On Wednesday, March 27th, join the Odd Fellows of San Jose and their distinguished guests, for a film about why you should join a club, and why the fate of America depends on it.

Please RSVP here, or at the bottom of the page.

You can also RSVP for the hamburger dinner

About the Film

Join or Die explores the consequence of what happens to a society, and its individual members, when they stop joining up in groups and clubs and start living more solitary, isolated lives.

"In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?" - from joinordie.film

About the Film Night

Dinner - 6-7

For anyone who wants to come early, the Odd Fellows will be having their monthly hamburger fry from 6-7. A full meal including a burger, side, drink, and dessert, is only $10. Vegetarian patties are always available. This is a great time to enjoy delicious food, as well as an opportunity to meet interesting (or at least "odd") people.

While we would love to feed absolutely everyone who attends the movie, due to the size of our grill, we'll only be able to produce about 100 hot and delicious meals for people. To make sure you get one, you can reserve your ticket ahead of time.

As a special treat, at around 6:30, we'll have a free Kona Ice truck for all of our guests to enjoy!

Doors Open - 7

At 7, we'll open the doors to the main viewing area and people can begin claiming their seats for the film.

Introductory Remarks - 7:15

We are delighted to welcome an expert in the field of Social Capital and the work of Dr Putnam, San Jose mayor Matt Mahan. Mayor Mahan is a former student of Putnam's, and has thought deeply about ways to put that knowledge into practice. He's graciously agreed to provide us with an introduction to the film's topics.

Screening - 7:30-9:10

Join or Die runs about one hour and forty minutes long. See the trailer below for a preview:

Q&A with the Director - 9:10-10

We are delighted to welcome one half of the directing team for Join or Die, Rebecca Davis. She will be joining us via live telecast to lead a lively discussion and Q&A session about her groundbreaking new film.

 

About Your Hosts

The Odd Fellows are one of the oldest fraternal societies in the world, and certainly one of the oldest in North America. Since its founding, the Odd Fellows have sought to support one another and their community through various charitable and social causes and activities.

The San Jose Odd Fellows operate True Fellowship Lodge #52, a lodge that traces its origin to January 10th, 1856, making it one of the first such organizations in Santa Clara County. Their motto is "Friends You Can Count On," and like all Odd Fellows groups, they ascribe to the principles of "Friendship, Love, and Truth."

Please use the form below to RSVP.