Community Joiner Fair
In Conversation with Priya Parker
with moderator Ann Delisi from WDET
Presented in partnership by The War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Public Library & The Family Center.
“The heart of my book — the shorthand — is group dialogue for meaning. One of the ways we create meaning is through conversation. The DNA of this book is: How do you communicate more effectively and meaningfully? Both in terms of framing why you’re bringing people together, and in creating a framework so that people are connecting meaningfully.”
Building on last year’s incredible inaugural event, our Community Joiner Fair returns on October 7th, providing a welcoming space to connect with local clubs, nonprofits, and civic 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.
2026 Activities include:
Joiner Fair from 5:30-8pm
Keynote Address from 6-7pm (separate registration required due to capacity limitations)
Special screening of the film that inspired it all – the acclaimed documentary Join or Die.
We hope these events will inspire attendees to get involved and build connections throughout the community.
Do you belong to a club looking to connect with the community? Click the button below to sign up for hosting a table! Local clubs and organizations that are not-for-profit, inclusive, and accepting new members are invited to apply. Space is limited and acceptance is at the discretion of the event committee.
Find your passion. Find your people. Find your purpose — right here in your community.
2026 Community Joiner Fair Keynote – featuring Priya Parker in conversation with Ann Delisi of WDET
Priya Parker
Last year’s event was largely inspired by the acclaimed documentary Join or Die. This year’s powerful keynote and Community Joiner Fair builds on the acclaimed documentary film’s urgent themes — from the decline of civic engagement to the transformative power of joining local organizations – by encouraging attendees to take the next step and create meetings and gatherings that truly meaningful.
We are thrilled to welcome the 2026 Community Joiner Fair Keynote speaker, Priya Parker. Priya is a master facilitator, strategic advisor, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, as well as the upcoming The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict. Parker has spent 20 years helping leaders and communities have complicated conversations about community and identity and vision at moments of transition. She has spoken on the TED Main Stage, and her TEDx talk on purpose has been viewed over 3 million times. Parker’s work has been featured in numerous outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, TED.com, Forbes.com, Real Simple Magazine, Oprah.com, Bloomberg, Glamour, the Today Show and Morning Joe.
Ann Delisi
Priya will be joined onstage by WDET’s Ann Delisi for a conversation focused on helping people build community in modern life. Following their 30-minute conversation, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. Afterwards Priya will sign books at the Next Chapter Books Table.
Attendance at the Keynote address is free, but capacity is limited due to room size. Please register for the Keynote Address and Joiner Fair Ticket if you would like to attend. Thank you!
Tickets - Two Options
Registration is free but required. There are two options for tickets, one that includes only the Joiner Fair, and one that includes both the joiner fair and the keynote address. Please note that due to room capacity limits, there are a maximum number of registrations available for the keynote address. Please click the link below to register.
Your Evening
5:30pm: Doors Open
5:30-8:00pm: Community Joiner Fair
6:00pm-7:00pm: Keynote Address: A Conversation with Priya Parker & Ann Delisi
Join the movement and get inspired at a free community screening!
Catch up on the inspirational film and acclaimed documentary Join or Die at one of our free community screenings.
Grosse Pointe Public Library Central Branch - 10 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe | grossepointelibrary.org
Date and Time TBD
The War Memorial – 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms | warmemorial.org
Tuesday September 30, 2026 at 6pm
Two additional ways to view Join or Die: Stream on Netflix | Rent on Gathr | Film run time is approx. 90 minutes.
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.