Civic Discussion Meetup

Nationalism is the belief that a shared national identity and loyalty to one’s country are important. It shapes how people see themselves, how they relate to others, and how societies organize politically and culturally. Nationalism can inspire pride, civic engagement, and collective action—but it can also create tension, exclusion, or conflict when national identity is narrowly defined or politicized.

In this Civic Discussion Meetup, we’ll focus primarily on U.S. nationalism—its history, evolution, and current role in shaping politics, culture, and society. We’ll explore questions such as: How does national pride influence civic participation? When does nationalism unite, and when does it divide? How does it intersect with issues like immigration, diversity, and America’s place in the world?

This discussion is designed to be thoughtful, evidence-based, and open. Participants will have the chance to examine both the benefits and challenges of national identity, and to consider how U.S. nationalism affects the country’s present and future.

Optional Material:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa_PCNgW79E

Join us for an in-depth discussion analyzing the first year of Donald Trump’s second-term presidency. We’ll explore key policies, executive actions, domestic and foreign impacts, and the political dynamics that shaped this period. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss successes, controversies, and long-term implications for the country. This session encourages thoughtful, respectful dialogue across perspectives and aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the administration’s early trajectory.

The idea of a “male loneliness epidemic” has become a major topic in today’s public conversation, raising concerns about social isolation, shrinking friendships, and declining community connection among men. Research suggests that many men have fewer close relationships, are less likely to seek emotional support, and often rely on limited social networks—factors that can impact mental health, well-being, and even civic engagement.

In this Civic Discussion Meetup, we’ll explore what’s driving this trend, from changing social norms and expectations around masculinity to the effects of technology, work culture, and the loss of shared community spaces. We’ll also examine how loneliness affects not just individuals, but society more broadly, including its impact on mental health, social trust, and participation in community life.

This discussion is intentionally solution-oriented. Rather than just diagnosing the problem, we’ll focus on what can be done at different levels—how individuals can build stronger connections, how communities can create spaces for meaningful interaction, and how institutions and policies can better support social well-being. The goal is to move beyond awareness and toward practical ideas that can help rebuild connection in a more disconnected world.

Relevant Content:
Male Loneliness and Isolation: https://aibm.org/research/male-loneliness-and-isolation-what-the-data-shows/