Join & Thrive

Find Your Thing

Discover the people, causes, and events that make Santa Monica great.

Bahala and Santa Monica Public Library invite you to Join & Thrive: Find Your Thing, a free public screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary Join or Die followed by an outreach fair featuring plenty of fun and fulfilling things close to home.

Come curious. Leave with a thing.

Why Show up?

  • Across the country, people are talking about loneliness, isolation, and the decline of civic life. Join or Die tells that story through the work of Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, and asks a hopeful question: what happens when people start joining again?

  • In Santa Monica, we have no shortage of people doing meaningful, creative, generous work. The challenge is often discovering where to connect.

What to expect

  • Watch Join or Die and participate in a discussion about community improvement.

  • Walk outside and meet people. Local organizations will share interactive ways to get involved in programs you’re interested in.

  • Enjoy wholesome fun and thrive!

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

12-4pm

Santa Monica Public Library

Main library, 2nd floor,
followed by an outreach fair in the central courtyard

There will be snacks!

Bahala and Santa Monica Public Library will review submissions and curate participating organizations by category, fit, and available space.

Interested in ExHibiting?

Nonprofits, civic groups, and community-building organizations are welcome to apply and participate without charge. Selected partners will be grouped by category and asked to provide interactive, welcoming ways to help people find their thing.

Participating partners must offer:

  • A clear “join us” next step

  • One upcoming event, meeting, volunteer role, or activity

  • A simple signup method or QR code

  • A friendly table activity, prompt, or conversation starter

Apply to Present at Join & Thrive

Bahala events are guaranteed fresh and full of local flavor.

Never miss out on a great local event and join a growing network of local businesses and community leaders making Santa Monica a great place to live and play.

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