2025 Global Loneliness Awareness Week
2025 Global Loneliness Awareness Summit
We hosted our third annual Global Loneliness Awareness Summit in Washington, D.C., on June 10th.
Join us this year back at the Capitol to hear from our Hill Champions, influencers, and thought leaders about the urgent need to address social isolation and loneliness through meaningful, bipartisan policy action. Members are encouraged to meet with their representatives to share insights from their work, elevate the conversation, and advocate for policies that strengthen social connection, improve well-being, and build social capital nationwide.
Schedule of Events
Monday, June 9, 2025 |
Kickoff Rooftop Reception
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Hosted at the Rooftop of the Foundation For Social Connection Action Network Offices
Connect with fellow advocates, partners, and leaders in a relaxed setting before the main event.
Light refreshments and inspiring views included.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 |
Improving Wellbeing and Social Capital:
Bipartisan Solutions to End Social Isolation & Loneliness in America
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
This half-day convening brings together leaders across sectors to explore bipartisan, cross-sector solutions to combat social isolation and loneliness, improve wellbeing, and strengthen social capital in the U.S.
Breakfast: Refreshments and Networking
8:45 AM
Welcome, Remarks and Our Federal Policy Priorities
9:00 AM Remarks
Andrew MacPherson, Founder & Executive Chairman, Foundation for Social Connection Action Network
Reflections from the Foundation for Social Connection Leadership
9:10 AM Remarks
Annette Fellows, Board Chair, Foundation for Social Connection
Creating a Healthier Society: How Health, Nutrition, and the Arts Play a Role in Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic
9:15 AM Panel Discussion
When considering the complexity of social isolation and loneliness, F4SC has identified six key areas of impact under a social framework, three of which this panel will address: Health Care, Nutrition, and Arts & Culture. We will hear about the role that they play in a systemic approach to ending social isolation and loneliness. They all have the potential to improve public health, economic prosperity, community well-being, and overall quality of life for all Americans.
Moderated by: Morgan Bailie, Policy Director, Foundation for Social Connection Action Network
- Josh Protas
Chief Advocacy Officer, Meals on Wheels America - Dr. Jeremy Nobel,
President & Founder, Foundation for Arts & Healing: Harvard Medical School - Dr. Nicole Stout
Senior Director of Survivorship & Wellness, American Cancer Society; Adjunct Research Faculty, West Virginia University Cancer Institute
Congressional Keynote
10:00 – 10:15 AM
U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D., (D-CA)
10:15 – 10:30 AM
U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT)
Technology & Public Policy: How Innovative Tech Solutions Build Connection & Reduce Loneliness
10:30 AM Fireside Chat
Ryan Elza
CEO, Stratovation Labs
Dr. Paolo Narciso
Co-Founder, PeopleCare.ai
Connecting Where We Live, Work, and Learn: Creating Spaces & Places Where Opportunities for Connection Thrive
11:00 AM Panel Discussion
This panel returns to the remaining three elements of the SOCIAL Framework to explore: Work, Employment & Labor, Education, and the Built Environment. We know surroundings matter, but these speakers will take a deep dive into the positive influence of settings throughout the lifespan, including the workplace, schools, and the third spaces (outside the home and work) that are a part of how individuals and our society find meaningful connections that reduce loneliness and social isolation.
Moderated by: Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, MPH, Executive Director, Foundation for Social Connection
- Dr. Constance Noonan Hadley
Founder of the Institute for Life at Work and Associate Professor, Boston University Questrom School of Business - Katie Adamson
Vice President, Health Partnerships and Policy, YMCA of the USA - Dr. Loren Cox
Policy Director, Aspen Institute’s Education & Society Program
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
12:00 PM Remarks
Andrew MacPherson, Founder & Executive Chairman, Foundation for Social Connection Action Network
Networking Snacks & Advocacy Insights
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Networking and Hill Visit prep
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | Afternoon
Member Hill Visits
Action Network members will meet with their congressional representatives to advocate for policies that strengthen social connection and address the growing impacts of isolation and loneliness. These meetings will emphasize the need for bipartisan solutions that promote community, improve health outcomes, and support well-being across the lifespan.
Our Speakers
Congressional Champions
Panel: Connecting Where We Live, Work, and Learn: Creating Spaces & Places Where Opportunities for Connection Thrive
Dr. Nicole Stout
Senior Director of Survivorship & Wellness, American Cancer Society; Adjunct Research Faculty, West Virginia University Cancer Institute
Fireside Chat: Technology & Public Policy: How Innovative Tech Solutions Build Connection & Reduce Loneliness
Panel: Connecting Where We Live, Work, and Learn: Creating Spaces & Places Where Opportunities for Connection Thrive
Sponsorship
In the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility, we warmly extend this opportunity for you to sponsor this year’s event. Your generous support will contribute to keeping the event free to everyone, helping us foster participation and connection for all. We appreciate your support!