Maybe it’s our technologically-driven culture. Or perhaps it’s a civic life that becomes more politically divisive every day. But people everywhere seem to be drifting apart, and that’s not a good thing for any community.

It’s not really a new trend. Roughly a decade ago, author Robert Putnam caused a minor stir when he published a book called “Bowling Alone.” His idea was that Americans had become so disconnected from family, friends and neighbors that, we had even started bowling alone.

At one time, bowling might have been the most social sport of all, the kind of thing people used to do because it brought them together with friends. No longer. People are bowling more than ever, he said, but fewer participate in leagues. They’re still on the lanes, but they’re isolated.

It’s not just happening in sports. Consider civic clubs: While groups like the Rotary and Kiwanis are still extremely active locally, many have to work hard to attract new members. And they’re all but dead in some communities, leaving many important projects abandoned.

The bottom line: When people lose their sense of connection with each other — and stop working together as a community — everyone suffers.

That’s one reason why the United Way launched its “LIVE UNITED” campaign last year. You may have seen some of the white T-shirts, printed in black with LIVE UNITED, popping up in brochures and on television. In fact, it’s not all that unusual in Sanford to see one pass by.

A lot of times, new slogans and logos seem like a waste of time and money. But this one represents a new direction for the United Way and an important reminder for people who are drifting apart and “bowling alone.” LIVE UNITED isn’t primarily about giving money, but about urging everyone to join forces and become involved in making life better for everyone.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

That’s another of those often-annoying catch phrases, but it’s how we can become involved. Giving money or goods to help organizations working to improve life. Advocating, or speaking out, to encourage other people and promote needed change. And, most importantly, volunteer your time.

We’re all busy, but who doesn’t have an hour now and then to read to children? An occasional Saturday morning to help distribute meals? Some time to drive a medical patient to an appointment? No matter what your talents or interests may be, someone needs your help, and often you’ll get more out of the experience than the person you’re helping.

The LIVE UNITED notion also encourages the United Way to become more than just a fundraising organization. The goal is to use its own staff and expertise to help everyone in the community work together. Whether they’re church ministries, nonprofit groups or governmental agencies, we’re all strongest when we’re working together to help each other.

One major example is Compassion ’09, the community roundtable set for May 14 in Sanford. Though the United Way is handling the coordination, this is not a United Way event. It’s a chance for everyone involved in ministry and social service to determine what our most critical needs are. Then, to figure out how they can be solved and get to work making that happen.

As part of the event, a comprehensive directory of active groups has already been published at leecountyunitedway.org and leaders throughout Lee County are already giving their opinions on our top needs.

Compassion ’09 gives us a wonderful chance to advocate for those in need. To volunteer a half day on a project that will truly matter. To improve lives of others, which, actually, improves life for us all. It gives us a chance to “bowl” with our neighbors. And for everyone to LIVE UNITED.