GenWell

Libraries have always been places of learning and connection 📚🤝 In this conversation with Lida Barry, CEO of the @BurlOnLibrary, we talk about why being explicit about the value of social connection matters. When leaders name the why, everyday interactions strengthen social health over time. #GenWell #SocialHealth #FaceToFaceFebruary

Face-to-Face February is only a few days away, and we’re activating on campus 💬 Join us Feb 2 | 1–4 PM in the BV Hallway (next to Tim Hortons) to take part in a campus activation focused on building social connections. We’ll also be activating on other campuses throughout February, so keep an eye out for upcoming events at University of Toronto (downtown) and St. Francis Xavier University 👀 📍 UTSC students, stop by, say hi, and get connected. ✨ @UofT ✨ @scsuuoft ✨ @uoftsu ✨ @utgsu ✨ @myutmsu ✨ @apus97 #GenWell #FaceToFaceFebruary #UTSC #CampusLife #SocialHealth #StudentConnection

2nd Place, GenWell Student PSA Challenge 🧡 Psychology students at the University of Toronto Scarborough (@UTSC) explored how social isolation can develop quietly in everyday life, and why face-to-face connection remains essential to social health. This PSA shows how reduced in-person interaction can slowly affect trust, belonging, and connection across classrooms and communities. A strong reminder of why Face-to-Face February matters. Thank you to Dr. Steve Joordens for leading nearly 1,800 first-year students through this challenge for the second year in a row. Shoutout to our incredible Student creators: ✨Leona Zhao ✨Eryka Berry ✨Maliya Kerr ✨Amrin Lamia ✨Jevisha Jayakanthan 🔗 GenWell.ca | FaceToFaceFebruary.ca #GenWell #FaceToFaceFebruary #SocialHealth

3rd Place, GenWell Student PSA Challenge 🧡 As part of the GenWell student PSA challenge, psychology students at the University of Toronto Scarborough (@UTSC) explored social isolation and the role face-to-face connection plays in social health. This PSA reflects how isolation can blur days, strain relationships, and make connection feel distant, not absent. Research shows prolonged isolation reshapes how the brain processes connection. When face-to-face interaction drops, systems linked to trust and belonging weaken over time. Sometimes reconnection begins with one message: “Are you okay?” A reminder of why Face-to-Face February matters 🤝 Thank you to Steve Joordens for leading nearly 1,800 first-year students for the second year in a row. Shout out to these incredible students: ⭐Sum Yi Yip ⭐Abraham Hambardzumyan ⭐Athmeka Kiritharan ⭐J Tolushe ⭐Rozita Sheikhnazari Your work and creativity is inspiring🌟 Learn more: GenWell.ca | FaceToFaceFebruary.ca #GenWell #FaceToFaceFebruary #SocialHealth #StudentVoices

Orysia shares how growing up in an automated, screen-based world has changed the way connection shows up in everyday life. Social health isn’t built through theory, it’s built through real-world practice. Presence. Shared space. Face-to-face moments. That’s why Face-to-Face February matters, because in a digital world, in-person connection matters more than ever 💙 Learn more➡️ facetofacefebruary.ca #GenWell #FaceToFaceFebruary #SocialHealth #HumanConnection

Connection works a lot like food. We don’t all need the same amount, and what’s “right” can change over time. Missing it once might make a day harder, but over the long run, connection matters more than we often realize. Thinking about it this way helps us be more intentional about our social health and the face-to-face moments that support it 🤝💙 #FaceToFaceFebruary #SocialHealth

Leadership doesn’t start with a title. It starts with awareness and connection 👀🤝 When young people engage with ideas around social health, it matters. Leadership can show up at any age 🌱 Grateful to see how connection is shaping the next generation. Thank you to this lovely student at @UofT for showing up and sharing your thoughts on our initiative 💭 #GenWell #Studentleadership #Connection

“Do you have any advice for people who are a little shy?” This interview was recorded a few years ago, but the message still resonates. For many people navigating language barriers, confidence in conversation takes time. It’s not about having the perfect words, it’s about starting anyway. Confidence grows through practice, patience, and face-to-face connection. That’s what #FaceToFaceFebruary is about. Because social health strengthens when we give ourselves permission to try. Learn more: facetofacefebruary.ca 🤝 #GenWell

For Orysia, connection comes from being present 🧡 Getting involved on campus, joining clubs, and attending events creates natural opportunities to meet people face to face, without pressure or perfection. These shared spaces make it easier to step away from screens and build real-world relationships. Research consistently shows that regular in-person interaction strengthens communication, confidence, and long-term social health, especially during life transitions like school or entering new communities. Face to Face February is about choosing presence. Noticing who’s around you. Creating moments for connection in the places you already are. This month, make space for face to face 👥 Learn more at facetoFaceFebruary.ca #GenWell #FacetoFaceFebruary

In a few days, we’ll mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a moment to reflect on equity, inclusion, and the role connection plays in strong communities. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that inclusion isn’t passive. It’s built through relationships, shared spaces, and intentional connection. Why it matters: people who feel socially included are up to 50% more likely to participate in community life, and inclusive workplaces see 35% stronger collaboration and trust. Connection is how inclusion becomes real. Equity grows where connection is intentional. @TheKingCenter @NAACP @CivilRights @NCRMuseum #MLKDay #SocialHealth #HumanConnection #EquityAndInclusion #InclusiveCommunities #GenWell