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Action Forum

Each year, 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.

This year, along with Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, and Healthy Places by Design, and with generous support from Einhorn Collaborative, we have launched “Building Connected Communities,” a two-year initiative to foster social connection in communities across the country.

Building Connected Communities, the 2023 Action Forum

This October, 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 changemakers 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.

Commitments to Action

One of the main goals of our annual End Social Isolation and Loneliness Action Forum is to spur nationwide organizational commitments to action.

Each year, we aim to engage more stakeholders and inspire more commitments. In 2022, we were proud to highlight sixteen commitments from our friends at Humana, UnitedHealthcare, the AARP Foundation, ACTNow for Mental Health, Peoplehood, Wider Circle, The Motion Picture & Television Fund, DOROT, USAging, Building H, the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, NeverTechLate, and Visible Network Labs!

The Marcia Slater Johnston Award

For Outstanding Leadership in Community-Based Efforts to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness 

The Marcia Slater Johnston Award was 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 announce this year’s awardee – Jared Seide! Click below to learn more about Marcia and Jared!

2022 Action Forum

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.

2021 Action Forum

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.

2020 Action Forum

In 2020, the Action Forum convened our Scientific Advisory 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.

Global Loneliness Awareness Week

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.

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