"Join or Die" Movie Screening and Joining Fair

Come "Join" Us!

Illinois Prairie is proud to present a free screening of the film, Join or Die, from Delevan Street Films.  This film puts America's decline in civic engagement over the past half-century squarely in its crosshairs and challenges viewers to consider how we can reverse this decline and improve our communities.  A local community Joining Fair will immediately follow the film.  

1:00 pm - Doors open

1:30 pm - Introductions and Film Screening

3:00 pm - Joining Fair

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

About The Movie

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it.  In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone.  His groundbreaking research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.  Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?

About The Joining Fair

Representatives from a variety of local community organizations, social groups, charities, schools, and businesses will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on how you can become more involved.  Connect with others who share your interests, find places to volunteer, and discover simple actions that you can take to improve our neighborhoods and communities.