Venue

: The Wyncote NW Forum
: 1119 8th Ave (Entrance off Seneca St.)
Seattle, 98101 United States + Google Map

Community Events: 22 and Under

Civics

When we talk about bridging the political divide, contrasts in ideology, or simply differences in opinion, we tend to picture unification coming in the form of some grand intellectual agreement. Less often do we think about how to take action and begin bridging the divides in our own neighborhoods or cities.

The documentary, Join or Die, explores three civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly, what can we do about it?

In this film, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis. Throughout the film, Putnam is flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Priya Parker — as well as groups formed to build community in neighborhoods across the country.

Join us for a special screening of the film, followed by a discussion with filmmaker Pete Davis.

Pete Davis is an author, civic advocate, and filmmaker, whose new feature-length documentary, Join or Die, follows the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling. Davis centers the narrative around renowned social scientist Robert Putnam, suggesting that Putnam’s groundbreaking research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections, could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.