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ACTIVITIES AND EXPLANATIONS
"Civil Society" by Jean Bethke Elshtain and “Toward an Agenda for Social Capitalists” by Robert D. Putnam:

Both Elshtain and Putnam look at the need for small, local organizations that citizens can work with in their communities. The authors argue that such connections are vital if society as a whole is to operate well. Using the Internet or the publications at a local library, search out organizations in your area that link together a group of like-minded enthusiasts for a sport, activity or hobby, such as Scottish country dancing, autocrossing and model airplane flying.

1 . Using what you've learned about these organizations and their goals, identify or make up a group you yourself would be interested in joining. Create a brochure describing the group, its functions and its role in members' lives and in the community in general. Include visual material demonstrating what members of the group do, such as photos of an event, or a bulleted list of the group's goals and how the group improves its community. Include an explanation of how participation in the group can increase democracy in society as a whole, phrased as an invitation for people to join the group and experience its larger, societal benefits.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

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