The Frank Forum is a blog dedicated to the revitalization of America's distinct civic culture. America, unlike any other country in the world, has a uniquely civic ethos. We are, historically, a nation of joiners. From the infancy of this great nation, citizens have had an unusual predilection for mediating institutions like church groups, reading clubs, and various other voluntary associations. In recent decades, however, our societal fabric has begun to come apart. Robert Putnam, perhaps better than anyone else, has documented this troublesome social atomization. His magnum opus, Bowling Alone, inserted the term "social capital" into the lexicological mainstream. Now that we know, thanks to Putnam, that our social capital has diminished, we must ask ourselves one question: how do we get it back? This will, undoubtedly, be an arduous task. But, we believe, that through small Communitarian acts, we can restore our little platoons.
Writers:
Frank Filocomo, founder:
Frank received his MA degree in Politics at NYU and has always had an itch to write and speak his mind. When he's not writing, Frank plays jazz guitar, though not in any professional capacity; buys more books than he could ever dream of reading; and spends quality time with his 16-year-old cat, Vinny.
Troy M. Olson:
Troy M. Olson is an Army Veteran, lawyer by training, and a co-author (with Gavin Wax) of the upcoming book The Emerging Populist Majority. He is the Sergeant-at-Arms of the New York Young Republican Club and co-founder of the Veterans Caucus. He lives in New York City with his wife and son. You can follow him on Twitter and Substack at @TroyMOlson.
