DECEMBER 2023

Commit to Connect Updates

New Resources from Commit to Connect

Commit to Connect recently released two new publications to help staff and volunteer leaders committed to addressing social isolation and loneliness develop and enhance social connection programs and interventions.

The Supporting Social Connection of People Living with Dementia topical guide highlights the importance of promoting social connection for those living with dementia and features programs and initiatives from organizations across the country that encourage social connection. Similarly, the Intergenerational Engagement topical guide describes ways organizations are increasing intergenerational social engagement in their communities and provides tips and strategies for others to enhance their intergenerational work. Check out the new resources on the Commit to Connect website.

Social Connection in Long-Term Services and Supports Access

Watch the recording from Commit to Connect's December webinar focused on centering social connection in No Wrong Door Systems. During the webinar, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia 2-1-1 and United Way Worldwide presented on the Social Health Connector tool, which helps community members consider social connections and identify a social connection plan. Speakers also shared strategies to help organizations replicate the tool.

Highlights from the Nationwide Network of Champions

As a member of the Commit to Connect Nationwide Network of Champions, you can connect with leaders in your state, seek advice from other leaders engaged in social connection programming, or join the Intergenerational Engagement Community to connect with others with similar interests. Recent Community Forum discussion threads have centered on art activities addressing isolation and brainstorming solutions to common challenges in friendly calling programs. This platform is a no-cost virtual space for passionate leaders and innovators at the local, state, and national levels dedicated to ending social isolation and loneliness. Become a Champion and join the discussion today!

Meet a Commit to Connect Champion

Commit to Connect is pleased to highlight another member of the Nationwide Network of Champions in our bi-monthly blog post series, providing a snapshot of the innovative social connection efforts led by Commit to Connect Champions across the country. This month’s featured Champion is Jan Amys, Senior Program Officer with the Northland Foundation. Check out the full blog post here.

Are you interested in having your organization featured in an upcoming blog post? Make sure you are registered for the Commit to Connect Nationwide Network of Champions.

Read the Blog Post

Recent Research and Resources

engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults released seven consumer fact sheets that can support social engagement work. engAGED partnered with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP to produce three online safety fact sheets: browsing the internet safely, protecting personal information online and socializing safely online. The other four fact sheets, developed in partnership with Generations United, the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes and OATS, focus on volunteerism, intergenerational engagement, lifelong learning and technology. Customizable versions of each fact sheet are available here.
This study identified multi-domain factors, including biological, behavioral, psychological and socioeconomic, associated with social isolation among older adults.
This study examined the associations between both social isolation and loneliness and several health and well-being outcomes and behaviors.
The Foundation for Social Connection recently launched the Action Guide for Building Connected Communities to help champion social connection in communities. Check out the Action Guide and recent recordings from Building Connected Communities event to learn more.
Check out this tip sheet from The Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network for resources to help stay connected during the holiday season.
USAging and the Eldercare Locator launched the 2023 Home for the Holidays campaign, which focuses on connecting older adults, caregivers and families with information on vaccines and local resources that can help make getting vaccinated easy. Visit the campaign website to download the consumer brochure and vaccine fact sheet, available in English and Spanish as well as a customizable versions.

Help Spread the Word!

Commit to Connect’s Nationwide Network of Champions has now grown to include 335 Champions who represent 295 organizations. Be sure to log in or sign up to stay up to date on new activities and resources. Help spread the word!

Become a Commit to Connect Champion and invite your friends and colleagues to join you as a Commit to Connect Champion where you can tell your story and join the conversation.
Use #CommitToConnect on your social media channels when posting about social connections and to connect with others committed to this cause.
Visit the Commit to Connect website to check out the latest events and resources.

Upcoming Events

Webinar: 2024 NIH OBSSR Director's Webinar Series (National Institutes of Health Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, March 19, 2024, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET)

Funding for this initiative was made possible by contract no. HHSP233201500088I from ACL. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.