In his influential book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, published in 2000, Harvard Public Policy professor Robert Putnam argued that American society has suffered a dramatic collapse in civic engagement and community participation, leaving individuals increasingly isolated and disconnected from their communities.
“Join or Die,” a 2024 documentary based on Putnam’s book, is the centerpiece of an event at the Rialto this evening, Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6 pm, hosted by the members of Sebastopol Service and Action Coalition (SSAC).
SSAC is a coalition of service clubs and other organizations, including the Rotary Clubs of Sebastopol and Sunrise, the Gravenstein Lions, the Kiwanis Club, Order of the Eastern Star, Sebastopol West 100 and the Sebastopol Grange.
Although the film is called “Join or Die,” some SSAC members found that a bit harsh so the event was re-named “Join and Thrive.”
“As our sweet city of Sebastopol often does, we’ve softened the tagline to be less threatening—perhaps more accurately describing the movement as “Join and Thrive,” a more feel-good approach,” said Grange member Eva Granahan. “The hope is that more people will, in fact, join a club and therefore personally thrive while simultaneously helping the greater whole.”
The genesis of this event came two years ago, when Sebastopol Times co-owner Dale Dougherty emailed Kiwanis member Craig Litwin and suggested that the Service and Action Coalition show this film as a recruitment strategy.
This spring, Litwin learned about a showing of “Join or Die” in Petaluma.
“I read that they were showing the film and reached out to John Crowley of Aqus Cafe to find out how he got the rights to it,” Litwin said. “He introduced me to the producers, who are on a nationwide campaign to show the film in as many places as possible.”
The hope is that local folks new to civic engagement will turn up and accept this invitation to learn, connect and get involved in their community.
“The goal is to share inspiration and incite action. With luck, the movement will spread deep and wide — one motivated choice at a time,” said Granahan. “We’re not short of options here in Sonoma County for groups to join or support. We’re rich in resources and charitable actions. There’s plenty of us needing help and plenty more of us finding creative ways to meet needs. What can we do? It’s just a matter of personal preference and passion.”
There will be a short 15-minute presentation and meet-and-greet after the movie and then a chance to talk further.
“Afterward, those interested in talking about local civic engagement are invited to join us over at Hopmonk,” Litwin said.
Granahan wrote this sweet piece about the philosophy behind the event:
What is community and why is it important?
Specific answers vary person to person, yet a few underlying messages interconnect us all. Social connection builds a sense of belonging and trust in oneself and others. Better mental wellness, physical health, productivity, belief in something bigger.
A stronger social network of individuals working together creates a stronger community, period. We’re not referring to the isolated networks of social media. Or other technological tools of our age that keep us entertained and satisfied with less.
Without a tightly woven social tapestry holding us together, we fray and fall apart. It doesn’t happen immediately, but over time we wear thin. Social starvation is as risky as any carcinogen or other dangerous life choice. It is in fact a scary thought.
Which is exactly why the title of the movie is “Join or Die.” The threat to survival is imminent, and the film is intentionally evoking a sense of urgency and importance. Civic participation actually extends our lifespan. Our longevity and the fate of democracy depends on reciprocal service.
You can get tickets for the film for $7.50 at the Rialto Cinemas box office or grab one online for $9 here. Here’s a link to donate directly to help pay for the film licensing and event expenses. Remaining proceeds will go to the Academy of Innovative Arts, a maker school on the El Molino campus in Forestville. (Sebastopol Times co-owner Dale Dougherty is a volunteer and donor to this school.)
