Connection Resources

Resources for use in local communities to increase social connection.

Local Wisconsin Resources

Find more resources under Connect with Others

National Resources

This self-evaluation tool from AARP’s Connect2Affect can help people identify their level of connection.

Become a champion of social connection on the Nationwide Network of Champions. Hosted by the Commit to Connect initiative, this online and free community fosters collaboration, networking, and problem-solving across sectors and perspectives. Champions are professionals, volunteers, and innovators at local, state, and national levels who are dedicated to ending social isolation and loneliness. Champions work together to increase awareness of social isolation and loneliness, connect people who are/or at risk of social isolation to social connection programs and technologies, and create more socially connected communities inclusive of all people including older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. This network of peers supports collaboration through shared learnings and open communication across sectors and perspectives. Register to become a Commit to Connect Champion to have access to a nationwide network, and a private Wisconsin community, where Champions can connect and share questions, learnings, and resources.

Find more resources at Connect with Others

Screening Tools

These are examples of validated screening tools to identify loneliness

WCSC Screening Pilot

The Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection is conducting a pilot for partners to access information and resources. Please see the resources below.

The below resources are those used for the WCSC Screening Pilot

National:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Need support now?  If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

  • 988 Partner Toolkit – Communication outreach materials (includes fact sheets, 988 logo and branding, e-newsletter template, radio PSA scripts, presentation deck, implementation guidance playbooks, printable materials, and social media shareables)

  • engAGED: A National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults houses best and emerging social engagement programs.  Searchable by a variety of filters.

State:

  • Stay Connected Toolkit – Developed by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.  Toolkit can be completed online, or it can be downloaded and printed.  It’s also available in Spanish and Hmong.  Click here for more information.

  • WI Consumer Resource Guide – resources for older adults and people with disabilities to stay socially connected and engaged. 

Local:

Commit to Connect

Commit to Connect is a national organization dedicated to connecting people with resources that help fight social isolation and loneliness. The Network of Champions is a hub for people across the country to join and work together to increase awareness of social isolation and loneliness, connect people at risk of social isolation, and create more socially connected communities. The Innovations Hub is a one-stop-shop to find a list of interventions that address isolation and loneliness and increase connection.

Local Examples

ADRC of Washburn County

The ADRC of Washburn County partnered with the AARP Wish of a Lifetime Foundation to deliver 600 ros…