The American Picnic: Reviving Civic Engagement in an Age of Rock and Roll Churches

As 2024 draws to a close, I can't help but think about the American picnic. Not just the literal gathering of friends and family on a sunny afternoon, but the metaphorical picnic that represents the very essence of American civic life. It's a powerful symbol of coming together, sharing experiences, and building the bonds that form the foundation of a strong society. Yet, as I look around, I can't shake the feeling that this quintessential American experience is fading from our collective memory.

In Los Angeles, the city of dreams and influencers, I witnessed the epitome of this transformation. Here, community involvement has often become just another avenue for personal branding. Charitable events and volunteer work frequently serve as backdrops for carefully curated social media posts. Participants seem more concerned with capturing the perfect "giving back" selfie than with the actual impact of their actions. This behavior isn't limited to one-off volunteers; even those in leadership positions often appear more interested in the status their roles provide than in leveraging their influence for meaningful change.

This trend, however, didn't start in LA. My first encounter with this phenomenon was over a decade ago in the Dallas Rotary Club. As a young, idealistic member, I joined with visions of making a real difference in my community. Instead, I found an environment where the appearance of doing good often overshadowed actual service. Many members, particularly from older generations, seemed content with surface-level engagement - attending meetings, wearing pins, and being seen at events. The disconnect between this performative participation and the evolving needs of the community was stark.

This focus on personal gain and individualism isn't just a personal observation. Scholars like Robert Putnam, in his seminal work "Bowling Alone," have meticulously documented the decline in American civic engagement over the past few decades. From decreased participation in civic organizations to reduced volunteerism, the data paints a clear picture of a society becoming increasingly disconnected.