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To foster communities where people feel free to say hi and introduce themselves to others and be themselves while out and about and at events, where it's normal for strangers to become friendly neighbors, and where everyone has abundant opportunities for social connection
Vision
The Social Connection Circle is dedicated to making it easier to meet new people and remove obstacles to connection in Milwaukee County and beyond. Our approach is two-fold, supporting Individuals with resources, and Collaborators aligned to drive connection in 3 ways:
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Help places and events create MingleSpaces at their venues and integrate other everyday social connection strategies
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Increase Connection Driven Events, designed to intentionally connect and lead to more meaningful interactions
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Build a network of Neighborhood Connectors to help foster friendly, supportive, and integrated neighborhoods
These 3 initiatives will evolve based on community feedback towards building a more connected community.
About
Greater social connection cuts a person's risk of early death by 50%.
50%
The health risk of lacking social connection is twice the risk of obesity and greater than the risk of lack of exercise.
2x
Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by 30%.
30%
Prolonged isolation has health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder.
15
We partner with places of all kinds—from coffee shops and breweries to parks and community events—to create clearly marked connection spots where people can comfortably introduce themselves to others.
MingleSpaces are engaging spots that encourage casual, spontaneous interactions, whether you’re on your own or open to meeting someone new. By adding this simple piece of social infrastructure, places and events become more inviting and inclusive for anyone curious to say hi.
Interested in featuring a minglespace at your event or location?
MingleSpaces
We promote and help organize events that intentionally connect attendees. Instead of leaving connection to chance, these events build in prompts, hosting, and formats that make introductions easy and normalize deeper conversation—without pressure.
Whether it’s a quick “meet a neighbor” intro round or themed discussion activities, Connection-Driven Events put connection at the center.
Connection Driven Events
We support people who want to spark connection on their block or in their building—saying hi more often, organizing small get-togethers, and trying low-lift neighborhood projects.
Resources, challenges, and examples help connectors get started; participants can also join our Prospecting for Dreams interviews that surface community ideas we can act on together.
Neighborhood Connectors
We are in conversation with and drawing inspiration from organizations around the country working on building connected communities, including those below. Contact us to collaborate.
National Inspiration
Rising disconnection and missed everyday opportunities to talk with the people around us are widespread. The Social Connection Circle focuses on a practical response: build simple social infrastructure in everyday places and events so introductions feel normal, easy, and welcomed. By making it easier to say hi and by integrating connection into public life, we can unlock interactions that otherwise never happen and make more of society’s meeting places inclusive for anyone seeking connection.
Context
Our monthly Social Connection Circle event series will continue in February. Join our mailing list to know details as we release them.
More info coming soon.
Share & Connect
February | TBA
Events
From sharing circles to large gatherings - we're here to help people make face to face connections.
Public School Teacher
Juan Carlos
I'm so grateful for the Social Connection Circle initiatives in our community. Connection is needed more now than ever.
Business Owner
Paula Jackson
Having access to a community let alone the resources has been so helpful - to know I'm not alone and there are initiatives in my local community supporting connection.
Community Director
City of Milwaukee
We've been looking forward to our partnership with the Social Connection Circle for sometime now - it's just the beginning.
Testimonials
Archive Notice
You’re viewing our legacy Social Connection Circle site.
We still believe every city should run a Social Connection Circle—advancing initiatives like MingleSpaces, Connection-Driven Events, and Neighborhood Connectors so social connection is abundant for all.
We’ve pivoted to execute this vision nationally through MingleSpace Org (a 501(c)(3)).
For current work, resources, and partnerships, visit MingleSpace.org.
Michael Anthony Kirsch, Founder
