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Franco Bonomi Bezzo and Anne-Marie Jeannet, from the University of Milan, share their research looking at the role voluntary & civic organisations have in deprived communities.
The significance of voluntary associations cannot be overstated. Civic entities like neighbourhood watch groups, parent-teacher associations, service clubs, environmental conservation groups, sports clubs, recreational associations, and cultural organisations play a central role in enriching social connections, cultivating trust and myanmar rcs data cooperation, empowering residents, addressing local issues, and fortifying community resilience.
These collective efforts not only contribute to a sense of belonging but also elevate the overall well-being of residents, offering opportunities for positive change within the neighbourhood. However, studies (e.g. Lim & Laurence, Jahoda & Zeisel and Bakke) have identified a concerning trend of reduced participation in voluntary associations within deprived communities.
To address this disparity, policymakers must first grasp the dynamics that underpin a robust civic life. This understanding serves as the focal point of our recent study, ‘Civic Involvement in Deprived Communities: A Longitudinal Study of England‘. By delving into the factors influencing civic engagement in less affluent areas, we aim to shed light on the mechanisms that can potentially elevate participation and foster a more vibrant civic life in these communities.