STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

What happens when fewer of us know our neighbors? What happens when fewer of us volunteer or show up in our communities?

That’s the question that will be asked on Thursday when the Spur Community Foundation hosts a community conversation titled “Join and Thrive—Why Community Engagement Matters.”

The free program will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Ketchum’s Community Library. It will feature a panel of local leaders, volunteers and civic advocates who will explore how strengthening social connections is essential for personal wellbeing, in addition to being vital for a healthy thriving Blaine County.

Panelists are Lee Dabney, children’s librarian at the Hailey Public Library and the instigator of an annual luminaria event in the Northridge neighborhood that has raised money for The Hunger Coalition. Also, Lynea Newcomer of The Hunger Coalition; Kaz Thea, a Hailey City Council member, and Ryan Redman, who founded the Flourish Foundation, a mindfulness awareness program that also engages young adults in service and compassionate leadership locally and abroad.

Although Americans are more digitally connected than ever, participation in local civil life has dropped sharply. National data shows that membership in community groups has declined by more than half since the 1960s with real consequences for community health and personal wellbeing.

“Join or Die,” a film that has been screened at the Sun Valley Film Festival and at The Community Library, tells of scientist Robert Putnam’s research that purports how society became fractured and polarized when Americans stopped participating in bowling leagues and civic organizations such as the Odd Fellows.

Panelists will discuss practical ways Wood River Valley residents can get involved, from joining local boards and groups to simply engaging more intentionally with neighbors and others.

“We thrive when we connect,” said Alison Van Hook, Program Director at Spur Community Foundation. “This event is a chance to talk about how we can build strong relationships in the place we call home — and why that matters for our future.” 

You can reserve your seat to join in the conversation in person at https://thecommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/14982517. Or watch online at https://vimeo.com/event/5286369.

The discussion will be recorded and available to watch later on the Library Archive.