Exploring Human Connections with "Join or Die" - Session 1

We focus a lot on how permaculture addresses connections among nature and people. But permaculture also cares about our relationships with each other.

Did you know that active participation in clubs and associations are keys to a strong democracy and healthy society? That conclusion is at the core of political scientist Dr. Robert Putnam’s research. But participation in groups—once a hallmark of American life—has been in steady decline since the 1960s. What does it mean for the U.S., our communities, and our own wellbeing when people stay home rather than participate more actively?

This is a fascinating topic for those of us interested in permaculture because of permaculture’s emphasis on community-building, local associations, and decentralized near-to-home problem solving. Join us for a two-part online Meetup to explore Robert Putnam’s big ideas.

Join us as we consider how being joiners can help ourselves, our democracy, and our communities. Think book-club discussions, but with a movie!

January 15 (7-8 p.m.)--Session 1: In advance of this first Meetup, please watch Join or Die (stream on Netflix or rent on Gathr). Or read Bowling Alone or gain the big ideas through interviews and podcasts. Click here for a Google Doc with a list of additional options for listening/reading about the big ideas in Putnam’s research. Session 2 will be on March 12 (7-8 p.m.) - check out calendar!

COST: The fee for each session is $5. Additional donations to Seacoast Permaculture are always welcome and much appreciated.

Hosts for this online event are Seacoast Permaculture board members Rebecca Cowser and Jennifer Montgomery.