Undoubtedly the secularization of society has something to do with this, but even that may be part of a slowly evolving trend toward dissolution of civic organi

Undoubtedly the secularization of society has something to do with this, but even that may be part of a slowly evolving trend toward dissolution of civic organizations more broadly. The “Bowling Alone” idea. I’m involved in a music festival held annually in our city in Canada. It’s organized by the Kiwanis club. But looking at the volunteers who are all septuagenarians and octogenarians, I wonder how long this can last. As far as I can tell, there is zero recruitment of younger adults. I think we have a built-in need to observe, compare and compete with each other for status. Social events once supplied the forum for that to happen in a convivial setting. Now it’s happening 24/7 in social media and every other online channel. The need is being met elsewhere.