Spring Forum, May 4, “Join or Die: America’s Civic Unraveling and What We Can Do to Change It”
Sunday, May 4, 4:00–5:30 p.m., Activity Building, 2380 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
“Your chances of dying over the next year are cut in half by joining one group.” -Dr. Robert Putnam

The documentary film Join or Die explores the decline of civic engagement in the United States, drawing heavily on the work of social scientist Robert Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone examines the decline in community connections. We will discuss the film and hear from Reverend Dr. Jan Edmiston, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Charlotte, who will lead us in a thought-provoking discussion. On Sunday, April 27, 6:00 p.m. there will be a free screening of the documentary, Join or Die, in the Ardmore Room. All are encouraged to watch the film, also available on Netflix, before the Forum. Mark your calendars, and plan to bring a friend to this engaging reflection on community!
Registration requested but not required.


Jan Edmiston was born, raised, and educated in Chapel Hill, NC, where she grew up in the University Presbyterian Church. After seminary in Boston, she served congregations in Schaghticoke, NY and Alexandria, VA for 27 years. She then served as Associate Executive Presbyter for Ministry with Chicago Presbytery during which she was elected as Co-Moderator of the 222nd General Assembly from 2016 to 2018. In 2018 she was elected General Presbyter of Charlotte Presbytery. Jan’s family includes her husband Fred Lyon, recently retired PCUSA pastor, four young adult children who live in Austin, NYC, Washington DC, and London, and two grandchildren. Jan has written the blog “A Church for Starving Artists” since 2005. https://achurchforstarvingartists.blog/
Highland Forums are a great time to invite friends and neighbors to join us at Highland.
Past Forums
- Highland’s 2025 Winter Forum: Lessons on Life and Leadership from A Humble Sunday School Teacher, The Rev. Hannah McMahan King
- Highland’s 2024 Fall Forum: Music as Medicine at the End of Life, Catharine DeLong, CM-Th, Harpist
- Highland’s 2024 Spring Forum: AI, Ethics, and Theology, Professor Kevin Jung
- Highland’s 2024 Winter Forum: Deep Hospitality for Our Earthly Home, Dr. Heidi Hart