MAMH Blog
Strengthening Community Ties by Bringing Together Individuals
Oct 15, 2024
The emphasis of Good Neighbor Day is to inspire ongoing social connections throughout the year. The initiative aims to strengthen community ties by bringing together individuals of all ages to share experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships.
Identifying the qualities of a good neighbor can be challenging, yet the essence of neighborliness was brought to life at inaugural Good Neighbor Day of Action celebrations held across the Commonwealth. Community members gathered to share stories of how neighbors have positively impacted their lives, to envision future opportunities for connection, and participate in community activities to foster connection.
On September 1, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed September 28 as Good Neighbor Day of Action in Massachusetts. This day has roots across the nation, with its origins tracing back to rural Montana in 1971, when Betty Mattson noticed her aging mother’s dwindling social circle. This issue remains prevalent today, with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s 2023 advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in the United States.
The advisory describes how disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health; how loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges; and how lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily. This underscores the need to assess and address social connectedness in mental health policy and practice.
“Too many of us feel disconnected from those around us. Good Neighbor Day of Action is a crucial step toward cultivating a culture of kindness and respect. Together— as a state, as communities, and as individuals— we can create a healthier and more connected society.”
Through the efforts of the Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness in Massachusetts, people statewide engaged in activities designed to promote understanding, respect, and friendship across generations. The Older Adult Behavioral Health Network at MAMH is a member of the Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness and participated in planning Good Neighbor Events in Cambridge and Northampton.
Participants shared personal experiences; visions for stronger, more inclusive communities; and innovative ways to foster meaningful relationships. Conversations also highlighted the importance of intergenerational connections, with participants sharing their unique journeys as immigrants from Mexico and Taiwan alongside lifelong Cambridge residents. Other activities included creating prayer peace flags - symbolizing both intercultural and intergenerational community building - photo scavenger hunts, and community walks.
As the proclamation encourages, “All residents are invited to celebrate by reaching out to their neighbors, extending acts of kindness and goodwill, and nurturing strong bonds within our communities.”
The Cambridge event was held at the Cambridge Public Library in collaboration with several community partners who share a commitment to social connectivity including Somerville Cambridge Elder Services, Cambridge Council on Aging, The Legacy Project, Action for Boston Community Development, the Living Well Network, ABCD/Foster Grandparents, and FriendshipWorks. The Northampton event was held in collaboration with Trauma Informed Hampshire County, The Consortium, the Massachusetts Taskforce to End & Build Community, and Northampton Recovery Center.
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