This special event, presented in conjunction with the Fletcher Free Library, features a screening of Join or Die—a film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America depends on it—and for the live conversation that follows with legendary social scientist, Robert Putnam.

Through a journey with Putnam, JOIN OR DIE follows the half-century story of America's civic unraveling. With input from influential fans and scholars, including Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Priya Parker, and inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, Putnam explores three urgent civic questions:

• What makes democracy work?
• Why is American democracy in crisis?
• And, most importantly, what can we do about it?

Putnam will be introduced by Dan Smith, President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation and post-screening discussion will be moderated by Alex Zakaras, Professor of Political Science at the University of Vermont. Sponsored in part by UVM Political Science department and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UVM.

Learn more about Robert Putnam at:

• Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam
• New York Times: 'The Interview': Robert Putnam Knows Why You're Lonely

RSVP here. For more information, contact shana@fletcherfriends.org. Learn more at go.uvm.edu/osherlauramannlectures.