It's a Meetup world in Applebee's America
In the fall of 2005, we received call from Ron Fournier, who at the time was the star national political writer for the Associated Press.
In a hurried and urgent tone, Ron explained how he was on a mission. "I'm co-writing a book with Matt Dowd, former campaign strategist for President Bush and Douglas Sosnik, former Clinton strategist, on how communities in twenty-first-century America coalesce. We believe Dr. Putnam's "Bowling Alone" thesis of a declining sense of community in America isn't telling the whole story...Can we talk?"
"You bet!" I responded, "Sounds like you're on to something! Happy to help!"
Ron quickly followed up with an email: "One area we're exploring is the gaping need to belong, the desire to be part of a community. We believe that Americans are fundamentally restructuring the nation's community structures as we move from the industrial era to the era of technology/globilization. The same thing happened a century ago when agriculture-era community structures like barn raisings -- no longer applied in the new industrial era, hence NAACP, Boys Scouts, Moose Lodge etc. So we're looking for the new communities," he wrote.
"And they're all over your website."
Fast forward to September 2006 and the anticipated release of their book, Applebee's America, a highly intelligent and inspiring work that explores how the American society is changing, and how political, business and religious leaders who seek to communicate and connect with Americans in this new era of terror, technology and social change, must adapt to those changes.
Applebee's America offers up many hands-on examples of how these leaders can earn the loyalty and support of people by understanding and sharing their values and goals.
Meetup practically owns chapter 5: "The 3 Cs: Connections, Community, and Civic Engagement". Therein, Applebee's America deconstructs how regular, everyday folks are using the Internet -- to get off the Internet, and into their communities with others who share their interests. We learn how Meetups play an important role in empowering those who want to connect locally. From the cliche'd Bowling Meetup to the ever-popular Pug Meetups, to how Father's Rights Meetups in Philadelphia pursue justice in a world of "raw deals" in custody cases. But most importantly, we learn how people are using their own volition to find others who also want to make change while building social bonds and strengthening local community are doing so with ease via Meetup.com -- and how politicians, business and religious leaders are taking note.
Senator John McCain, reviews Applebee's America:
“'Timely' might be the most overused adjective in book endorsements, but it is hard to recall anything else written in recent times more deserving of the description than Applebee's America. Two eminent political strategists and one of the best political reporters in the country have combined their considerable expertise and intelligence to explain how Americans are responding to broad and unsettling changes in our society with a renewed appreciation for the virtues of home and community, and how foresighted religious, business and political leaders have identified with the public's desire for meaning beyond materialism.In a lucid and engaging narrative, the authors offer an insightful account of modern America that should interest Americans of all political, religious and social affiliations, and prove invaluable to those who presume to lead them.”
Click here to read more high praise for Applebee's America from folks like Senator Hilary Clinton, Howard Schultz, Chairman, Starbucks Coffee Company, Steve Reinemund, Chairman, PepsiCo, David Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Domino's Pizza and others.
Whether you're already part of the Meetup phenomenon or you just have an interest in how successful political, business, and religious leaders are connecting with the New American Community, Applebee's America is a must-read.
Visit applebeesamerica.com to learn more.
-- MW