Greene County
Engaged Neighbor Project
Neighboring takes effort, time and purposeful planning. But the effort will benefit both you and your community. David Burton, a county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension, is working statewide to train people to be engaged neighbors. This page contains resources that will help. To obtain a copy of Burton's "Engaged Neighbor Overview" document please take our neighboring survey.
Neighboring Coach
Would you like 30 minutes to visit with a nationally recognized consultant on the topic of neighboring and how it can help your family, your neighborhood and community? Contact David Burton to schedule a phone call or Zoom call. David is also available for group presentations in person or via Zoom.
Official Engaged Neighbor Program Brochure
The word neighboring can mean different things to different people, communities and organizations. As a result, we have tried to bring some focus on the engaged neighbor program. Download our official program brochure.
Program Overview
Neighborhood grant application
This grant is for neighborhoods in the Greene County MU Extension pilot project. Each of the neighborhoods are eligible to apply for a $250 neighbor development grant to be used on a project that will help bring neighbors together. Past examples have included supplies for a clean-up event, funds for a block party or neighborhood picnic, even a neighborhood parade. The choice is up to you as long as you meet the guidelines outlined in the questions and our extension council selects your proposal to represent your neighborhood. Applications that have more than one neighbor involved in the planning will be given preference. In 2022, the Greene County Extension Council will fund one grant per neighborhood.
Start ApplicationNational Days to Neighbor
Sept. 28 - National Good Neighbor Day, Sept. 28, was created by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. The goal of this date is to connect with your immediate eight neighbors in a fun way.
March 20 - Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day is March 20 (the birthday of Mister Rogers). This day reminds us that we are all neighbors, and we should treat each other with love and respect.
May 16 - National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day is on May 16 each year and goal of this day is to encourage individuals and organizations alike to be neighborly to each other.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
MU Extension is providing an easy to use chart that can help you get to know and remember your neighbors. The best thing you can do is to learn and use the names of your immediate neighbors. You may find this chart helpful.
Neighbor chart (PDF)How to Use Neighboring Chart
Here is a video explanation on how to use the neighboring chart.
Directory Survey for Pilot Neighborhoods
If you live in one of our eight pilot engaged neighborhoods in Greene County, you know that we are creating neighborhood-specific directories. With this survey, MU Extension will create a directory for your neighborhood. It will contain contact information and information about your interests, making it possible to connect with like-minded individuals in your neighborhood. The directory will only be shared with those that complete the survey in each neighborhood. There are also some important questions in this survey about your actual neighborhood. Thanks for participating. The form being used is available in Survey Monkey and can be linked to easily here.
How to Support the Engaged Neighbor Project
You can support this neighboring effort with a donation to the Greene County Gift Fund. Donations can be made online or by sending a check to 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, Mo. 65807. If you own a business and would like help sponsor the effort, please contact David Burton.
Expanding to Your City
With partners and sponsors, the Engaged Neighbor Project can be expanded to your city. Key partners to involve include the city council or city administration, Chamber of Commerce, school district, neighborhood groups, park board and the ministerial alliance.
David Burton can speak formally or informally to interested parties, help coordinate meetings, and provide necessary materials in support of this community development effort. He can be reached by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or email.