The Contribution of Personal and Community Resources to Well-Being and Sense of Belonging to the Community among Community Activists

The study examined the contribution of personal and community resources to personal well-being and community well-being (sense of belonging to the community) among community activists in neighbourhoods of low socio-economic status (SES) in Israel. The activists, who represent the residents of their communities, are supervised by macro-intervention social workers. They are involved in developing and providing a variety of services in response to a range of different needs of their communities. The research model, based on the social system theory, examined both the direct relationships among the variables at various levels, and the mediating variables. The sample consisted of 481 activists from low-SES populations (new immigrants, single mothers, residents of low-SES neighbourhoods, people with disabilities). The findings indicate that community resources mediate the relationship between personal resources and community well-being. Thus, personal resources alone are not sufficient to enhance the sense of community well-being; individuals also need to be involved in community activity. The results regarding the personal resources that contribute to community activity can be used as a basis for identifying potential community activists. Moreover, as the findings emphasise the positive outcomes of community activity, they may facilitate the recruitment of community activists.