“Join or Die” Documentary Is Canary in the Coal Mine and Inspires Taking Action


This 90-minute “Join or Die” documentary, based on Robert Putman's classic book “Bowling Alone,” first played in Springfield on March 19 and 20. Greene County MU Extension brought it to the Alamo for two screenings and nearly 100 people watched it.

Interest was so strong, we did it again Aug. 25-26 at the Moxie and had nearly 300 people come watch it for free (thanks to sponsors). Same could be said for the showing on Sept. 23 at Missouri State Univeristy.

The movie trailer gives you a sense of effective storytelling in this documentary.

NEXT SHOWINGS - In Republic

On September 28 at the public library in Republic, Missouri, we kick off Missouri Good Neighbor Week with two free screenings of the movie in the library community room. The first screening is from noon to 2 p.m. followed by the second from 3 to 5 p.m. See details here.

THE MOVIE

The film explores the decades-long decline in civic infrastructure and the community connectors that could help mend America’s unraveling democracy.

The movie is entertaining, but it also challenges me to get up off the couch and do something for the betterment of my community. That story doesn’t sell a lot of tickets right now. Just like Putman's book, this movie is about the Canary in the Coal Mine, gasping for its last breath and letting us know that we have a social problem that needs all of us to be involved in getting fixed. 

Directed by brother-and-sister duo Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis, “Join or Die" is a film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America may depend on it. It traces America's civic unraveling through Putnam’s research and sheds light on our declining sense of community. But the movie ultimately provides a path out of our current crisis of democracy.

Putnam is a great main character; even those woefully uninterested in social science can appreciate the human story at the center of this film about Putman's road to discovery. Beyond that, Putnam's discoveries reveal much about humanity in a democratic society, and it's hard not to grasp the concepts presented to us. In short, people don't engage with one another on micro levels as they used to, which has catastrophic macro effects on society.

The movie effectively pulls you out of your seat and into action. You will want to join a club, start a club, or go bowling with strangers because it will feel satisfying and something like civic duty.

For many years, I have said that I am not a joiner. Life is busy. My career demands more than 40 hours a week. I have other interests and a family to keep up with, too. At least those have been my excuses for not joining. But I now see the value in joining, not just for my own physical and mental health but also for the sake of my community. 

The movie also does a great job of explaining the value of social capital.

At its heart, it's a film about why you should be a "joiner" and how the fate of American democracy depends on it.

MORE INFORMATION

Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.


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