Four of every ten adults in the USA participate in zero clubs or organizations. That correlates to weaker social ties, worse personal health outcomes and, according to social scientist Robert Putnam, the undermining of democracy itself.
CivicLex’s Noel Osborne said the documentary highlights Putnam’s research into the benefits of belonging to a group.
"People who join clubs or organizations - it transforms their lives personally, but it also helps make our community stronger, specifically in civic life," said Osborne. "[The movie] talks about how divisive our country is as a whole, and even our communities. It highlights that these people who are in these clubs are actually able to feel like they are participating and making a difference in their community."
The movie starts at 7, but doors open at 6:15, giving attendees the chance to mingle with attending CivicLex partner associations.
"We wanted to partner with clubs and organizations in our community that are accessible, relatively speaking," said Osborn. "When we talk about low barrier to entry, [we mean] a group that doesn't have a high cost to join: none or low cost."
17 community organizations will be at the screening to speak with attendees, including chapters of well-known national groups like the NAACP and the League of Women Voters as well as smaller local running clubs, birding clubs, sewing circles, and even a roller derby club.
Tickets are pay-what-you-want, with a five dollar minimum.