Join or Die:
A Conversation with Filmmaker Rebecca Davis & Joining Fair
with moderator Taylor Mae from Creative Mornings Detroit
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.”
Join us for a powerful community event inspired by the acclaimed documentary Join or Die. While this event will not include a full screening of the film, it will feature a live conversation and audience Q&A with award-winning co-filmmaker Rebecca Davis. Together, we’ll explore the film’s urgent themes — from the decline of civic engagement to the transformative power of joining local organizations.
Following the conversation, our Community Joiner Fair will provide 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.
Why this event — and why now?
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 research to the screen, exploring America’s loneliness crisis and the vital importance of clubs and community groups to a thriving democracy.
With insight from public figures like Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring stories of real people rebuilding social connection — the film poses three urgent questions:
What makes democracy work?
Why is American democracy in crisis?
And most importantly… what can we do about it?
This event invites all of us to consider those questions — and to take the next step toward rebuilding civic life, starting right here in our own community.
Check out this printable flyer and help spread community awareness! Do you belong to a club looking to connect with the community? Read below to learn more about hosting a table at the Community Joiner Fair!
Find your passion. Find your people.
Find your purpose—right here in your community.
Your Evening
5:30pm: Doors Open
6pm: A Conversation and Q & A with Filmmaker Rebecca Davis
7pm: Community Joiner Fair
Join the movement and get inspired at a free community screening!
Catch the full film before the October 1 event at any of the following community screenings. All screenings are free and open to the public.
WCCCD - 19305 Vernier Rd, Harper Woods | wcccd.edu
August 12 | 6pm
Ford House - 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores | fordhouse.org
September 3 | 6pm
Grosse Pointe Public Library Central Branch - 10 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe | grossepointelibrary.org
September 16 | 6pm
Two additional ways to view Join or Die: Stream on Netflix | Rent on Gathr | Film run time is approx. 90 minutes.
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 to host 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.
About the Moderator
Taylor Mae is a founder, storyteller, and multidimensional leader committed to architecting a better world through business and community. With a background in professional dance, politics, entrepreneurship, and strategic communications, she brings a powerful blend of creativity, intuition, and clarity to her work. Taylor is the force behind a growing portfolio of transformative ventures that are culturally resonant, deeply human, and rooted in long-term impact. Known for her ability to connect people and cultivate purpose-driven ecosystems, she creates spaces where bold ideas spark movements and individuals are empowered to express their full potential.
