SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – “Sowing and Growing Hope” will be the topic for the next Neighboring 101 session on Thursday, Nov. 18 at noon (CST).

Amber Allen, University of Missouri Extension Human Development Specialist, will present on the topic of hope and how it can impact your neighborhood. Part of her presentation is based on the book “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life,” by by Casey Gwinn and Dr. Chan Hellman.

“This presentation will look at the theory of hope and how it can be applied throughout your life. We will learn about different elements of hope and how hope benefits all aspects of our lives,” said Allen, who has spent nearly a year researching this topic and creating a presentation.

"Neighboring 101” is a free class that is taught live via zoom once a month during the noon hour. You must register online at http://extension.missouri.edu to access the live class and get videos from past classes.

"In these monthly zoom classes, we are looking at the neighboring issue by highlighting examples across the nation of where neighboring is being done well," said David Burton, community development specialist, University of Missouri Extension. "In the coming months, we will hear from nationally known authors and speakers."

Other future speakers include:

Dec 16 - Michael Mather, author of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything," will be our live guest. Mike has spoken all over the nation about how he put asset-based community development to work in Indianapolis.

Jan 20 - Becky McCray, a nationally known community development specialist, will present "The Idea Friendly Method." This will be an interactive session and focused on taking action on your ideas for your community. 

The program currently has over 400 people enrolled.

"Developing relationships with our neighbors may provide a solution to our national epidemic of loneliness and feelings of isolation and depression," said Burton. "Active neighboring also helps people, organizations, and communities expand the participation and breadth of voices while respecting differences and embracing the diversity that makes communities vibrant places to live, work, and play."

University of Missouri Extension is at the forefront of a national movement recognizing the importance of neighboring in community development. More about the impact of neighboring can be found online at https://extension.missouri.edu or by contacting David Burton by email at burtond@missouri.edu or by telephone (417) 881-8909.