With the loneliness many of us face and the divisiveness of American social and political life, especially during this chaotic election year, political scientist Robert Putnam says it’s time to do something to save ourselves and our democracy. And that something is surprisingly simple: join a club. Recently, Rochelle and I had the great pleasure of seeing Join or Die, a documentary about Putnam and his decades of important — and, one could argue, life-saving — research.

The gist of Putnam’s findings is conveyed in the title of his most well-known book: ​“Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.” As we put ourselves out there less and join fewer clubs (no thanks to you, COVID-19, and the blasted Internet), we’re losing touch with other people. We’re abandoning the very connections that enable us to thrive as social animals and, in the process, we’re causing serious harm. Loneliness, as it turns out, is the new silent killer. It increases our risk of premature death by 30 percent, not to mention decimates our happiness. Also, loneliness — and isolation — can easily morph into fear, anger and sometimes violence, as we have witnessed with tear-filled eyes in recent years. This new way of being has unraveled, thread by delicate thread, the fabric that once united families, friends, neighbors and all of us as a nation. (Granted, because of gross economic, racial, gender and other inequalities, this country has never been fully united or whole, but I think we can agree that there have been times in the past when it was far less fractured.) 

There is, however, a giant glowing bowling ball of hope. According to Putnam, we can fight social isolation by joining a club — any club at all, you knitters, bird watchers, runners, plein air painters, square dancers, mah-jong players and bowlers out there. I know what you’re thinking, but busyness is no excuse. Make the time, please. It’s critical for your health and the nation’s. See the movie or read the book, and, most critically, join a club! It’s proven to work. I know you’ll be supercharged with inspiration and hope for our future and our democracy. 

For more information about the documentary Join or Die, check out: https://www.joinordiefilm.com