When we launched The Hopeful Neighborhood Project in March 2021, the world was still reeling from COVID-19. We had to make adaptations to many of our plans, creating options that allowed for connection at a distance. Our team was formed over Zoom. Our partnerships were formed that way as well. On a Zoom call in the spring of 2021, we connected with David Burton from the University of Missouri Extension Council Engaged Neighbor Program for the first time. He is passionate about all things neighboring and is a master networker. He told us about a holiday, National Good Neighbor Day. It sounded like something we should celebrate, and so in September of 2021 we put together a few social media posts with a list of things our followers could do. And people responded, each in their own way, within their comfort level given the world situation. And it was beautiful.  

Since the first time we celebrated National Good Neighbor Day in 2021, our commitment to the holiday has grown. In 2022, we partnered with David Burton to launch a state-wide initiative, Missouri Good Neighbor Week, and just this year, we took over the management and rebranding of the National Good Neighbor Day website. As our involvement has grown, we’ve received more and more stories of neighboring from around the country. And they are beautiful.   

To me, each and every act of neighboring is a beautiful thing. Sometimes I think we take the small things for granted. We take for granted that our one little action can have a profound impact on a person’s day, life, and even their sense of value. You’ve probably read the statistics on this blog and others–one out of three people in America report feeling somewhat lonely or very lonely. One out of four people report feeling disconnected. How do we change that? One way is with small acts of neighboring. These acts connect us to one another, helping us each feel connected, valued, like we belong.  

And there it is. The power and beauty of neighboring. Taking the time to just do something for someone who lives near you can make a profound effect.

Each year there are multiple stories that touch me. I want to share a special one this year.  A neighbor in Ohio gave her neighbors an autumn candle, two cookies from a local bakery, and a card about National Good Neighbor Day. It was a simple gesture that I applauded, but it didn’t stand out at first. And then I read another report. A women wrote in, “I’d just like to thank whoever left the pumpkin spice candle, two cookies, and a card at my door today. Life has been rough lately and it really meant a lot.” And there it is. The power and beauty of neighboring. Taking the time to just do something for someone who lives near you can make a profound effect.  

This movement around National Good Neighbor Day is growing and gaining momentum. Hundreds of Getting Started Guides were downloaded, cities and states have made proclamations, libraries hosted events, block parties were held, gifts were given, and pickleball was played in the street. And my heart is full. Not because of the number of events but because each of those events is connected to people–people who now feel just a little less lonely and a little more connected.  

Acts of neighboring connect us together. They help us know we belong and that we are not alone. So, let’s take this momentum from National Good Neighbor Day and connect with our neighbors again, tomorrow, next week, next month … because connecting with people and helping them belong is a beautiful thing.