A couple of years ago I watched Robert Putnam on TV discuss his
book Bowling Alone.
A couple of years ago I watched Robert Putnam on TV discuss his book Bowling Alone.
Despite the fact that I have never read a single word, this book had a dramatic effect on me.
Mr. Putnam is a professor in the social sciences department at Harvard. In his book, he contends that over the past thirty years Americans have become increasingly disconnected from community life.
The book’s title refers to the fact that bowling in leagues, which was at one time a popular activity, is declining and many bowling alleys are closing down. This may seem like a relatively trivial matter but, according to Mr. Putnam, it is symptomatic of a much larger phenomenon.
Baby boomers and generation X-ers are less engaged in most forms of public and private community life than older generations. This includes getting together with friends and family. But social bonds are a key element in a happy life, so this is not a healthful trend.
After thinking about this for a while, I decided I would make an effort to get more involved in the community. I joined both the Rotary and Kiwanis. (Please forgive me for ignoring the rivalry between these two).
There I have met all sorts of interesting and dynamic people: business and professional people, politicians, people in local government, people in media and retired people.
We get together for weekly meetings and participate in service projects. Getting to know more people has expanded my network of friends and associates. I’m now more aware of what’s going on in Morgan Hill and of the people are who are involved.
All this reminds me of my senior year at college when I got involved in various student activities. This was rewarding and something I would recommend to anyone in school or college.
I used to think that in order to join these organizations you need an invitation. I now think that they would welcome anyone who turned up and wanted to join.
Through the Rotary, I became involved in “Upward Bound Youth.” This program is designed to help boys and girls at the James Ranch and at Muriel Wright Center to get high school diplomas or a “GED” equivalent.
In the past, these kids could learn a trade by joining the Army. The film “Antoine Fisher,” based on the book Finding Fish, depicts a boy who grew up in a foster home where he was treated poorly and who got straightened out by joining the Navy.
Today, the Army is more selective. They do not accept anyone without a diploma. The same is true for today’s employers. Without a high school diploma, a young person just starting out is in a tough position. Many of these kids come from difficult home situations.
If you would like to help these kids and perhaps yourself as well, join us for a “Comedy Nite Fundraiser” on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. The tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Jody’s Junction, 35 E First Street
