Community development : article
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Greene County Extension Council is pleased to announce ten Greene County residents chosen for special recognition as neighbors.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The first statewide awards for Missouri Good Neighbor Week were announced Oct. 20 by the joint sponsors of the campaign, University of Missouri Extension in Greene County and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, headquartered in St. Louis.
53 Missourians attend online training to learn to be a neighborhood connector for Good Neighbor Week
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project are expanding their annual celebration of National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28) in 2022 with Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 – Oct. 4).
SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- When a neighbor receives a kind note from us in the mail, especially if it is handwritten, they feel like the writer has a deeper desire to serve them or to connect.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Performing an act of neighboring is easier than many people imagine according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- There is something strangely isolating about living in apartments.
“It Happened” features local and national artists who create work on the issue of sexual violence. These works, some including very personal stories, address the reality of rape and sexual assault on university campuses, at K-12 schools, and in communities regionally, nationally and around the…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A two-day training this fall will show civic leaders, artists, elected officials, entrepreneurs, business owners and others how the arts can play a role in community and economic development.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Chris Rodell, author of "Growing Up in Mr. Rogers' REAL Neighborhood: Life Lessons from the Heart of Latrobe, PA," will be the live guest in University of Missouri Extension's free monthly zoom class, Neighboring 101, starting at noon (CST) on Thursday, March 17.
So you volunteered to plan the neighborhood July 4th parade, but you have no idea how to start? Do not panic. Here are some basic steps on how to plan an event. Follow these steps – and apply some elbow grease and time -- and you should have an event that leaves your attendees ready for your next…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Food, health, energy and the environment are among the most vital concerns when it comes to human survival and quality of life.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The vast majority of Americans do not know the names of their nearest neighbors, do not speak to those neighbors and do not know a personal fact about them.
This year’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference, Sept. 20-21 in Benton County, will provide several days of learning about rural innovations for leaders with an eye on business growth.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Second Annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4) was a documented success. Organizers had a goal to document 15,000 acts of neighboring. But instead, Missourians reported 19,752 acts of neighboring during the week.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- How would you react if your neighbors died in a murder-suicide and you realized that you did not know their names? Then you discover none of your neighbors knew their names.Would you have feelings of guilt, wondering if you could have made a difference?
Shannon and Carter counties in southeastern Missouri have some of the worst broadband coverage in the state. Local stakeholders say that means communities in the two counties are cut off from essential health, education and employment resources.
Codefi, Center on Rural Innovation are Gold Sponsors for 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Codefi and the Center on Rural Innovation are joint 2024 Gold Sponsors for University of Missouri Extension’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), a conference dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The fourth annual Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) Exhibition is the perfect opportunity to create a public art display for your neighbors to enjoy, or to create something with your neighbors to enhance where you live.The 2023 version of Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) is set for…
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Last September, more than 70 people gathered in Hannibal for the 2021 Creating Entrepreneurial Communities conference.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new online tool will help connect more Missourians with broadband resources in their communities.
University of Missouri Extension has resources to help you and your family prepare for and recover from disasters.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Michael Mather, author of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything," was a guest in University of Missouri Extension's Neighboring 101 class on Dec. 16, 2021.
EUREKA, Mo. – Ryan Rascher came through the rapids on Thunder River just in time for a fellow firefighter to jump toward him and bring him to shore.That’s how the Cape Girardeau firefighter experienced a different side of Six Flags St. Louis.
If they have been touched by floodwaters, discard leafy vegetables, fleshy fruits or vegetables (like tomatoes, berries and summer squash), root crops, corn, grains and even produce with a hard, protective skin. Record all losses.
NOEL, Mo. – Food is a bridge that brings people together. That conviction was the seed for a garden that now flourishes on what was once a rocky hillside plot in Noel, a town of 1,800 in the southwest corner of Missouri.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield’s original public art exhibition, Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN), kicked off on April 22 and this year we have 20 participating addresses.In its fourth year, LAWN has also grown to include Raleigh, North Carolina with other cities nationwide also inquiring about the…
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Holiday shopping is in full swing, and books remain a great gift option, according to David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Getting to know your neighbors may be as easy as getting a picnic table, painting it turquoise, and creating a neighborhood gathering spot in your front yard.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Eight neighborhoods in Greene County are part of a pilot project launched March 1, 2021, as part of University of Missouri Extension’s new “Engaged Neighbor” program. Funding for this project is provided by the Greene County MU Extension Council and the Greene County Commission.
Work as a corporate paralegal brought Erica Williams up against issues of disinvestment in North St. Louis County that began to “bother my spirit,” Williams said. “There was a loss of investment in jobs, community, places to find healthy food — a loss of hope in the region — and lots of vacant land…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri ranks below the national average in many key measures related to health and access to health care, especially in rural parts of the state.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Adoption of broadband has the potential to boost a community’s economic growth and quality of life. But in much of Missouri, especially rural areas, the high-bandwidth wirelines to connect households and businesses don’t exist.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Nearly 150 communities in Missouri have a "community betterment association" of some type. The goal of the community betterment association can vary from town to town.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Nearly every idea discussed in the Greene County MU Extension “Becoming an Engaged Neighbor” guide can be intimidating to introverts.
