Why It Matters: Uniting a Polarized Nation initiative, explores the impact of ideological polarization in America.
The nation’s social fabric is torn by partisan distrust, disinformation, exclusion, and coarsened public discourse. Our ties to one another have become perilously fragile as we grow more divided, gridlocking over social issues, race, health, and the economy. 

In this series, we explore our divisions, the lasting marks of polarization, and the future of democracy in America. "Why It Matters" aims to address the many layers of ideological polarization and approach the issues on a personal, community, historical, and societal levels with our virtual audience in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the ‘Show Me’ state.
Upcoming Author Talks with "The Upswing" Authors Robert D. Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett
Join us on January 14th, 2021 at 7 P.M.

This virtual author talk will feature the authors of “The Upswing: How American Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again.” Robert D. Putnam is a nationally honored humanities, Harvard professor, and author of the best seller, “Bowling Alone.” In his new book, Putnam and co-Author Shaylyn Romney Garrett examine deep and accelerating inequality; unprecedented political polarization; vitriolic public discourse, and a fraying social fabric. 
 
In this talk, Putnam and Garrett will share lessons of community building from an early era and propose strategies that will help ‘Middle America’ meet in the middle. 
MEMBER'S ONLY BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
"The Upswing" and #ShowMeCivilityChallenge

Join us on January 7th, 2021 at 7 P.M.

This Members-only event will be held on January 7th, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. on zoom meeting.

Missouri Humanities Members will have a chance to share reactions to the book, “The Upswing” and propose questions for the authors. Members will also receive the conversation decks, instructions, and discuss the initiative. Members will be invited to register early for other “Why It Matters: Uniting a Polarized Nation” events. 

Email Ashley Beard-Fosnow, ashley@mohumanities.org, to register and to receive your free copy of "The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again."