Abstract
This paper highlights a study examining the impact of various media formats on at-risk youth to identify forms of media technology that might impact their community connectedness, community involvement, and community support. Over a three-year period, a sample of 133 youth enrolled in after-school programs in two communities completed a questionnaire annually consisting of the following areas: community support, community involvement, community connectedness, and media use for learning. Linear regression analysis indicated media use for learning about community issues was a predictor of student’s perceptions of community support, community connectedness, and community involvement. The media format most identified for gaining knowledge about community issues by the youth was the Internet, while the use of print media increased over the course of the study. The most significant relationships were found between media use and perceptions of community overall with the most significant gains in media use during Y2, where youth knowledge of community issues increased.
Highlights
Educating and involving youth in discussions about the issues facing their communities is important, for the long-term sustainability of the community, and for effective, inclusive community-building efforts in the here and
When considering which factors make up a vibrant, thriving community and which factors contribute to positive community development, scholars have appealed to theoretical constructs such as: community attachment, community integration, community-building, resource mobilization, and civic engagement
Data Collection The sample population for this study consisted of 133 at-risk youth enrolled in free after-school programs within their community that were provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) CYFAR project Youth Involved in Community Issues
Summary
Educating and involving youth in discussions about the issues facing their communities is important, for the long-term sustainability of the community, and for effective, inclusive community-building efforts in the here and now. When considering which factors make up a vibrant, thriving community and which factors contribute to positive community development, scholars have appealed to theoretical constructs such as: community attachment, community integration, community-building, resource mobilization, and civic engagement. While these perspectives tend to have significant overlap, the concept of community attachment carries with it a distinct and unique focus on the internal psychological process of individuals as they experience feelings of connectedness to their community. Concepts like community integration, community-building, and civic engagement carry with them a dimension of active physical involvement in community processes and events. One of the most powerful and effective ways for individuals to become motivated to take voluntary action in building their community is for them to have a personal emotional investment in it
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
