A regional nonprofit is raising concerns about what it calls a critical quality-of-life issue facing communities across Northwest Missouri: declining social connection.
Maximize Northwest Missouri, a Saint Joseph-based coalition, says its analysis of data and resident surveys shows shrinking populations and reduced social participation across parts of the region. The organization focuses on building collaborations and supporting programs aimed at helping communities thrive.
Christine Gollnick, the group’s director, said population loss has been significant in some areas.
“We have been looking at a lot of different data over the past decades,” Gollnick said. “In some counties it’s as big as 14%, and that’s pretty significant.”
The nonprofit says population decline can cause communities to pull back from one another, contributing to social isolation, reduced livability and additional population loss.
Gollnick said a drop in social participation has wide-ranging impacts on residents’ well-being and their connection to the community.
According to data compiled by Maximize Northwest Missouri, the rural northwest region still has a higher rate of social associations per capita than the state as a whole. However, that number has steadily declined in recent years, while state and national rates have remained relatively stable.
Gollnick said maintaining strong community ties is essential to the region’s long-term resilience. She encouraged residents to stay engaged by connecting with neighbors, attending events, voting on local issues and participating in civic organizations.
“If we want people to stay here and move here and make this place their home, we need to make it feel homey,” she said.
Looking ahead, Gollnick said the organization will focus on supporting participation and strengthening civic engagement throughout the region.
