Join or Die: Documentary highlights the value of civic and community engagement

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — “Join or Die” invites you to explore why joining a club is more important than ever and why the country’s fate may depend on it.

On Tuesday, April 8, the Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research (INAR) invites the public to LSU-Shreveport and watch author of Bowling Alone and social scientist Robert Putnam explore: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?

“Research shows that those who are involved in civic and community participation, clubs, churches, and nonprofits actually live longer,” said INAR Executive Director Dr. Heather Carpenter. “We know we have a lot of strengths here in our community. We want to really change the narrative and have that discussion around how we can make things more positive for everyone.”

The Shreveport-Bossier area is home to over 2000 nonprofit organizations with various missions and causes they support.

“This isn’t just going to fix itself,” said YMCA of Northwest Louisiana’s Director of Marketing and Development Jeffrey Goodman. “Anything you see that you’re not happy about in your community, you need to step in there and do something about it.”

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session open to audience questions and feedback. The panelists include:

• Tim Magner, President, Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
• Clay Walker, Assistant Parish Administrator, Caddo Parish
• Dr. Laura Meiki, Sociology Professor, LSUS
• Wendell Riley, Executive Director, Robinson Film Center

“This is going to be a powerhouse room,” Goodman says. He added that people should attend the event “if you want to get some new friends or network with some people who are really out there doing things and part of the change. I promise you those are all people you’ll want to join forces with.”

Carpenter wants those in the community to be aware of the various opportunities for participation to enhance social and emotional well-being, as well as reduce crime and improve the city of Shreveport as a whole. Her mission and passion is to help nonprofit organizations run more effectively and share the economic and social value that they bring to the community.

“I don’t think folks realize how much nonprofits are a part of our daily lives,” Carpenter said. “Everything from the arts to healthcare, education, animal-related nonprofits, and human services. They’re on the frontlines of every disaster.”

The documentary examines the research of social scientist Robert Putnam, who explores the decline in community participation in the United States throughout the years.

“Back in the 60s, people came together based on their clubs that they were in,” Carpenter said. “It was all different walks of life, socioeconomics, male and female, religions. They were able to have civil discourse and conversations, and we don’t have that anymore. We want to bring our community together to have that participation in social and community beautification.”

Goodman encourages community members to attend the screening, calling it one of the most important events people will attend all year. Tickets can be purchased at robinsonfilmcenter.org/#/join-or-die or by calling the RFC box office at 318-459-4125.

“The big shift that I would like to see in the community is the shift from ‘me’ to ‘we,’ and turning the lens from your narcissistic everyday life to the greater good,” Goodman said. “The easiest, most logical way that takes place is when people say ‘We’re better collaborating. What do you do well, and how can I take that and combine it with what I do well so that the end result is better than what either of us were doing on our own?'”

The screening will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. Those interested in getting involved in their communities should visit www.lsus.edu/INAR or email INAR@lsus.edu.