Help us by answering the questions at the end of this indicator. This indicator seeks to measure participation in community life, by documenting increased association with other community residents and increased participation in civic and cultural activities. Many organizations with housing programs also have other activities or are affiliated with organizations that encourage community participation. In a safer and more attractive environment, new residents will feel encouraged to increase their social life, and their children's. They may form more friendships and associations with other people in the community, and become more involved in organized activities.
Community is, by definition, a relationship between individuals.
In many poor, tough communities these relationships between neighbors, parents and schools, and residents and police, for example, are damaged. Just as stable, safe, and decent housing can create an environment for the community to grow, these relationships must also heal and grow. The community can be as close to home as family and neighbors and can expand out to local clubs, neighborhood association, resident council, PTA, Church or Mosque, and local government. Key Tasks Develop a questionnaire that measures frequency and impact of social contacts, and of involvement in civic or recreational activities. As with the questionnaire for self-esteem, this one can be administered before the resident moved into a new home and then again at the end of the first, third, and fifth years of residency.