Join or Die Movie Screening
For the second year in a row, Hey Neighbor screened the Emmy-nominated feature documentary Join or Die, a film about America’s decades-long decline in community connections. It follows the journey of social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research dives into the history of clubs and civic groups in our country and how participation in them has a direct effect on community health and democracy.
The film was shown at Harrison High School on Saturday April 11th, and while participation was down from last year, enthusiasm for the message was not. Those who sacrificed the gorgeous spring day outside to come into the theater with us were rewarded with an illustration of the powerful connection between ordinary community bonds and our health, happiness, economy, and politics. Interviews with influential fans and scholars, stories of inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, and statistics on club and social activity decline, all sparked interest as Putnam revealed why more people becoming “joiners” could hold the solution to our personal and national problems. When the show was over people were walking out of the theater inspired and ready to join something. And lucky for them, we hosted a club fair following the film.
We wanted to give folks opportunities to consider joining as they walked out of the screening. We had activities from Balanced Rook chess club (who brought a robot that can play against a human), Storyfull social meetups, Airosport , and Crafters Clique. Thrivent, The Black Educator’s Network, and Hey Neighbor all had tables too. We snacked on cookies from Cacao Chemistry while we considered what activities we wanted to see in our community. We asked ourselves what kind of club we would start. What would be your answer to that? What do you think is missing from Colorado Springs right now?
The event was all made possible by sponsorship from Thrivent, a local financial advising group that cares deeply about community connection and civic engagement. We were honored that they wanted to partner with us in bringing this experience to the community.
Join or Die is available to watch on Netflix, and fair warning, it is HIGHLY inspirational. Do NOT watch unless you want to join a club, get involved, and better your community.
