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.

Class instructor and organizer David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension, says that since the class began in late 2019, courses and videos have had over 10,000 views or attendees.

"Neighboring is defined as the art and skill of building relationships with the people who live in closest proximity to you. It is community development from the grassroots up, and it can begin with you, right where you live," said Burton. "The guest speakers we have lined up for the rest of 2022 should inspire anyone interested in improving their community or neighborhood."

To attend any of the upcoming classes live or gain access to the class videos, you must register for Neighboring 101 at https://extension.missouri.edu.

UPCOMING CLASSES

July 21, 2022 - Learn more about community and multigenerational solutions from Judy Larson, a communityist in Lemmon, South Dakota. She leads Placemakers Co-op, which creates space for makers and doers to share ideas, collaborate, build relationships and use their varied talents for the good of the group and of the community.

Aug. 18, 2022 - Learn more about the nationwide initiative known as Lasagna Love. We will also hear from Lindsey Pinkston, community program managers for Issaquah Highlands, Washington. She will share how a community music and food fest can celebrates the diversity of a neighborhood all year long!

Sept. 15, 2022 - All Hands On Deck for the first Missouri Good Neighbor Week. This entire class will be a show and tell of ideas and plans across Missouri to make this a successful week. It is also a great time to come up with questions about this outreach effort. We will also provide information about a national coalition supporting National Good Neighbor Day 2022!

Oct. 20, 2022 - Richard Kyte: Why finding a "third place" is important to you and America. Kyte is director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., and co-host of "The Ethical Life" podcast. We will also recap Missouri Good Neighbor Week and tell you what s on tap for 2023.

Nov. 17, 2022 - This is our two-year anniversary class. Our special guest will be Bob Borzotta, author of "Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today's Brand of Conflict Close to Home." Borzotta has been on numerous television shows ranging from Good Morning America to Dr. Phil, talking about this subject. He has over 20 years of experience. Bring your questions and your examples for discussion!

WORTH YOUR TIME

Previous classes in 2022 have included an introduction to the Hopeful Neighborhood Project, Chris Rodell, author of "Growing Up in Mister Rogers' Real Neighborhood," Mike Mather, author of "Having Everything, Possessing Nothing," DeaMon Harges, a community listener from Indianapolis, Ind., and other local speakers and event updates.

"This is a big topic, so we have a lot of ground to cover. I think in 2023, we will highlight more shining examples of neighboring from across the state and hear from a few more authors on this and related subjects," said Burton. "I do also hope to challenge attendees with a group read."

MORE INFORMATION

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 at burtond@missouri.edu or 417-881-8909.