Socially Connected Communities Equity Solutions to Social Inclusion

As we collectively seek to address the overlapping health, economic, and racial justice crises made more evident by COVID-19, social connections can be a powerful tool for healing and rebuilding. We must address the rising rates of social isolation which have profound impacts on health and well-being. These impacts are felt most acutely by people who are marginalized because of their race, income, location, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Isolation is also exacerbated by commonly-experienced disruptive events such as changes in a person’s family, home, or employment status. Social isolation is not a personal choice or individual problem, but one that is rooted in community design, social norms, and systemic injustices. Philanthropic and local leaders are uniquely positioned to strengthen social wellbeing and address these root causes of isolation. Using lessons learned from the healthy communities movement, members of a year-long learning network co-created recommendations that address the root causes of, and systemic solutions to, social isolation. This session will explore lessons from multiple projects in diverse settings, and focus on specific actions leaders can take to realize socially connected communities. Participants will hear about inspiring projects that have sought to engage boys and young men of color, LGBTQ youth and rural populations and leave with strategy ideas they can bring to their own communities.