Neighboring Movement

National Good Neighbor Day is just around the corner, and this year we are celebrating with a block party for every neighbor in Wichita! Interested in being a part of this celebration? Register to be a vendor today! Details can be found at https://buff.ly/dafM9ob.

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The Wichita Weaver Awards nominations and applications close on August 31. Have you nominated someone or applied yet?

Think about the people in your life who quietly make Wichita better. The neighbor who brings people together. The small nonprofit that puts relationships before transactions. The person everyone trusts because they've always shown up.
That's a weaver. And we want to celebrate them.

Nominees and applicants must show how their work is impacting a specific neighborhood.

Let's find Wichita's weavers together. Apply or nominate someone at https://buff.ly/5K1o8xe.

Your health shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code, but right now, 60% of it does. Neighbors in the same city can see life expectancy gaps of 10-30 years. This is influenced by many factors, including social connection.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office declared social isolation and loneliness an epidemic. Lack of social connection and support has been found to be as bad for our health as smoking up to 15 ci******es a day. It increases our risk of dementia and premature death, and contributes to higher rates of stroke, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.

The Neighboring Movement knows we can help improve these health outcomes by using an asset-based mindset and weaving a stronger social fabric through neighboring. Learn more about how to increase social connection in your neighborhood at www.neighboringmovement.org.

Just 30 days left to apply for Weaver Awards! We all know a neighbor who is always building connections and bringing the neighborhood together. Weaver Awards are an opportunity to celebrate them and give their projects a funding boost!

Nominate a neighbor creating a connected neighborhood - or if that's you, apply for an award! Nominations and applications close August 31: https://buff.ly/5K1o8xe

Do you know someone who gets neighbors together to tackle shared issues? Who is building connections and trust? The person neighbors count on and who makes everyone feel valued in your community?

It’s your chance to support and recognize them! Nominate them or apply for a Weaver Award: https://buff.ly/76CJ9A6

To receive an award, nominees and applicants must demonstrate how their work creates positive change in a specific neighborhood.

A local advisory group will select 20 neighbors to receive up to $5,000 in Weaver Awards and other resources.

Nominations and applications are due August 31.

Look around your neighborhood today. How many of your neighbors do you really know? A 2025 Pew Research study found that only 26% of U.S adults know all or most of their neighbors, and only 44% trust their neighbors.

Safe, healthy, happy neighborhoods are built on trust and relationships. Take the first steps in getting to know your neighbors with our 8 Front Doors Challenge, https://buff.ly/wUmADL9.

Printable guides and video tutorials will help you build relationships with the 8 neighbors closest to you. And, as always, we're here to help! Message us here or email us at [email protected].

Your neighborhood is a major determinant of your health.

Research shows that 60% of your health is determined by your ZIP code, with life expectancies differing by up to 30 years within the very same city. And lack of social connection or emotional support increases our risk of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and premature death.

In other words, a connected neighborhood is a healthier neighborhood.

By developing relationships with our neighbors and strengthening neighborhood ties, we can create a healthier community for all from the block up.

Learn how you can make a difference in your neighborhood by participating in one of our programs. Visit www.neighboringmovement.org to learn more.

Weavers Award applications are open! If you know someone in your life who strives to bring the neighborhood together, create a welcoming environment, build connection and trust, then this is for them! Or if this is your, apply yourself!

To receive an award, nominees and applicants must demonstrate how their work creates positive change in a specific neighborhood.

Nominations and applications close August 31. Apply or nominate someone today: https://buff.ly/76CJ9A6

We love when our alumni are celebrated! Recently, Dr. Lee West, President/CEO of Town House Tenants Association, was featured in a marketing campaign for RideKC. He shared this recognition with us, and we wanted to share his thoughts in his own words:

"The poster includes my photograph along with a brief biography highlighting my role as President of the Town House Tenant Association, Inc. It was truly an honor to see community leadership and resident advocacy recognized in such a public way.

I have attached a picture of the poster so you can take a look. I thought you might appreciate seeing it, especially given our shared commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and encouraging resident engagement throughout the community.

Recognition like this is not just about one individual; it reflects the importance of giving a voice to residents, seniors, and people who depend on public transportation every day. I remain committed to ensuring that those voices continue to be heard and respected.

Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to building more connected communities. I look forward to working together on future initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of our residents."

Following a thoughtful search process, The Neighboring Movement Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brittany Kruger as its next Executive Director.

Kruger brings more than a decade of leadership experience in nonprofit management, community engagement, education, and organizational leadership, with a career dedicated to building relationships, strengthening communities, and helping people thrive.

She previously served as Executive Director of the Mulvane Chamber of Commerce, where she led membership growth, expanded community programming, and strengthened partnerships throughout the region.

“The Neighboring Movement has always been about investing in people and the relationships that make communities stronger,” said Dallas Owen, President of The Neighboring Movement Board of Directors. “Brittany brings a genuine passion for community, a collaborative approach to leadership, and a desire to help others feel seen, heard, and connected. We are excited to welcome her to the organization and look forward to the next chapter of The Neighboring Movement’s work.”

Kruger shared her excitement about joining the organization:
“I’m incredibly honored to join The Neighboring Movement at such an exciting time. Their work reminds us that thriving communities are built through relationships, and I look forward to building on that work while supporting the organization’s continued growth and impact.”

Media Contact:
Dallas Owen
President, Board of Directors
The Neighboring Movement
[email protected]