We cannot survive without connection and we don’t have to—don’t wait to find your future friends.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the phrase "third place" in his book, The Great Good Place, to describe the need for places outside of our home and worksites where we can build relationships. According to Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, around one in two adults in the U.S. report experiencing loneliness. While loneliness is a serious health concern that can lead to premature death, comparable to smoking, obesity, and diabetes, we remain less proactive about addressing our experiences of social isolation than we do about other major health issues.

The ToGather series brings adults from diverse experiences together to form conscious connections through varied curated activities and conversation starters in a warm and open environment. In this drop-in series of gatherings, participants may:

• Forge new friendships

• Dive into thought-provoking and emotionally open discussions

• Expand understanding and extend mutual support

• Play, laugh, and embrace lightheartedness

• Celebrate creativity through art, food, music, and more

Complete the registration below to reserve your spot for the first event on Saturday, March 22nd. More information on future gatherings to come.