Communities, local leaders urged to participate in Good Neighbor Day

In its mission to promote togetherness around the state, the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness is inviting local leaders to participate in the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Day of Action from Sept. 26 through 28.

The annual initiative focuses on fostering kindness and meaningful connections in an effort to lessen the sense of isolation and strengthen community resilience. The coalition asks communities to engage residents of all ages in building stronger, more connected communities by encouraging communities, their leaders and their residents to engage in acts of kindness, organize community events, and reach out to neighbors. The coalition is seeking to “create a culture of caring and respect that enhances the well-being of all.”

Communities can participate by hosting a range of activities that draw participants with different interests, backgrounds and generations. Examples include potluck dinners, pet parades, music concerts, dance parties, service projects, neighborhood cleanups, intergenerational gatherings, volunteer days, and recognition events for outstanding neighbors.

Communities are encouraged to ensure that events make people of different backgrounds, cultures, mobility, and neurodiversity feel welcome and included in the activities. Toward that end, the coalition suggests appointing event ambassadors to encourage people who do not typically attend community events to participate.

Established in 2019, the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness has more than 240 members representing nearly 150 organizations, including municipal governments, nonprofits, academic institutions, advocacy groups, thought leaders, and other partners. The group seeks to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth feel connected to their community and enjoy a strong sense of social health.

The coalition’s work continues as leaders and public health professionals sound alarms about a growing loneliness epidemic in which people feel increasingly isolated, lacking social connections and support. In 2023, Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general at the time, issued an advisory report calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country.

The event’s organizers are looking to build on the success of last year’s event, after Gov. Maura Healey made a proclamation officially declaring Sept. 28, 2024, as Massachusetts Good Neighbor Day. At least 32 communities joined the effort last year by hosting neighborhood events.

“We’re so lucky to live in a state full of history, culture and community,” Healey said in a video about last year’s effort. “But sometimes we need to remember to slow down a little bit and connect with the people around us.”

Visit the Good Neighbor Day website for more information about this year’s plans and to download a 2025 toolkit.