Becky Beissel

I recently watched the documentary Join or Die, which follows the work of Robert Putnam, a social scientist who spent decades studying what makes communities thrive. Early in his career, he researched Italy’s regional governments, which were newly formed in the 1970s. He found that the most successful regions weren’t those with the best policies or the most resources—but the ones where people were most connected. In communities where neighbors knew each other, volunteered together, and participated in local organizations, trust was higher, cooperation was stronger, and overall quality of life improved.

The same principle applies here in the U.S., yet for decades, community involvement has been on the decline. Fewer people join clubs or religious organizations, participate in local events, or even interact with their neighbors. This shift affects everything from civic engagement to personal well-being, and it’s changed how we treat one another. As author Brené Brown says, “It’s hard to hate people up close.” The more we know each other, the more understanding, kindness, and respect we show. Yet, in recent years, we’ve seen a heightened level of division, disrespect, and a loss of empathy in our communities.

So what happened? The decline in civic engagement correlates with the rise of television. Studies show that many people who don’t participate in their communities also cite TV as their number one form of entertainment. In more recent years, social media has only exacerbated the problem, giving people an easy way to engage from a distance but often in ways that lack real connection. It’s easy to become a “keyboard warrior,” quick to criticize and slow to empathize when interactions happen behind a screen instead of face-to-face.

Even the way we build our homes has contributed to isolation. Front porches, once a staple of neighborhood life, are rare today. Instead, we have attached garages that allow us to pull in and go straight inside without ever seeing a neighbor. The result? Fewer casual conversations, less familiarity, and more disconnection.

But the good news is that small actions make a big difference. We can choose to build stronger connections in simple ways:

• Throw a neighborhood block party.
• Have friends over for dinner.
• Form a club around something you enjoy.
• Take advantage of the programs at the Ellsworth Public Library.
• Say "hello" to everyone you pass when out in public.
• Spend less time on screens and more time with family and friends.
• Join a service club or volunteer organization.
• Support local businesses and strike up conversations with the owners and employees.
• Start a community garden with neighbors.
• Organize a game night or potluck with friends or coworkers.
• Participate in or coach a local youth sports team.
• Invite a new neighbor over for coffee or introduce yourself with a small welcome gift.
• Get involved in a church or faith-based group.
• Take a class or workshop through Community Education.
• Offer to help a neighbor with yard work or snow removal.
• Take walks around your neighborhood and engage with those you meet.

A strong, connected community isn’t just about policies or programs—it’s about the people who show up for each other. Let’s take the time to reconnect, to strengthen our relationships, and to create the kind of community where kindness, respect, and engagement thrive.

It starts with us.