BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Come together to watch.
A free screening of the documentary "Join or Die," which questions why civic engagement is in decline, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 10, in Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
To register for the event, go to ArtsQuest's website and select free tickets.
The community event was organized by the pastors and staff at Central Moravian Church and the church's mental health team and its prime fund.
The 2023 film was directed by siblings Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis and centers on the work of author Robert Putnam.
Putnam in his well-known 2000 book, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community," demonstrates, with data, that the United States is changing from a nation of "joiners" to "loners."
Loneliness increases risks
In "Bowling Alone," Putnam's data reveals that citizens attended church less and joined clubs less, which is worrisome for some local religious leaders.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, about 1 in 4 U.S. adults report not having social and emotional support.
“Social isolation is a real and present danger to our national discourse. This film not only diagnoses the issue but also offers meaningful solutions. We invite the community to come together for this important conversation.”
Central Moravian Church Associate Pastor Josh Follweiler
The CDC reports that social isolation and loneliness can increase a person's risk for heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety and dementia.
“Social isolation is a real and present danger to our national discourse,” Central Moravian Church Associate Pastor Josh Follweiler said.
“This film not only diagnoses the issue but also offers meaningful solutions. We invite the community to come together for this important conversation.”
The documentary features interviews with former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Harvard economist Raj Chetty.