US activists are taking a radical approach to tackling the country's loneliness epidemic by putting their money where their mouth is – literally. For many of these individuals, getting involved in social movements has not only helped them find purpose and direction, but also fostered meaningful connections with like-minded people who share similar values.
Meet Lani Ritter Hall, a 76-year-old woman whose husband of over 40 years passed away, leaving her feeling lost without a sense of purpose. But after discovering an organization called Third Act, which aims to mobilize older adults to protect democracy and confront the climate crisis, she found a new lease on life.
Ritter Hall's experience is far from unique. Activists across the country are using movement-building spaces as a way to connect with others and find community. For some, it starts with small acts of kindness or volunteering for causes they care about. But as these individuals become more involved, they often form deep and lasting relationships with others who share their passions.
One such individual is Emmanuel "Juni" Taranu, an organizer in Missouri who has built bonds with other activists, including a Palestinian American couple that he considers family. Their connections are rooted in shared values and a sense of solidarity, which allows them to trust and rely on one another in ways they never thought possible.
For many organizers, these relationships can be life-changing. Mary Holzman-Tweed, who struggled with social anxiety and mobility issues after hitting rock bottom, found healing and connection through her involvement in a local food pantry. Her experience teaches us that building meaningful connections takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
So why is this approach so effective? According to psychologist Dr. Tangela Montgomery, movement spaces offer a sense of community and belonging that can be life-saving for individuals who feel isolated or disconnected from society. By working together towards a common goal, activists can build trust and support one another in ways that transcend individual relationships.
Of course, there are challenges to this approach. Some organizers may face burnout or overwhelm due to the demands of activism. But by prioritizing collective care and collaboration, these individuals can create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
As Ritter Hall so eloquently puts it, "We have to go out and touch people, because we never know what's going to save us." In a country struggling with loneliness and disconnection, this message of community and connection is more important than ever.
Meet Lani Ritter Hall, a 76-year-old woman whose husband of over 40 years passed away, leaving her feeling lost without a sense of purpose. But after discovering an organization called Third Act, which aims to mobilize older adults to protect democracy and confront the climate crisis, she found a new lease on life.
Ritter Hall's experience is far from unique. Activists across the country are using movement-building spaces as a way to connect with others and find community. For some, it starts with small acts of kindness or volunteering for causes they care about. But as these individuals become more involved, they often form deep and lasting relationships with others who share their passions.
One such individual is Emmanuel "Juni" Taranu, an organizer in Missouri who has built bonds with other activists, including a Palestinian American couple that he considers family. Their connections are rooted in shared values and a sense of solidarity, which allows them to trust and rely on one another in ways they never thought possible.
For many organizers, these relationships can be life-changing. Mary Holzman-Tweed, who struggled with social anxiety and mobility issues after hitting rock bottom, found healing and connection through her involvement in a local food pantry. Her experience teaches us that building meaningful connections takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
So why is this approach so effective? According to psychologist Dr. Tangela Montgomery, movement spaces offer a sense of community and belonging that can be life-saving for individuals who feel isolated or disconnected from society. By working together towards a common goal, activists can build trust and support one another in ways that transcend individual relationships.
Of course, there are challenges to this approach. Some organizers may face burnout or overwhelm due to the demands of activism. But by prioritizing collective care and collaboration, these individuals can create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
As Ritter Hall so eloquently puts it, "We have to go out and touch people, because we never know what's going to save us." In a country struggling with loneliness and disconnection, this message of community and connection is more important than ever.
This is the secret sauce for building meaningful connections... FREE HUGS 
!
They're not just talking the talk, they're walking the walk too, literally 
. Meeting people with similar values and passions has given them so much more than just a sense of purpose - it's helped them build real friendships that can withstand anything life throws at them 
.
, these activists are showing us the power of human connection in action! 
They're not just fighting for a cause, they're building a community of like-minded people who care deeply about making a difference 
.
. And let's not forget the challenges that come with activism - burnout and overwhelm are real 
, but if we prioritize collective care and collaboration, I believe we can overcome anything 
. It's amazing how getting involved in social movements can bring people together and help them find purpose. I think it's so important for us to prioritize our mental health and make connections with others, especially as we get older.
. Whether it's trying out a new yoga routine or spending time in nature, I believe that small acts of kindness and self-care can have a huge impact on our lives.
the fact that people gotta be radical just to find some human connection in this crazy world is kinda sad 
u know? like whats wrong w/ us as a society? 
but nobody's talkin' about the mental health impacts 
I mean, isn't it awesome that some seniors are finding purpose in life by joining social movements? 
Like, they're literally saving democracy and combating climate change... meanwhile the rest of us are just trying to adult . But seriously, it's great to see people coming together for a cause. And tbh, I think we can all learn from their example - prioritize those relationships and community vibes, 'kay?
. But at the same time, can't we say that's kinda a good idea? I mean, think about it, when people have a sense of purpose and are doing something they care about, it can lead to some really meaningful connections with others. And who doesn't love that? 
. Or maybe it's just not sustainable in the long run and people will get burned out. Like, we've seen this before with charity scams and stuff.
. It's not always easy, though - I know someone who had to deal with a lot of stress from activism in high school, but she learned so much about herself and how to prioritize self-care 
. I mean, can you imagine being 76 years old and feeling lost without purpose? But then finding an organization that's all about mobilizing older adults to protect democracy and confront climate change? That's some next-level stuff! 
.
collective care and collaboration are key to making this approach work 
