| This research explored the factors which influenced immigrants' engagement in their communities using a mixed-methods approach. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with community immigrant participants and representatives from social services agencies to establish the barriers that immigrants to a small urban community experienced regarding engagement. Individual, structural, and cultural factors were raised, in which knowledge of the network of social support in the community appeared to playa prominent role. In Study 2, the relationship between two forms of engagement (i.e., participation in community organisations and voting) and potential moderating variables was systematically assessed among undergraduate participants with regards to a geographically-defined community (place of residence; Study 2A) and one defined by interest (York University; Study 2B). Participants who were knowledgeable about and interested in their community were more likely to engage in activities within it, regardless of the way in which the community is defined. Knowledge about and interest in the community also predicted the likelihood of taking part in decisions which influence community outcomes: they predicted the intent to vote in Study 2B and actual voting behaviour in Study 2A. In addition, sociopolitical control was a significant predictor of intent to vote in Study 2A, and perceived community status predicted actual voting behaviour in Study 2B. In Study 3, the influence of knowledge on engagement was assessed using a repeated-measures design. Participants' levels of personal and group empowerment and sense of community were measured before and after an intervention designed to increase their knowledge about property standard bylaws in Markham. The results indicated that undergraduate (Study 3A) and immigrant participants (Study 3B) were more likely to take part in community organizations if they had strong knowledge of the community. An increase in personal empowerment after the intervention, community status, and perceived English ability predicted engagement in the form of signing a petition to improve the bylaw. Finally, the implications of the overall findings for the design of social programs are addressed. |
