Welcome to The Newsfeed.

Recently, hundreds of people came together for a new event to build community and stronger personal connections.

Organizers hope that this idea catches on.

Venice Buhain tells us more.

>> On a recent Saturday, people came to White Center to learn about rock clubs, book clubs, a pride event and other ways to connect with neighbors.

This was the White Center Joiners Jamboree.

This is the second Joiners Jamboree.

One in West Seattle last year attracted 800 to 1000 people.

Organizers say that shows that people are clamoring for community.

>> We billed it a lot about like, connect with people in real life.

>> Julie Garbutt and Andrea O'Farrell organized the events.

>> I think we're sick of consuming social media at home.

>> Yeah.

>> Coming out of COVID, people need opportunities to interact and join up with people that have common interests.

They want to be engaged again.

>> They were inspired by 'Join or Die.'

A movie based on author Robert Putnam's idea that the decline of organized clubs would lead to an erosion in community connection and greater divisions in society.

>> It's been a long time coming like this decline of community.

So it's not just COVID and it's not not even just social media, but these are just they just made it even... worse >> Worse.

Janine Davis, who runs a Facebook group for women in West Seattle over 50, agreed.

>> I think people are seeking that more.

Like COVID kind of separated us.

And I think people are wanting to come back together in community.

And so I think it's kind of a universal thing where everyone's coming back together at the same time for, for common reasons.

>> Garbutt said other groups have reached out to make their own similar events in other Seattle neighborhoods.

In White Center, this is Venice Buhain, Cascade PBS.

I'm Paris Jackson.

Next time on The Newsfeed, you'll hear how people are combating loneliness.

Thank you for watching.