Building Bridges: The Launch of the Social Connection Collective

First Global Meetup of the Social Connection Collective

The Social Connection Collective began with a simple moment of energy and curiosity. During the launch of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection earlier this year, people from all over the world were eager to exchange ideas and contact details in the Zoom chat. But the information scrolled by too quickly to truly connect.

I decided to create a shared spreadsheet and in just a few minutes, more than 100 people had added their names. That momentum quickly grew into something bigger: a Collective designed to bring together practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and advocates from across the globe who are working to end the epidemic of loneliness and build a more connected world.

What We’re About

At its heart, the Social Connection Collective is a space to:

• Share resources, research, events, and opportunities

• Spark collaboration and global partnerships

• Amplify each other’s work and ideas

• Build a supportive community across disciplines and continents

  
  

This is not an official organization, it’s an organic movement, born out of shared energy and purpose. Our first global meetup took place yesterday, on September 16, co-led by Christian Altenius and me, with participants from all over the world. The room (virtual, but very real in spirit) was filled with practitioners, clinicians, public health leaders, social entrepreneurs, tech innovators, researchers, nonprofit founders, and advocates, all united by one question: How can we strengthen connection in our communities and support one another?

Who Was in the Room

We were honored to have representatives from the World Health Organization, alongside inspiring voices from every corner of the world:

• Practitioners supporting mental health in underserved communities

• Entrepreneurs developing apps and tools to foster connection

• Nonprofits leading awareness campaigns and grassroots movements

• Researchers studying social health, loneliness, and resilience

• Leaders building neighborhood initiatives, block parties, and workplace programs

  
  

The diversity of perspectives made it clear: the work of connection is everywhere, and when we come together, we can do even more.

Why It Matters

The WHO Commission on Social Connection highlighted the urgency of this work. Loneliness and social isolation are not just “bad feelings”, they are major public health challenges, linked to increased risks of heart disease, dementia, depression, and premature death.

The Commission’s report outlines five priority areas for action (the PRIME framework):

1. Policy – supporting laws and systems that foster connection

2. Research – strengthening the evidence base

3. Interventions – scaling up what works

4. Measurement – tracking progress with better data

5. Engagement – building networks, campaigns, and collective action

   
   

You can read more about the Commission’s work here.

Looking Ahead

The Social Connection Collective is just getting started. This was our first step in building a global network where we can connect the connectors, learn from each other, and amplify the solutions already working in different contexts.

If you’re curious about this space, whether you’re already working on these issues or simply care about strengthening human connection in your own community, we’d love to have you join us.

👉 Social Connection Collective

Together, we can help turn the tide on loneliness and create a more connected world.