Join or Die: A film about why you should join a community…

And why the fate of America depends on it.

Join or Die spotlights six community groups working to revitalize American civic life.

We invite all NCC adults and friends. Ever wonder why so many churches and volunteer organizations that used to be active and growing are now graying and shriveling? A new documentary connects the dots of Robert Putnam's fascinating research in "Bowling Alone": a theory of how declining community engagement is creating an American civic crisis that is degrading our democracy.

Be part of Putnam's solution.

Accept your Mission Board's invitation to bring a dish to share and "join" Pastor Duayne and author Suzanne Ross for an old fashioned church potluck, Friday, Jan. 31st at 6pm, January 31st in Fellowship Hall. After dinner, Duayne and Suzanne will offer some observations for us to consider while we watch the 90-minute documentary Join or Die. Following the screening we'll have an opportunity to discuss what we've seen and wrap up at 9pm.

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.



Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?