LSUS's INAR hosting documentary, panel discussion around declining community connection

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LSUS's INAR hosting documentary, panel discussion around declining community connection

SHREVEPORT - Community and civic engagement has declined since the 1960s across the United States, but Louisiana has seen a particular dip since the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday evening, LSUS's Institute of Nonprofit Administration and Research (INAR) will be exploring this concept and its solutions through a documentary screening and a panel discussion.

Come watch "Join or Die" at the Robinson Film Center at 6:30 p.m. with a community leader panel to follow.

The first 50 ticket holders will receive a small popcorn and drink thanks to sponsor Heard, McElroy and Vestel.

The documentary is centered around legendary social scientist Robert Putnam's research into America's decades-long decline in community connections, contributing to an overall decline in democracy.

The 2023 documentary delves into what makes democracy work, why is American democracy in crisis, and what individuals can do about it.

"We want people to participate in the panel discussion and come away from the event with a reminder of the positive community engagement occurring and some ideas of how to get more involved," said Dr. Heather Carpenter, executive director of INAR. "As Jeffrey Goodman says, 'It is our city, and we have an issue with something, it's our job to get involved to make changes."

General tickets are $10.50 to the event with special member ($8.50) and student/senior/military pricing ($9.50).

Goodman (YMCA Northwest Louisiana) will moderate the panel consisting of Tim Magner (Shreveport Chamber of Commerce), Clay Walker (assistant parish commissioner, Caddo Parish), Dr. Laura Meiki (LSUS sociology professor) and Wendell Riley (Robinson Film Center).

Louisiana's decline in community connection is clear, according to research from AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The state ranks in the bottom 10 states in formal volunteer rate (23.5 percent), organization membership (18.1 percent), annual charitable giving of $25 or more (42.1 percent), and talking with family, friends, and neighbors.

Putnam's research details how decreases in community involvement affect democracy.

"His research shows that the decline of community and civic participation creates divide," Carpenter said. "Increased community and civic participation creates social and emotional well being, improves positive community outcomes, and reduces crime.

"We have seen increased needs for services and longer wait times for those services along with volunteer shortages."

INAR upkeeps volunteer databases and helps connect nonprofit organizations with volunteers in addition to its research and nonprofit capacity building functions.

Want to find volunteer opportunities in Shreveport-Bossier? Visit INAR's website and browse nonprofit volunteer opportunities.