develop new volunteers and perhaps raise funds,” Burton said. “Our official partnership statement reads as follows: ‘Local Missouri Habitat for Humanities are partnering with Missouri Good Neighbor Week to repair, rebuild and restore communities around Missouri. Celebrate the week by volunteering or working with your local Habitat for Humanity, or doing events that raise funds for local efforts. Find your local habitat at https://www. habitat.org/local/affiliate- by-state?state=MO.’” For more information, people may contact Burton by phone at (417) 881-8909 or by email at burtond@missouri. edu or online at http:// engagedneighbor.com. People may also visit https://www.missourigoodneighborweek. com for more information, including a downloadable list of 101 acts of neighboring.
