felt more comfortable reaching out
after one hosted activityConnection project · 2026
Belonging is built together.
What we learned from community hosts, educators, and young adults.
Small gatherings can shift a whole week.
We studied 416 independently hosted moments across eight cities.
What people told us
ages 18–29 · n=1,184felt less alone the following week
up 14 points from baselineWhere we’re focusing
Make the first hello easier
Host guides for low-pressure participation.
Back local conveners
Micro-grants for trusted neighborhood leaders.
Share the evidence
Open research for educators and policy teams.