Our Approach To
Our partnerships and networking power accelerates progress in the field, resulting in effective and sustainable solutions.
We convene the best and brightest thought leaders and change-makers from across the globe for our action forum. In 2023, we held our hybrid event, Building Connected Communities, with our partners Healthy Places by Design, Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, and Einhorn Collaborative. 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.
In partnership with Healthy Places by Design, the Foundation hosts annual workshops with philanthropic and governmental partners to strengthen and expand a network of peers and potential partners and to identify opportunities for collective action to strengthen social connectedness at the community, state, and national levels.
The Social Connection Communities of Practice Map is designed to be a hub for interested individuals and organizations to explore existing coalitions and networks working to promote social connection.
Explore the map and learn how you can participate below.
Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
As the affiliate 501(c)4 organization to the Foundation, the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness (CESIL) develops and advocates for federal policy solutions to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. Our Scientific Leadership Council also contributes to the Coalition’s advocacy goals by providing scientific recommendations on key initiatives and policy priorities.
Healthy Places by Design
Through our strategic partnership with Healthy Places by Design, the Foundation is bridging our community and national efforts to catalyze movements across the country. Together, we equip local leaders with the resources to build more socially connected communities and challenge systems to prioritize health and well-being for all.
Global Initiative on Loneliness & Connection
The Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC) was formed in the Summer of 2020 amid the global COVID-19 crisis. It is comprised of 14 national organizations committed to ending the pressing global issues of loneliness and social isolation. Together, we support the dissemination of system-wide, national approaches to build social connection.
Office of the Surgeon General
In 2023, the Surgeon General officially declared loneliness a public health epidemic, citing 58% of Americans experience loneliness. The Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection calls attention to the critical role connection plays in individual, community, and societal health and offers a framework for how we can all contribute to improving social connection. We are proud that Scientific Leadership Council (SLC) Chair, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, served as Lead Scientific Editor of the Advisory. Additionally, our SLC members and staff contributed as Advisory reviewers.
Commit to Connect
We serve as advisors to Commit to Connect, a cross-sector initiative, sponsored by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The aim of the collaboration is to connect older adults and individuals with disabilities living with isolation with programs and resources to build the social connections they need to thrive. Our Scientific Leadership Council provided a framework to assess programs and technological solutions. The Nationwide Network of Champions serves as local awareness, action, and advocacy champions across the nation.