Finding Ripple Effects in One Person’s Move to Springfield


On April 27, 2025, I wrote and published the article: Finding Home from Afar: How One Woman Built a New Life and Community in Springfield.

The story described the journey of Keren from Oregon to Missouri and her investment in a neighborhood. At least that is the main story. But under the surface, the story is also a demonstrate of the ripple effect.

The ripple effect is the idea that one small action or event can set off a chain reaction of consequences, spreading far beyond its original source. It shows that nothing happens in isolation—every choice, whether positive or negative, can influence people, communities, and systems in unexpected ways across areas like economics, education, health, relationships, and neighborhoods.

The dropping stone

Keren was living far away from Missouri—outside Portland, Oregon—with no family nearby and feeling disconnected. She stumbled across the newsletter by David Burton (the “The Engaged Neighbor”) through her online reading. According to the story:

“Keren had been reading his digital newsletter, The Engaged Neighbor… It made a real difference in my life.”

The idea in the newsletter is simple: neighborliness, connection, small actions of outreach, and belonging. That one idea becomes the seed.

First‐order effect: A life decision framed by belonging

Because of that newsletter, Keren felt inspired to rethink her living situation:

  • She sold her home in Oregon once caring for her husband and mounting debt made staying there untenable.
  • She chose Springfield, Missouri, as a new place to live—because of the neighborhood culture she discovered in her research.
  • She bought a house sight unseen (online) in Springfield, guided by that impulse of “neighboring” and belonging.

The newsletter didn’t directly tell her to move hundreds of miles, but the framing of “you belong, you can connect, you can build a community” enabled that decision. If not for that seed idea, the move might have felt riskier, more isolated.

Second‐order effect: Neighbors reach out, enable transformation

The ripple continues:

  • When the realtor/recommended handyman told her neighbors were friendly and had given her contact information—she reached out and got a warm welcoming reply.
  • When her property in Springfield encountered major problems (tenants, damage, SWAT visit), she didn’t give up—because the neighbors came to her aid remotely.

“From 2,000 miles away, I tried to oversee the restoration of a house I had never seen in a town I had never visited… My future neighbors made that possible.”

  • Neighbors helped: rented a dumpster, filled with debris, chased off squatters, found replacement appliances, recommended a carpenter who trained former prisoners.

This shows the power of neighbor‐connection: the initial newsletter told her about the value of “neighboring” and small gestures, then those in her future community responded to her. The movement of hospitality and belonging is now two‐way.

Third‐order effect: Arrival, belonging, and new relationships

Because of that support, Keren was able to arrive in Springfield and within days felt embedded:

  • She drove from Oregon, brought the bare minimum, and found at her front door: a plant, a welcome mat, loaned air mattress, neighbors who gave her referrals and orientation.
  • The neighbors gave her a map, local publications, help navigating.
  • She joined the local neighborhood alliance, got a library card, driver’s license, engaged with the community.

Thus, the ripple expands: one newsletter → one person changed → multiple neighbors engaged → a new community connection.

Fourth‐order effect: Collective action and new networks

From her participation:

  • She joined the West Central Neighborhood Alliance (WCNA).
  • She started a daytime walking group for safety, friendship, and connection. They met at a coffee shop, walked local spots, volunteered at neighborhood events.
  • She became a gardener (Master Gardener training), deeply rooted in her new place, participating in neighborhood groups, continuing to build networks.

So the ripple effect now includes new community organizations, volunteerism, social infrastructure. Her story is no longer just about her move—it’s about her contributing to the life of her neighborhood, inviting others, creating belonging, fostering safety.

Fifth‐order effect: Affirmation of the engaged neighbor philosophy

Finally, the story loops back to David Burton and his work:

  • Keren still subscribes to The Engaged Neighbor.
  • She practices the principles of the engaged neighbor: “being a good neighbor doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with learning someone’s name, offering a smile, and sharing a conversation.”
  • Her story becomes a case‐study or exemplar for the newsletter and for the broader conversation about neighboring.

The ripple returns: the seed idea produces a story, the story reinforces the seed idea, which inspires others. One neighbor’s move becomes a model for many, magnified via the newsletter.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

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