Learn More about Good Neighbor Day and How You Can Do to Celebrate
National Good Neighbor Day is observed each year on September 28 as proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.[The day is intended to build a sense of community, and typically include neighborhood events and promoting acts of kindness and overcome the isolation of many Americans, who often don't know very much about their neighbors.
The day was started by[Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana in the early 70s. In a resolution about the day, she noted that technology such as television and the telephone had improved communication around the world, but had made it less likely that people would build relationships with their neighbors next door.
Today, you can find many studies about the relationship between technology, isolation and loneliness. As we become more involved in like-minded communities online we become more polarized, creating even more isolation. In 2023, the Surgeon General of the United States found that loneliness is a public health crisis. There’s a lot to try to fix in the world right now. It’s overwhelming. But, we can make a profound difference in somebody’s life — therefore in our community — simply by being a good neighbor. Here are lots of resources to make that easier. We’ve got this! ]
National Good Neighbor Day Website
Create lasting change in the world, reduce social issues, and increase the quality of life for individuals, communities, and beyond by meeting eight neighbors!
The Hopeful Neighborhood Project
There’s no neighborhood without neighbors and unfortunately, we know our neighbors less today than at any other point in our history. We live in a culture where everyone goes inside, shuts their doors, and keeps to themselves, which makes it really awkward to try and engage with your neighbors past a wave and a smile.
Make a commitment to a target neighborhood or area and coordinate with partner organizations to improve the health and safety of homes and strengthen community infrastructure through the revitalization of parks, schools, community centers and nonprofit facilities.
On Sept. 27, invite your neighbors to dinner with hosts across the nation!