Sept. 28-Oct. 4 is Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Signed into law in 2022, Missouri Good Neighbor Week encourages citizens of Missouri to “participate in events and activities to establish connections with their neighbors.” In 2023, our goal was to document 15,000 acts of neighboring and we surpassed the goal! So, in 2024 our goal is 20,000 Acts of Neighboring being reported across Missouri. What will you do?
Acts of neighborliness are simple gestures that lift others up and make our community a place we love. Acts of Neighboring include sharing small gifts or gestures with neighbors, hosting a gathering, or doing a service project. Register your act of neighborliness at https://www.missourigoodneighborweek.com/ to help us reach this goal and be entered for a prize. Prizes will be awarded in local counties and statewide.
During Missouri Good Neighbor Week, we want to honor those neighbors who go above and beyond, and we need your help! Individuals can nominate a person for the “Engaged Neighbor of the Year” award. Preference will be shown to nominees who are connected with others in their neighborhood through events, service, or social interaction. All nominees will receive a small gift and their nomination will be considered for state and county prizes during Missouri Good Neighbor Week.
Eligibility and criteria include:
- Individual nominees must reside in the county that is honoring them and in the state of Missouri;
- Individuals may not self-nominate for this award;
- Nominees may not be compensated for the service described in the nominations; and
- Elected officials may not participate as nominees.
What is an engaged neighbor?
- An “engaged neighbor” makes their neighborhood better.
- They know and interact with their immediate neighbors.
- They try to make sure people in the neighborhood feel included.
- They attend and help at neighborhood activities.
- They devote time and talent in service to their neighbors or neighborhood.
- Their engagement as a neighbor makes the area better for everyone.
This year, your Acts of Neighboring could help your city be recognized as a Missouri Most Neighborly City! Report your Act of Neighboring and it will be credited to your city. The cities will be awarded based on the number of acts reported in their size category (small, medium, large and metro). Awards will be announced after all the reports have been received. Read the selection criteria.