Volunteer Fairfax Book/Movie Club Gathering for International Volunteer Managers Day 2025

On Nov. 5, Volunteer Fairfax is marking IVMD with a viewing of the documentary "Join or Die" followed by a discussion of the movie and the book, Bowling Alone. In Northern Virginia, join in person to watch together. Not in the area? Join on Zoom for the book/movie discussion.

Nearly 25 years ago, Robert D. Putnam made a seemingly simple observation:  we once bowled in leagues; now we bowl alone. This observation symbolized a significant social
change that became the basis of the acclaimed bestseller, Bowling Alone, our Volunteer Fairfax/Volunteer Managers Book Club pick for November 2025.

Is the power and impact of volunteering one of those methods of connection? As leaders of volunteers, much of our work may be building community connections to those in need as well as to each other.  Let’s talk about how volunteering could be a factor how we engage and measure the strengths of our community. 

In addition to reading the book, we will also offer an opportunity to come together to watch the Emmy nominated documentary Join or Die (2023), a film about why you should engage in the community — and why the fate of America depends on it.  It talks about the civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam (author of Bowling Alone) and other leaders/celebrities of our time.

While the movie looks at examples of disconnections, we will come together on International Volunteer Managers Day (November 5, 2025) to watch the movie and discuss the book with a volunteer management point of view. Our special guest at the discussion (via Zoom) will be a Join of Die documentary co-director.

This free program is presented by Volunteer Fairfax with support from an Anonymous Donor and the Northern Virginia Association of Volunteer Administrators

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Volunteer Fairfax
12015 Route 50, Fairfax, VA

Movie Watch Event
Join or Die
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Bring your lunch. Drinks and popcorn will be provided. (In-person)

Discussion of Join or Die & Bowling Alone
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Participate in-person or on Zoom

Followed by International Volunteer Managers Day Reception (In-person)
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Questions?  Contact Susan Sanow, CVA, ssanow@volunteerfairfax.org




Link: https://volunteerfairfax.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F25056

Submitted: 09/30/25
Article By: Sanow, Susan