Community well-being is related to several different factors related to the feature of the context: history, location, population size and characteristics, environment, mobility, education, GDP (gross domestic product), etc., are at stake. All these elements contribute to the identity, sense of belonging, and sense of community of a specific area, as well as to the well-being of the inhabitants. In this vein, this contribution will detect what happens in Italian small rural areas characterized by youth disaffection and relational uneasiness and discomfort. Therefore, in these contexts, social, economic, and relational variables, capabilities and their integrated actions will be explored, especially related to youth needs. The main aim will be to investigate the sense of belonging, trust and mattering as predictors of well-being. Sense of mattering is a multidimensional construct resulting from the perception of being valued by the private network and community members. Its components are feeling value and added value. Trust expresses the opportunity to realize oneself in the community of belonging, considering future expectations. Focus groups with adolescents, young people and community stakeholders, and an extensive survey, will be undertaken. The mixed method methodology will explore the protective and risk factors for young generations living in rural communities.
The results of this project carried out to deepen youth mattering and well-being in Italian little territorial communities and rural communities will be presented. The well-being and trust in the future of rural communities with a population of less than 5000 are, in fact, the main priorities of the Italian Association of Municipalities, with an ongoing collaboration. Implications and possible interventions will be discussed.