The Foundation for Social Connection

We were happy to support the evaluation of the California Neighbor-to-Neighbor network - a new project from California Volunteers, Office of the Governor that aims to strengthen neighborhood ties to address local needs, the loneliness epidemic, climate action and disaster preparedness. We look** forward to seeing similar initiatives enacted to build community ties and relationships within neighborhoods. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/ghcH46zy Learn how you can implement evidence-based strategies for community connection here: actiong4connection.org

Join us on October 16th as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of launching our Action Guide, a tool that empowers communities to create meaningful connections and sustainable change. The event will feature Action Guide developers and spotlight communities piloting the guide. Together, we will share our stories, challenges, and innovative approaches to build a culture of connection. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from these case studies, identify best practices, and explore ways to adapt these strategies to their own communities. This webinar is not just a celebration, but a call to action for other communities to join the movement toward a more connected and inclusive society. By working collectively, we can make social connection a reality for everyone. Stay tuned for registration details! Explore our Action Guide here: action4connection.org

A variety of public places, or third places, are a vital part of civic life and act as community hubs. However, these spaces and access to them have declined in recent years. A new article in Philanthropy Daily co-authored by Frank Filocomo and our Executive Director Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, MPH discusses this decline, but also highlights areas for hope as we bring back third spaces. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gsbE-EK5 Explore our Action Guide for promising strategies on increasing access to third spaces and creating community engagement: action4connection.org To learn more about third spaces and the role of our built environment on social connection, we invite you to read our SOCIAL Framework Report on the Built Environment: https://lnkd.in/gQjkE6Jj

A new episode of the Bounce Back with Victor Imbimbo podcast features our Scientific Leadership Council Chair Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad. Listen to the episode on the importance social connection has on your health and well-being and how to best avoid the pitfalls of loneliness and social isolation here: https://lnkd.in/gFYqNFEh

Event alert! Join the Young Futures Innovators on September 25th from 10-11:30 AM PT for the first-ever YF Innovators Showcase! Get ready to meet the most innovative non-profits on the frontlines of the youth loneliness crisis. These rock stars are working directly with teens and preteens, creating powerful solutions to foster social connection in our tech-driven world. Don't miss this chance to learn how to support the young people in your life, meet some inspiring humans, and find out how you can support their work (and similar work happening in your community). Let's come together to promote social connection and combat loneliness among America's youth! I’ll be there, will you? Register here by September 13th for this virtual event. https://bit.ly/YFShowcase #YoungFutures #LonelyHeartsClubChallenge Young Futures Org

“Falls are associated with activity limitations and injuries among older adults. An estimated 25% of older adults fall each year, and over 40% of older adults report they are lonely.” New research from our Scientific Leadership Council member Matthew Lee Smith found that evidence-based fall prevention programs may be a strategy to improve social connectedness within our aging population. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gTCiZvVi

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD - OCDE) has published a new paper that reviews a selection of official surveys fielded in OECD countries to understand patterns in data collection, establish priority areas for harmonisation, and create an inventory of available measures for social connection. Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/gmjP_pfp

???We are hiring! Our team is looking for a Network and Partnerships Program Associate. This position will play a crucial role in supporting the operational execution and management of social connection programs under the guidance of the Implementation and Innovation Manager. This position is integral to our team, directly contributing to the efficient planning, execution, and scaling of program initiatives. Learn more about the position and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/giiZBDmX #JobAlert

Young Futures Org just opened another $1M funding round for nonprofits! The Under Pressure Funding Challenge is an open funding call to surface solutions to help ease the pressures of growing up in a digital world. Eligible early-stage organizations and solutions are invited to learn more about the challenge and apply by October 1st. https://lnkd.in/giCtzJXx Join the Applicant Info Session on Sept. 12th for more details. Sign up to receive updates from the team here: https://lnkd.in/eK-QFce7

?Strategy Spotlight? This week, we’re highlighting how developing and strengthening social-emotional skills and prosocial behavior through art and culture based-activities. has been found to increase social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness. A growing body of literature outlines the social-emotional benefits of the arts, including the influence participation in art-based activities have on strengthening emotional regulation and social skills. The arts have been found to foster prosocial behavior, a collective feeling of accomplishment, and strengthened group identity, and music in particular has been linked to enhanced social bonds. The Creative Aging Network-NC?in North Carolina implements a variety of art-based programs aimed at building connections across communities. The ARTmail initiative, similar to pen pals, partners with aging care communities to exchange art boxes and build on each other’s artwork to promote social interaction and combat feelings of loneliness. Another program, "Learn English through Art," engaged 40 refugee participants in 20 arts and citizenship and language classes where they learned techniques like printing, paper-making, and book-making with natural materials. They practiced writing in their books and shared their journey at a celebratory luncheon at the end of the program. Lastly, the "Wisdom" Artist Residency Series paired an artist with older adults, imparting skills for art creation through life reflection. This initiative integrated traditional Haliwa-Saponi symbols into Mandalas and masks, which were showcased in exhibitions throughout North Carolina Learn about the research behind this social connection strategy and explore community examples in our Action Guide's catalog of strategies! Click here to dive in: https://lnkd.in/geRqbGBz