Good Neighbor Day 2019

Dear University District Neighbors,

Saturday, September 28th is National Good Neighbor Day. The Neighborhood Ambassadors want to thank everyone in the University District for for being such safe and supportive neighbors for students and staff at UM.

Here is an excerpt from the City of Missoula Office of Neighborhoods about the history of National Good Neighbor Day:

National Good Neighbor Day was first conceived by Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana in 1971, and with the help of congressman Mike Mansfield, recognition of the day was officially proclaimed by three United State Presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

In 1973, Congress passed a joint resolution to authorize and request President Nixon to issue a proclamation designating the fourth Sunday in September 1973 as National Next Door Neighbor Day.

President Ford, in turn, signed a proclamation designating September 26, 1976 as National Good Neighbor Day, 1976.

In 1978, President Carter signed proclamation 4601:

“As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family. In recognition of the importance of fostering compassion and respect in ourselves for our neighbors, the Congress has requested the proclamation of September 24, 1978, as National Good Neighbor Day. I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Is one of your neighbors not being the best neighbor they can be? Consider enlisting the help of our mediation team at the ASUM Renter Center. You can report a concern to Neighborhood Ambassadors here: http://www.umt.edu/asum/agencies/renter-center/neighborhood-ambassadors/concerns.php

Take some time today to celebrate being a good neighbor!

With gratitude,

UM Neighborhood Ambassadors