Join or Die:
A Conversation with Filmmaker Rebecca Davis & Joining Fair
An evening of film, conversation, and community action. Featuring a Q&A with "Join or Die" co-filmmaker Rebecca Davis and a Joiner Fair with local clubs and non-profits.
“Underlines the importance of civic engagement to our communities and each other. It shows us what is possible when people and communities pull together.”
In his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, social scientist Robert Putnam chronicled the decades-long decline of civic life in America. The acclaimed documentary Join or Die brings Putnam's work to the screen, exploring the loneliness crisis and the vital importance of clubs and community groups to a thriving democracy.
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, Bob explores three urgent civic questions:
What makes democracy work?
Why is American democracy in crisis?
And, most importantly… What can we do about it?
On October 1, 2025, we invite you to be part of the solution. Join us for a special screening and community-building event. We will be joined by Rebecca Davis, the award-winning co-filmmaker of Join or Die, for a post-screening Q&A. This is a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the film's themes and discuss how we can rebuild our social fabric, right here in our own community.
Following the conversation, our Community Joiner Fair will provide a space to connect with a diverse range of local clubs, non-profits, and organizations. Whether you're passionate about a hobby, a cause, or simply meeting new people, you'll find opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
Join a community screening of the full documentary at any of the following locations before this main events:
WCCCD - 19305 Vernier Rd, Harper Woods | wcccd.edu
August 12 | 6pm
Cost: Free and open to the public
The Helm - 158 Ridge Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms | helmlife.org
August 14 | 4:30pm
September 12 | 12pm
Cost: $3 Members | $5 Future Members
Ford House - 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores | fordhouse.org
September 3 | 6pm
Cost: Free and open to the public
Your Evening
5:30pm: Doors Open
6pm: A Conversation and Q & A with Filmmaker Rebecca Davis
7pm: Community Joiner Fair
Showcase Your Organization at the Community Joiner Fair!
Are you a local club, non-profit, or community organization looking to welcome new members? We invite you to apply for a table at our Joiner Fair, a key part of our "Join or Die" event on October 1st.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your mission and engage directly with community members who are actively seeking ways to get involved. We are looking for inclusive, non-profit groups ready to connect with potential new members and help strengthen our community's social fabric.
Space is limited, and participation is at the discretion of the event committee. Applications are being managed by our community partner, the Grosse Pointe Public Library.
To apply for a table, please visit the library's registration page: https://form.jotform.com/slozon/JoinOrDieEvent
About the Film
Join or Die is more than a documentary; it's a call to action. Through the story of Robert Putnam and the communities he has inspired, the film makes a powerful case for the importance of joining clubs to our health, our happiness, and the future of our democracy. Hailed by critics as "thought-provoking and convincing," the film has sparked a national conversation about the power of community.
About the Filmmaker
Rebecca Davis is a sibling filmmaker who, with her brother Pete Davis, has brought Robert Putnam's vital work to a new generation. A former supervising producer for Vox's "Explained" on Netflix, Rebecca has a passion for telling stories that illuminate the most important issues of our time. Her work on "Join or Die" is a testament to her belief in the power of community and civic engagement.
This event is presented in proud partnership with the following organizations:
