2023 Global Loneliness Awareness Week
Advocating for Connection: Connections at the Capitol
In 2023, the Coalition was excited to host Advocating for Connection: Connections at the Capitol on June 13th in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. During this event, we heard from prominent thought leaders, change-makers, and advocates about current efforts to foster belonging and resiliency among our most vulnerable populations.
Our Speakers
Recordings
Event Photos
Agenda
4:30 PM Reflections from CESIL Leadership
Coalition Executive Director, Jillian Racoosin, and Founder and Chairman, Andrew MacPherson, will share reflections on the Coalition’s continued efforts to convene diverse stakeholders who share the same goal of creating a society free of social isolation and loneliness.
4:40 PM Loneliness on Aging Perspectives on the Older Adults Population
We will hear remarks from Bob Blancato, a longstanding leader of the Elder Justice Coalition who has been integral in addressing the crisis of isolation and loneliness among the aging population.
4:45 PM Congressional Keynote with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Our Champions in Congress will share their perspectives on the path forward to building a more socially connected nation. We look to our Congressional leaders for insight into federal policies and initiatives that will help to end the crisis of social isolation and loneliness in the US.
4:55 PM Keynote Remarks
Tamara Smith will be introducing our Keynote speaker, Kier Gaines. Keynote remarks will be presented by Kier Gaines.
5:45 PM Congressional Keynote with U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
Our Champions in Congress will share their perspectives on the path forward to building a more socially connected nation. We look to our Congressional leaders for insight into federal policies and initiatives that will help to end the crisis of social isolation and loneliness in the US.
5:50 PM Gubernatorial Keynote with Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)
Keynote remarks will be presented by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
5:55 PM Poetry Reading
A poetry reading will be presented by Lee Herrick.
6:00 PM Panel Discussion
This panel will explore the effects of social isolation and loneliness on some of the most important and vulnerable members of our society: mothers, veterans, and young adults. Evidence shows that these key populations are particularly at risk for experiencing social isolation, loneliness, and disconnection. We will dig into what factors cause loneliness and isolation for these populations, and what solutions exist and are possible for strengthening connection and therefore overall wellbeing.
Our panel will include Prince Taylor, and Izzy Boring. And will be moderated by Brian Turner.
6:30 PM Closing Remarks
Our closing remarks will be presented by Rafael Campos.
Sponsors
2023 Connections at the Capitol was sponsored in partnership with Humana’s Far from Alone.
