2024 Global Loneliness Awareness Week

Agenda

11:25 AM Check-In

• Check-in will open at 11:25 AM and remain open throughout the afternoon. We ask that those joining us for lunch make their way to their seats by 12:00 PM. Attendees not registered for our programmed lunch will be invited to network with other attendees during this time.

12:00 PM Lunch & Connection

• Join us for a programmed lunch designed to foster social connections with colleagues working in the field of social connection and related intersections. This is an opportunity to engage with fellow attendees over a meal, taking intentional time to connect with the individuals shaping the landscape of community and connection. Share personal experiences, memories, and aspirations surrounding community building and forge meaningful connections that extend beyond the event.

1:25 PM Opening Plenary

• We will open with a plenary session covering themes to be discussed throughout the day. To start us off, leaders of the WHO Global Commission on Social Connection, global policy research, U.S. policymakers and practitioners will present. This session will set the stage for concurrent panels and conversations about social isolation and loneliness policy priorities, the recent landscape and considerations.
• Speakers: Haben Girma, Former Representative Patrick Kennedy, Nina Goldman, Adam Seth Levine

2:25 PM Voices of Hill Champions

• We are honored to be joined throughout the day by Congressional leaders who continue to champion critical legislation to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection at the federal level. We’ll hear their perspectives, priorities, and vision for how the U.S. can continue to develop innovative policies, systems, and solutions to bolster social connection nationally. The first champion of the day will be Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH).

2:45 PM Concurrent Panels

People: Understanding Social Isolation & Loneliness Across Diverse Communities

In this session, we will center diverse perspectives who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness at higher rates. Featuring leading voices serving those with disabilities, older adults, and youth, they’ll share valuable insights on individual and community experiences of social isolation, loneliness, and social connection. Attendees will enrich their understanding of community needs to inform new approaches to designing evidence-informed policies and interventions. 

Speakers: Kristine Gloria (moderator), Conchita Hernandez, Dr. Arif Kamal, Mark Meridy

Places: Where Connection Happens

This panel will explore the intersections between the built environment, the physical spaces and infrastructure we inhabit and interact with, and social connection. From parks and green spaces, to community centers and workplaces, every aspect of our surroundings influences our ability to connect with others. We will dig into the policy and design choices that drive loneliness and isolation in our environments, the role of various settings in advancing social connection, and emerging innovative placemaking policy, systems, and environment strategies that are paving the way for connection.   

Speakers: Philippa Pham Hughes (moderator), Autumn Saxton-Ross, Leigh Graham, Erin Peavey

Culture: Bringing Prosocial Values into Practice

In this panel, we delve into the final pillar of the U.S. Surgeon General’s framework to advance social connection: building a culture of connection within ourselves, leaders, communities, and institutions. Drawing from the principles of kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another, panelists will illuminate how these values can be intentionally cultivated by political and organizational leaders. They will share strategies for modeling connection values in positions of leadership and influence, highlighting real-world examples of impactful choices, initiatives, and policy change that have fostered cultures of connection.

Speakers: Josh Penny (moderator), Ann Shoket, Frederick Riley, Jared Seide

3:45 PM Small Group Conversations

• Join us for time spent in small groups for dialogue and exercise, bringing your experience and expertise as well as an open mind as we engage in discussions about our policy priorities for the year ahead, promoting collaboration and learning across sectors. 

4:55 PM Voices of Hill Champions

• We are honored to be joined by 3 additional Congressional leaders who continue to champion critical legislation to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection at the federal level. We’ll hear their perspectives, priorities, and vision for how the U.S. can continue to develop innovative policies, systems, and solutions to bolster social connection nationally. Speakers will include Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).

5:30 PM Closing Fireside Chat

• We will close our time together with a fireside chat with Yung Pueblo, a New York Times bestselling author, meditator, and poet who has become a beacon of wisdom and inspiration for millions seeking authentic living and emotional well-being.

6:00 PM Reception

• Continue connecting with participants over light bites and drinks.  Engage with our activations and discuss how you might take learnings from the day into your work with others.