In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?
Join or Die spotlights six community groups working to revitalize American civic life. Waxahachie, TX — An old federated society chapter bucking decline trends. Portland, ME — A thriving, modern bowling league. Los Angeles, CA — An indigenous mutual aid and advocacy group. Chicago, IL — Rideshare drivers coming together to fight for better working conditions. Don't see a screening near you? Click here to host your own community screening of Join or Die.
Join or Die is screening all over the world during and for our Join Up! If you are part of a civic group, campus, congregation, company, neighborhood or any gathering of three or more people! Harvard professor Robert D. Author of fourteen books, translated into twenty languages, his work focuses on asking big questions about American society and deploying immense, creative studies and analyses to unlock answers.
For further reading on the themes touched on in Join or Die , check out the following books. A groundbreaking book based on vast data, author Robert D.
Putnam shows how we have become increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and our democratic structures — and how we may reconnect. In a sweeping overview of more than a century of history, drawing on his inimitable combination of statistical analysis and storytelling, author Robert B.
