Join or Start a Club for the Health of It

I showed the documentary "Join or Die," which focuses on the work of Robert Putman and the importance of social capital in the health and welfare of our communities and nation, at the Republic Library on Sept. 28. 

The movie is a call to "join" in your community. You might want to join a club or volunteer with an organization, or become an active member of a local faith community. 


In anticipation of the screening I researched how and where to "join" in Republic and one finding is that we have a club shortage. 


But Republic does have these clubs that could use you as a member.


Republic has a Kiwanis Club that meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 12 noon at Arris Pizza. Kiwanis clubs and members conduct service projects and hold fundraisers to support the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. Worldwide in 2023, Kiwanis gave 12 million service hours and more than $107 million. 


The Republic Historical Society maintains a museum located at 146 N. Main Street.  The museum is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The group also does events to help with its campaign to build a new building on Main Street to house its museum and include a cafe and meeting space. 


Republic also has a Masonic Lodge #570. The lodge was founded in 1905. A Freemason is a man committed to bettering himself, his community, and the world. 


People Helping People is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing food and clothing  for the children and families of the Republic community. The program depends on community donations. The Republic location is open every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Volunteers are needed for every aspect of the program.


One of the town’s newest clubs is Rooting Republic. The program is led by Kenndy Hollingshad and the Republic Parks Maintenance Division. Rooting Republic meets for regular work days in various community gardens, flower beds, and landscaped areas across the city. The best way to find out dates and times is to watch the Facebook page for Rooting Republic.


Of course local churches are a way to serve and connect with others to build social capital. And we have great churches in Republic.


Feedback from those who saw the movie suggests “time” is the biggest barrier to involvement. But all ages of viewers said the same thing, which makes me think it is more about priorities than busyness.

 

However, four people who saw the movie have definite plans for more involvement as indicated by this survey comment shared by one participant: “The movie should be required viewing in high school. I left personally convicted to get more involved in my community and I am taking the facilitators suggestion and starting by hosting a gathering in my neighborhood. Good things start at home.”


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