social connection toolkit
HELP US build GREATER social connection for youth
We’re developing a toolkit of strategies and initiatives that foster social connectedness in school communities. We are calling on educators, health professionals, community leaders, and researchers to share your ideas—whether it’s a classroom practice, a school-wide initiative, or a community event.
We know, from research and our own experiences, that feeling connected to others makes us happier and healthier. This is true for youth too- young people with a greater sense of peer, school and community belonging, who feel they have the support of 2 or more non-parental adults, enjoy better mental health and well-being.
We invite you to be part of an exciting new initiative to support youth well-being by enhancing social connection in school communities!
What are we looking for?
We’re interested in strategies that support Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), including peer support, school belonging, adult-youth relationships, and community connections.
💡Ready to Share Your Idea?
Click below to submit your strategy by June 30th:
👉 Please follow this link.
What happens next?
An expert panel of researchers, youth and practitioners will review submissions and choose at least three strategies per category based on diversity and feasibility.
This set of initiatives to include in a toolkit to pilot in schools starting Fall 2025. We hope to test which initiatives have the strongest impact on social connection for youth, and which initiatives work best for which people. We plan to make this toolkit freely available to the public afterwards.
If Your Submission is Selected…
If yours is selected, we may contact you for additional details. You’ll also receive feedback on how your idea impacted youth in our pilot study. If you opt in, your contribution will be credited in the final toolkit, which will be freely available to the public.
We hope you’ll join us in building a resource that helps youth form the connections they need to thrive.