Film Screening: Join or Die
The Rotary Club, the Svoboda Center for Civic Engagement at St. Olaf College, and the Northfield Public Library, along with other partners, are joining forces to host a free screening of the 2023 documentary film, “Join or Die” at St. Olaf College’s Viking Theater.
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. 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?
Directed by Rebecca Davis & Pete Davis
93 minutes // English // 2024
The screening will be followed by a discussion. Attendees will also have a chance to learn from local organizations what opportunities they have for you to join. Light refreshments will be provided.
Students, faculty, and staff are kindly encouraged to pre-register at the Library’s website here.
