Join or Die

The Oxford Dictionary defines social capital as "the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively." National Humanities Medal recipient and renown Harvard University political and social scientist, Robert Putnam has been sounding the alarm as social capital declines within American society.

As more Americans understand the reality of our social isolation crisis, media interest in revisiting Putnam’s work has grown and with it, momentum for a rebound where awareness and advocacy for volunteering and civic engagement are critical.
 
Please join us for a community screening of the documentary Join or Die — a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it, sponsored by the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. The mission of the Roper Center is to collect, preserve, and disseminate public opinion data; to serve as a resource to help improve the practice of survey research; and to broaden the understanding of public opinion through the use of survey data in the United States and around the world.

Kathleen Weldon, Archivist at the Roper Center, will be joined by representatives of local community service organizations, including Michael Ramos, President and CEO of the United Way of Tompkins County, and Rev. Christina Culver, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes, who will share more about ways to get involved with their organizations.

Free admission and free popcorn. Sponsored by the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research in collaboration with the United Way of Tompkins County and the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement.

Film website: https://putnamdoc.com/

"Join or Die proves itself vital and relevant, a necessary documentary that promises the conversation will continue long after the credits have rolled." (Film Inquiry)

"Join or Die makes a compelling argument and does so with style…(to) communicate important, complex ideas in easy-to-digest packaging." (Sunshine State Cineplex)

United Way of Tompkins County envisions and strives for a community where all people thrive. UWTC, in collaboration with others, transforms the dynamics of poverty in Tompkins County by addressing human need and creating conditions for economic security for all.  We organize resources and people: the broader community is engaged and united in action to transform economic inequality into shared prosperity.

Join or Die — Trailer from Join or Die on Vimeo.