Meet You Where You Are

 

June 20, 2023
Deana Tucker Dothage




On Saturday, during a visit to A1 Nails & Salon in Warrenton, I carried in a packet of Engaged Neighbor material to share with the business owners/friends.  The wife/owner was with a customer. Towards the end of my nail session, the wife & her customer took a break from talking. I asked if I could share information about the Engaged Neighbor program. They kindly agreed. After listening to the details, the customer said, “I love that idea.”

She mentioned that her new husband and she had moved into Warrenton recently but didn’t know many of their new neighbors. She told me where their home was. My response was, “You are my neighbor!! I live around the corner from you.”  What a coincidence! We all laughed and discussed what a small world it is, when you meet a random stranger that turns out to be your neighbor. 

We talked about our respective careers, where she and her husband grew up, and more. When asked if she and her husband liked to fish, she said, “I do.” My reply was to invite her over soon to fish. She said, “You are my new best friend.”  🎣

It is fun to bring up the Engaged Neighbor concept while out & about, personally and professionally. People have been receptive to learning about the program. Next step: practice in your neighborhood. Reach out to your neighbors! Let’s get to know each other!

If you are involved in an organization that welcomes guest speakers, I would love to share ideas with your group about developing relationships in your neighborhood. 

Deana Tucker Dothage,  MPA

Extension Engagement Specialist in Community Development
MU Extension in St. Charles County

260 Brown Road | St. Peters, MO 63376

O: 636-970-3000 | E: dothaged@missouri.edu
W: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/st-charles

How do you pronounce Deana Dothage?

Sign up to learn more about the Engaged Neighbor Program: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/engaged-neighbor

Missouri Good Neighbor Week is Sept. 28 - Oct. 4: http://missourigoodneighborweek.com

Enrollment open for Neighboring 101: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/introduction-to-neighboring-101-2023

 

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