Sept. 25
Changemakers: Philanthropy's Role in a Disconnected World
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Samuel Cedars • 5124 S. Farm Road 213, Rogersville
Lunch is provided — please include dietary restrictions or preferences with your RSVP
A sense of belonging is essential for both individuals and communities. At the CFO’s next Changemakers event, hear from David Burton on the Engaged Neighbor Project and several recipients of Coover Regional Vibrant Communities grants — initiatives that reduce loneliness and improve belonging in our region. Leave with a better understanding of programs to support — and actions to take — that build community connections.
RSVP to Anna Dowell at adowell@cfozarks.org or 417-864-6199 by Tuesday, Sept. 2.
David Burton has been a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension for over 24 years. Based in Springfield, he leads educational programs focused on leadership and engaged neighboring. In 2021, he created Missouri Good Neighbor Week, which was officially proclaimed by the Governor Parson. The initiative earned national recognition in 2023 as America’s Neighboring Program of the Year by Neighborhoods USA, and his Engaged Neighbor program was named University of Missouri Extension’s Program of the Year in 2024.
A prolific writer, David is the author of “A History of One-Room Schools in Greene County, Missouri,” and the “Missouri Directory of Historic and One-Room Schools.” He has written a weekly newspaper column since 1989 and has contributed neighboring-focused articles to the Springfield Daily Citizen since 2021.
