October 12-14, 2023

Building Connected Communities

An action forum for leaders working to address social isolation, loneliness, and connection.

Our goal is to address our social isolation and loneliness epidemic – learning community insights and solutions for greater social connection from pioneering researchers, social innovators, and corporate, nonprofit, and civic leaders. Together we can spark action and transformation at the local, state, and national levels.

About Our Event

On October 12-14, 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 changemakers from across the country to join us in Boston, Massachusetts and virtually to learn how we can collectively build more socially connected communities.

Over the three days, pioneering researchers, social innovators, and corporate, non-profit, and civic leaders presented their solutions and shared their insights for addressing community barriers and advancing greater social connection. Additionally, attendees participated in plenary sessions, small group workshops, and a half-day field trip to Boston neighborhoods for learning exchanges with local organizations.

Agenda

  • 8:30AM

    Welcome and Introduction to Boston’s Social Connectedness Work (Thelma Burns Building)

  • 8:45AM

    Overview of the Day

  • 8:50AM

    Welcome to Boston and Citywide Supports for Social Connection

  • 9:00AM

    Social Connection Strategies in Action

  • 9:50AM

    Orientation for Field Learning

  • 10:00AM

    Connection Break and Load Shuttles

  • 10:15AM

    Experiential Learning in Boston Neighborhoods

    • Roxbury Neighborhood at Whittier Street Health Center
    • Dorchester neighborhood with Four Corners Main Street
    • Chinatown neighborhood with Asian Community Development Corporation
    • Mattapan neighborhood with Urban Farming Institute
    • Roxbury Open Streets Walking Tour
    • Story Share with Everyday Boston

  • 12:30PM

    Lunch (Thelma Burns Building)

  • 12:45PM

    Reflecting on Social Solutions (Thelma Burns Building)

  • 1:15PM

    Closing Remarks (Thelma Burns Building)

Check Out Highlights from the 2023 Event!

Watch All Event Clips Here
Fireside Chat with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and Julianne Holt-Lunstad Watch Here Evening Keynote with Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) Watch Here iGen: Social Connection and Loneliness Among the Smartphone Generation Watch Here

Your Event Hosts

Building Connected Communities is hosted by the Harvard Human Flourishing Program, The Foundation for Social Connection, and Healthy Places by Design with generous support from Einhorn Collaborative.

Our Co-Sponsors

Our Building Connected Communities team thanks our co-sponsors at American Compass and RAND Corporation.