'The places that have better governments are the places that have a long history of social networks and social capital.'

Robert Putnam wrote the book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community in 2000. In it he introduced the concept of "social capital," a shared asset that is created when groups share values and expectations that guide behavior within their group, which leads to trust: the belief in the reliability and integrity of others.

Robert Putnam wrote the book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community in 2000. In it he introduced the concept of "social capital," a shared asset that is created when groups share values and expectations that guide behavior within their group, which leads to trust: the belief in the reliability and integrity of others.

Last year Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis premiered a powerful documentary about his work at SXSW. Join or Die has two simple messages: 1. social disconnection is at the root of many of America's current problems, 2. joining clubs and participating in civic organizations, becoming more involved in our communities in any way, can help a lot.

"Social capital," he says, "bonds of trust and relationship is being built up, and that can be converted into a bunch of good things: better public health, more economic growth, more economic equality, better functioning government institutions and overall satisfaction among people about how things are going."

The film is now streaming on Netflix.

WEBSITE/TRAILER: Join or Die

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