Assessing Perceptions of Effectiveness for a Third Sector: A Study of Organized Neighborhood Associations and Community Clubs and the People They Serve

Abstract

Organized neighborhood associations and community clubs (ONACC) have an important role in assisting the State and individuals in addressing a variety of concerns. These groups provide communities with needed resources and reduce the economic strain on governmental budget. The success of ONACC in providing these services, however, is contingent upon residents’ participation in these groups. Residents’ willingness to participate is informed by their perception of these entities’ effectiveness. This research examines the association between various individual and neighborhood factors and respondents’ perception of the effectiveness of formally organized neighborhood associations and community groups. Using multilevel ordinal logistic regression analysis and data from the Seattle Neighborhoods and Crime Survey, the findings indicate engaging in individual interactions, prior participation in neighborhood block activity, increases in neighborhood trust and informal social control within the neighborhood have statistically significant associations with the perception of high efficacy for ONACC.