OZARK, Mo. – Superheroes may not be powered by humility, but great leaders are, according to Dr. Pam Duitsman, a county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Developing positive and loving relationships with your neighbors does not happen in one day or even one week. Instead, the relationship takes time and depends on hundreds of different choices, said David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
LEBANON, Mo. – The Laclede County Commission is pleased to announce the inaugural Laclede County Commission Agriculture Tour. The tour, a one-day event organized by University of Missouri Extension in Laclede County, will feature farms and similar locations to highlight the importance of…
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Nothing connects neighbors like food, and apparently, nothing says love like lasagna.Karen Harris of Springfield is the area volunteer coordinator for a neighboring movement known as Lasagna Love.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – At a community movie night in the West End neighborhood in St. Louis, Lisa Potts was alarmed at how many cars were speeding and running stop signs along Hamilton Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A landmark study on “good neighbors” by State Farm (2015) found that a sense of community among neighbors is a constant desire across generations. But, the State Farm survey also showed that Millennials may not know exactly how to connect; while Baby Boomers are generally most…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians report higher rates of disability and long COVID than the U.S. average, according to a study brief by University of Missouri Extension.
FULTON, Mo. – The Missouri AfterSchool Network is the Platinum Sponsor of University of Missouri Extension’s 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, Sept. 17-19 in Fulton.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – National Good Neighbor Day is Tuesday, Sept. 28, and University of Missouri Extension encourages residents from across the state to find ways to celebrate good neighboring in their community.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Missouri is stronger when its communities are vibrant and healthy, but people can struggle to find information and programs designed to help build those vibrant communities, says Claire Rippel, University of Missouri Extension community development education director.
Research shows that broadband access can boost a community’s economy and quality of life, but only if people take advantage of that access. A volunteer cadre of Missouri Digital Ambassadors will work with people in their communities to help them realize the benefits of broadband.
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missourians from all walks of life celebrated the first Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4) by doing and reporting neighboring acts and nominating others as the most engaged neighbors in their respective counties.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, returned from the 48th annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference in El Paso, Texas, May 24-28, with the Best Neighborhood Program award.
The results of Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 – Oct. 4) have been overwhelming.The stretch goal for the week was to document 10,000 acts of neighboring in Missouri and as of Oct. 5, there have been 12,851 acts of neighboring documented.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Missouri Governor Mike Parsons signed HB1738 on Friday, July 1, 2022, which includes language designating Missouri Good Neighbor Week starting on National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28) and continuing for six days.
OWENSVILLE, Mo. – It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in spring, perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation. But about a dozen University of Missouri students are devoting the weekend to service. They started the day working at a health fair at the Gasconade Manor nursing home.
MU Extension faculty and staff pitch in to keep this small county’s food lifeline going.
LEXINGTON, Mo. – Visitors to historic Lexington, Missouri, can learn about the town’s rich Civil War history through an audio walking and driving tour created through the University of Missouri Extension Community Arts Program.
UNIONVILLE, Mo. – You’ve just been elected to a public board of directors. Now what?University of Missouri Extension offers a two-night course to help newly elected board members. The course is offered at Unionville, Kahoka, Trenton, Brookfield, Edina and Palmyra, 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 16.Topics:
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A recently completed assessment of University of Missouri Extension found that with an annual investment of $86 million (2016), MU Extension generated dividends totaling nearly $950 million.
LAKE OZARK, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension regional economic development specialist Ashley Brown announced the 10 community co-chairs for “#Elevate: An Empowering Experience for Women.”
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, came away from the 47th annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) national conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas (May 3 to May 7) with five coveted national awards in 10 possible categories.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – “I was a great neighbor until I discovered that I was not,” says David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Greene County. “I don't throw loud parties. I mow my yard regularly. I clean up my leaves. I even pick up after my dog when I…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $179,614 grant to the University of Missouri to support efforts to help veterans, Latinos, women and socially disadvantaged persons to farm or go into agribusiness.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Students at Frederick Douglass High School in Columbia are learning about the Missouri River and its history through a series of field trips and activities developed by their teachers in collaboration with researchers from the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – More than 700 people from across the United States are enrolled in an online class offered monthly by University of Missouri Extension known as Neighboring 101.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Neighborhood Bingo does not involve dabbers, a rotating bingo cage, or numbered balls. But it does require a game card created by a University of Missouri Extension specialist for use as a tool for connecting neighbors and families through a fun activity.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Neighborhood Leadership Academy has awarded 20 mini-grants totaling $46,805 to groups across Missouri.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension continues a series of free programs known as "Neighboring 101." These are free classes that are taught live via zoom once a month during the noon hour.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, is teaching two sessions of Neighboring 201 at local libraries to celebrate Mister Roger’s birthday on March 20.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – At the end of Good Neighbor Week in Missouri, organizers documented 5,579 acts of neighboring submitted by nearly 100 groups and individuals.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The village of Turney in Clinton County celebrated the launch of experimental wireless broadband service Sept. 17.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Local civil rights pioneer Eliot Battle is the subject of a new documentary that chronicles his pivotal role in desegregating schools, housing and the Columbia community.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is one of 14 partners to organize the new Heartland Regional Food Business Center serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas.
