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People have fewer friends, join fewer clubs and volunteer less compared to previous generations. Growing isolation contributes to political polarization and social distrust, weakening democracies worldwide.

On September 23, political scientist Robert Putnam joins former United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown, chair of the Center for Civic Society at the USC Schaeffer Institute, for a conversation about how to rebuild the social and community bonds that support healthy democracies. More than 25 years after his influential book Bowling Alone captured the stark consequences of America’s fraying social fabric, Putnam will draw on research from his most recent book, The Upswing, to explore how communities and civic institutions can overcome deep societal divisions to foster connection. Brown will share insights from his decades of global leadership to connect the research to policy and practice.

This event is hosted by the Center for Civic Society at the USC Schaeffer Institute and the Center for the Political Future at USC Dornsife. 

PROGRAM

• 10:30am|Check-in and Refreshments
• 10:45am|Opening Remarks
  • Anna Saavedra, Director, Center for Civic Society; Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
• 11:00am|Fireside Chat 
  • Robert Putnam, Malkin Professor of Public Policy, Emeritus, Harvard Kennedy School; Author, The Upswing, Bowling Alone
  • In conversation with: The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Steel Chair, Center for Civic Society, USC Schaeffer Institute
• 11:50am|Closing Remarks
  • Dana Goldman, Founding Director, USC Schaeffer Institute