SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – As the New Year approaches, many people are setting resolutions to improve their lives. This year, why not take a step beyond personal goals and focus on your community? The Engaged Neighbor Principles offer a meaningful way to connect with those around you, strengthen relationships, and create a positive impact in your neighborhood.
“As we step into 2025, let’s resolve to build stronger, more caring communities,” says David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, and author of the principles. “The Engaged Neighbor Principles remind us that even small actions can create meaningful change. Together, we can make our neighborhoods places where everyone feels welcome and supported.”
What Are the Engaged Neighbor Principles?
The Engaged Neighbor Principles encourage individual steps under five different principles that spell REACH: Relationships, Empathy, Action, Courage and Humility. Under the principle “relationship,” for example, the emphasis is on connecting and staying connected with these steps:
- Learn and use my neighbor’s names.
- Learn the gifts and talents of my neighbors.
- Invite neighbors into my daily routine.
- Practice hospitality (eat) with my neighbors.
Why Make This Your Resolution?
In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel disconnected from their communities and those around them. Research shows that strong neighborhood relationships can improve mental and physical health, reduce crime, and even increase property values. By resolving to be an engaged neighbor in 2025, you can make a lasting difference in your community while enriching your own life. “These simple steps promote kindness, trust, and collaboration, making neighborhoods cleaner, safer, friendlier, and more vibrant places to live,” said Burton.
How to Get Started
- Learn Names: Make a list of the people who live closest to you and start learning their names.
- Start Small: Look for ways to connect over shared interests and conversation.
- Take Action: Host a block party, deliver baked goods, or offer to help a neighbor with a project. Even small gestures can build strong connections.
- Be Inclusive: Reach out to neighbors who may feel overlooked, such as the elderly, new families, or those who live alone.
Join the Movement by Taking the Pledge
Take the Engaged Neighbor Pledge and commit to making 2025 a year of connection and community. Learn more about the Engaged Neighbor Principles and access helpful resources by visiting engagedneighbor.com or http://nomoregoodneighbors.com
What is the Engaged Neighbor Program?
The Engaged Neighbor Program is a University of Missouri Extension program that teaches people how to be friendly, active, and connected neighbors. The program organizes and hosts fun events, provides helpful trainings, and offers easy-to-follow resources to show why being an engaged neighbor matters. Program goals are:
- To make being a kind, active and connected neighbor something everyone sees as healthy, normal and important.
- To build the “civic muscle” of neighborhoods and communities by focusing on belonging, contribution, leadership, and vitality.
- To train block captains across the state and give people the chance to become an Engaged Neighbor.
Additional information is available online at engagedneighbor.com.
Share Your Story
“Let’s make 2025 the year we come together as neighbors and friends. Start your New Year’s resolution today—because a stronger community begins with you,” said Burton.
If you adopt the Engaged Neighbor Principles, we’d love to hear about your journey! Share your stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #EngagedNeighbor.
–University of Missouri Extension