“We are in desperate need,” says Michelle Kleeman, 4-H club leader and owner of Kleeman Family Farm in southwestern Missouri. These five words describe the frustration many rural families face without access to one of today’s essential school supplies — high-speed internet.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Opioid use disorder suppresses Missouri’s labor force participation rate by an estimated 3% among workers ages 25 to 54, according to a study by the American Action Forum.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The availability of good jobs is critical for attracting new residents to a community, encouraging former residents to return and convincing current residents to stay. But jobs alone are not enough anymore.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Sunni Purviance is president of the Southeast Neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia. She has worked hard to improve the reputation of her neighborhood.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Leaders across the nation have different ideas about the best motivation for neighboring, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension."Recently, I was told that people need a tangible reason for neighboring. They have to know what…
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Putting your community in the social media limelight brings the risk of receiving occasional negative comments. You might be thinking, “Won’t negative comments turn other potential customers away?”Not necessarily, says David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – This year Missouri has seen flooding, severe winter weather and devastating tornadoes. Meanwhile, two earthquakes struck in the U.S. within hours of each other even as a major hurricane moved toward the East Coast.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mike Thibideau recalls the dread he felt that Monday morning when he called his boss to tell him he was in treatment for addiction.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A recent analysis shows how expansion and adoption of internet services in three northwestern Missouri counties could help grow their economies in the decade ahead.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Participants in this year's 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge helped the University of Missouri Extension document 873 kindness actions between March 20 and March 26, according to David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities, a brainchild of community and business development specialists with University of Missouri Extension, is bearing fruit months afterward.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Halloween may look different for children and neighborhoods this year. But it is a good reminder that a neighborhood block party is the opportunity to scare up fun any time of year.
Good news! Thanks to those who responded to the #ShowMeResilience T-shirt campaign, almost $1,000 was donated last month to Feeding Missouri!
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Communities that struggle with broadband connectivity are at a disadvantage. The University of Missouri System has resources such as the Digitally Connected Communities Guide to help areas in Missouri gain better broadband service.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Closing the gender gap in civic representation is the focus of the latest episode of “Show-Me MO Success,” a podcast from University of Missouri Business and Community Extension.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. –The Dorothy Day Cabin sits in the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve just a few minutes north of downtown Kansas City. Dorothy Day, an artist and conservationist, lived in the cabin until her death in 2011. Platte County spent $1 million to preserve the cabin and has looked…
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Good Neighbor Day is Sept. 28. In Greene County we are going to celebrate all week (Sept. 26 to Oct. 2) with a 1,000 Acts of Neighboring Challenge.
ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Storytelling Festival awarded MU Extension the inaugural Nancy and Ken Kranzberg Spirit of St. Louis Storytelling Award. Founded in 1980, the festival brings regional and nationally recognized storytellers to St.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – High-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Most of us access the internet daily for health care, education, employment and social connection.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new partnership between the University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security (ICFS) and MU Extension will make it easier to access information about local and regional food systems and food security.
University of Missouri Extension Wright County Engagement Specialist Janice Weddle and University of Missouri Extension Douglas County Engagement Specialist Dr.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – To guide the state’s internet expansion and training efforts, the Missouri Office of Broadband Development and University of Missouri Extension are conducting a brief online survey on household internet access and use.
CAMDENTON, Mo. – Next March, University of Missouri Extension in Camden County will host “#Elevate: An Empowering Experience for Women,” a free, one-day event offering educational sessions, a keynote luncheon, health screenings and an exhibit hall featuring vendors and services specifically for…
FAYETTE, Mo. – It’s not exactly beating swords into ploughshares, but a University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist spent 18 months in Iraq helping promote peace through farming.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tonnie Gilspie Smith, a volunteer with West End South Community Improvement District in St. Louis, was named to the Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods Honor Roll during the 48th annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) national conference in El Paso, Texas, May 24-28.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – More than 500 people from across the United States are enrolled in a free online class offered monthly by University of Missouri Extension known as Neighboring 101.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - It only takes a small act of kindness to make a big difference in the life of someone in your community, like a service provider, a community leader, a lonely person or a neighbor.
Development of local food systems that spur economic development in rural areas requires different assumptions and models than the traditional market-based approaches applied in urban areas.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A three-year Gallup study of 26 U.S. cities (released in 2010) found that peoples’ love and passion for their community may be a leading indicator for local economic growth.