Excelsior Springs residents are encouraged to participate in the second annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week, running from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, by engaging in acts of kindness and building connections with their neighbors. Whether it’s a simple hello, offering help, or organizing a small neighborhood event, these actions can strengthen the sense of community in Excelsior Springs.
Local Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize shared her excitement about the event:
“I’m super excited about this effort by the University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project to encourage neighboring in Missouri. I think most people want to be good neighbors but think that means minding their own business. We learned during COVID that connections with our neighbors can support us through hard times. Neighbors are often the first on the scene when a tragedy occurs, when the ambulance comes, or when there’s been a death in the family. Positive relationships with neighbors start with ‘hello’ and continue through smiles and waves whenever we’re outside. Keep your eyes up and make eye contact. Studies show that neighborhoods with connected neighbors have less crime, fewer code complaints, and happier residents.”
National Good Neighbor Day kicks off the week on Sept. 28, and Mize encourages all Excelsior Springs residents to perform an “Act of Neighboring,” which is simply an act of kindness for a neighbor. These acts can be reported to the official Missouri Good Neighbor Week website. Mize adds, We can put Excelsior Springs on the map as one of the most neighborly cities in Missouri!”
The week-long event, organized by the University of Missouri Extension and the Hopeful Neighborhood Project, earned national recognition as Neighborhood Program of the Year in 2023. The goal is to record as many acts of neighboring as possible, and last year Missourians logged over 19,000 acts of kindness statewide.
If you know someone who consistently makes a difference in the neighborhood, you can also nominate them as an engaged neighbor on the event’s website. Top nominees will receive special recognition, including a $100 prize and a certificate.
Why Participate?
Research has shown that neighborhoods with connected residents experience reduced crime, fewer code violations, and improved happiness. Building relationships with your neighbors creates safer and more vibrant communities. Missouri Good Neighbor Week provides the perfect opportunity to take the first step toward fostering these connections.
For more information, or to report your acts of neighboring, visit Missouri Good Neighbor Week website or contact Laura Mize directly to learn more about local efforts. Let’s make Excelsior Springs a shining example of what it means to be a good neighbor!
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