03/17/2024
Thereโs a chemistry of sadness over our cities right and โItโs up to us to shift that chemistry.โ (Wall Street Journal).
Keeping the community connected was a role traditionally filled by religious groups and community centers.
As their influence declined, smartphones and social media became the "GO TO" connection point for the community.
Neither is filling the void, as approx. half of US Adults experienced loneliness even before Covid-19 according to the "US Surgeon General", Vivek Murthy, who declared an epidemic of loneliness or disconnection in his May 2023 report.
This is why what we are doing matters.
At my community dance events, people have used words like this to describe their experience: "this feels like family", "it feels like home", "this is the happiest thing that has happened to me all week / month"!
We have taken that culture of togetherness, family, community and connection outside dancing.
We are now hosting events where people connect over all kinds of fun activities (hiking, dancing, dinner, games, karaoke & more) and are hosting events for 100 - 250 people with business partners on an almost weekly basis!
But I'm not doing this alone. I'm surrounded by hard-working, smart & compassionate volunteers who are committed to making a difference in the social fabric of St. Louis.
That brings me to what's about to happen next!
We've partnered with a local business to host what could be our biggest event ever.
Bigger than our 1-2 day, 250+ NYE Party and Bigger than March's Thursday Night 250+ Game Night!
Details to be announced yet, so, Stay Tuned!
Right now these mingle events are aimed at the Singles Community but we're not limited to Singles.
We could soon be hosting these connection-type events for everyone regardless of their relationship status!
Thanks to all you supporters, friends and business partners for working together to host events where adults can mingle in a fun way!
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report:
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/loneliness-epidemic-belong-centers-daybreaker-34a8eb90
US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) report:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Calls for Action to Address Public Health Crisis, Lays Out Framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection