We convene the best and brightest thought leaders and change-makers from across the globe. Together, we raise the visibility of our nation’s crisis of connection, spotlight ground-breaking innovations, spur commitments to action, and promote real evidence- and system-based change for a more socially connected future.
Our 2025 conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from October 28-30th. Sign up below to be informed of upcoming announcements!
In 2023, the Foundation for Social Connection, Healthy Places by Design, and Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program – with generous support from Einhorn Collaborative – hosted Building Connected Communities, an action forum for leaders working to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection. We invited change makers from across the country to join us and other distinguished speakers like the U.S. Surgeon General, Drs. Robert Putnam and Julianne Holt-Lunstad, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and learned how we can collectively build more socially connected communities.
One of the main goals of our action forums is to spur nationwide organizational commitments to action. Each year, we aim to engage more stakeholders and inspire more commitments. Do you have a Commitment to Action? Let us know!
For Outstanding Leadership in Community-Based Efforts to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness
The Marcia Slater Johnston Award is presented to one recipient who exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication in reducing social isolation and loneliness or promoting connection in their community. The awardee is eligible to receive a micro-grant to support the continuation of their work. We are honored to spotlight our 2023 awardee – Jared Seide! Click below to learn more about Marcia and Jared!
In 2022, the Action Forum convened thought leaders and change makers like Goldie Hawn, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and more to discuss how policy, practices, and place can be leveraged to address our social isolation and loneliness crisis. The event also included the inaugural announcement of the 2022 Marcia Slater Johnston Award award to a leader dedicated to addressing this issue in their community.
In 2021, the Foundation focused on raising awareness for the global crisis of connection, advocating for national policies, and activating local leaders to affect change in their communities. Audience members learned about efforts made by various levels of government, the role of technology in these efforts, the business and public health case for greater social connection. The event concluded with the announcement of organization-wide commitments to action.
In 2020, the Action Forum convened our Scientific Leadership Council, federal leaders, community organizations, and international partners to increase the visibility of the social isolation and loneliness crisis. The event identified key innovations and inspired commitments to action to overcome social isolation and loneliness.
Each June, we support our partners at the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC), and Marmalade Trust as they work together to activate local communities, policymakers, and innovators to share resources, identify areas of collaboration, and educate the public on the importance of belonging and resiliency.