The Intersection of Youth and Community Development in Ireland and Florida: Building Stronger Communities through Youth Civic Engagement

Abstract

Increasingly, researchers and practitioners have begun to explore the intersection between youth and community development, and how these fields of study shape one another. Drawing on data from 607 youth in Ireland and Florida, this article explores the relationships between sociodemographics, social ties, attachment, social supports, quality of life, and interaction on youth civic engagement. These variables continue to surface as indicators of youth community development leading to interactions that may strengthen and benefit communities. This research uncovered similarities as well as distinctly different factors shaping youth activities in these two locations. Overall, social interaction, friendships, and local quality of life were found to be important in all locations. Variables unique to the context of each place were also found to be significant. By considering an interactive and dynamic relationship between community and youth development, stronger communities can emerge. Based on these findings, as well as other emerging research, youth and community development specialists will need to more clearly identify roles and responsibilities for youth in the community building process.