Tyler Talk

In a world of constant connectivity, it's ironic how disconnected we've become. We're more likely to scroll through social media than attend a neighborhood meeting or volunteer at a local charity. But this shift isn't just about personal preference - it's tearing apart the social fabric of our communities.

Sociologist Robert Putnam rang the alarm bell on this in his book Bowling Alone, showing how civic engagement - whether in bowling leagues, church groups, or local associations - has sharply declined over the past few decades. The recent documentary Join or Die, based on Putnam's work, gives us a timely wake-up call: if we don't start rejoining organizations and reconnecting with one another, the consequences could be disastrous for democracy, community and our own well-being.

Where did all the civic engagement go?

There was a time when Americans were natural "joiners". Whether it was attending PTA meetings, regularly attending church, or helping with any local club be it the Jaycees, 4H, Lions, Odd fellows, or Masons. People found value in being part of something bigger than themselves. These connections that made communities didn't just fill up free time; they built social capital - the trust, mutual understanding, and cooperation that come from regular, face-to-face interactions.

But today, that sense of community has eroded. We're bowling alone, both literally and metaphorically. Participation within our communities have dropped off sharply, and with it, we're losing the benefits that come with those connections. Social capital, as Putnam calls it, is on the decline - and that's a big problem.

Why joining groups matters more than ever

Why does it matter if we've stopped joining local clubs or volunteering as much? Because without these community ties, our society becomes more isolated, polarized, and harder to govern. When people don't interact across lines of race, class, and political belief, the divide between "us" and "them" grows wider. Mistrust festers, and it has become harder to tackle the big problems that face us all.

Putnam's research shows that people who participated in civic organizations - whether it's a book club, a soccer league, or a neighborhood watch - were more likely to trust others, vote, volunteer, and be engaged in their communities. It's not just about the meetings or activities; it's about the relationships built there. These connections form the glue that holds societies together.

It's not just about democracy. Personal well-being is at stake, too. Studies show that people who are active in their communities tend to be happier, healthier, and more satisfied with their lives. In other words, joining groups isn't just good for society - it's good for you.

Bridging the divides: The power of Civic Organizations

Joining organizations doesn't just connect us with people we already know; it brings us into contact with people we might never have met otherwise. That's where Putnam's idea of "bridging social capital" comes in. When we're involved in civic organizations, we build bridges across different social, racial, and economic groups. This is essential in today's polarized world, where it often feels like we're more divided than ever.

Think of a local group working on a community cleanup project. It has the potential to attract members of different ages, political affiliations, or income levels - all united by a common cause. Through these kinds of interactions, stereotypes break down, mutual understanding grows, and the divides that seem so large in the political arena become smaller in day-to-day life.

This kind of engagement is exactly what we need right now, at a time when mistrust and polarization are at all-time highs. It's harder to demonize people you've worked alongside to solve a local problem.

How to start rejoining.

It's easy to say we should all get more involved, but where do we begin? The good news is that there are countless ways to reconnect with your community, and it doesn't require a huge time commitment. Start small, just ask! Attend a local meeting, join a local volunteer effort, or check out a group that aligns with your interests.

You might be surprised by how fulfilling it feels to get involved. As Join or Die points out, the decline in social capital is reversible. But it requires each of us to make the effort to re-engage, to reach out to our neighbors, and to be part of something larger than ourselves.

In an era where many of us feel increasingly powerless, joining a local group is one of the most empowering things we can do. It not only strengthens our communities, but also reminds us that we still have a say in shaping the world around us. When we come together, we can make real change.

It's time to be joiners again

The message is clear: becoming a joiner isn't just an option - it's a necessity. Civic organizations are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy, and without them, we risk losing the trust, cooperation, and sense of shared purpose that keep our communities strong. But more than that, joining is about reclaiming our own sense of agency in a world where disconnection is the norm. It's about taking control of our future by building relationships and strengthening the places where we live.

So, let's put down the smartphone, step away from the screen, and make the effort to connect with others. Whether it's a book club, a local nonprofit, or a sports league, the organizations we join today are the building blocks of the society we want to see tomorrow.

Now, more than ever, it's time to start joining again, challenge yourself to step outside of your individual bubbles and find one group, one cause, or one community where you can contribute. Because in the end, it's the connections we make with others that give life meaning - and it's through these connections that we have the power to create lasting change.