Annual Global Day of Unplugging
24-hour worldwide pause every first weekend of March
GDU 2026
March 6-7
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GDU 2026 March 6-7 |
What is the Annual GDU?
At the heart of our movement is the Annual Global Day of Unplugging, a 24-hour digital break held every first weekend in March. Schools, businesses, and individuals around the world host tech-free Gatherings (events) before, during, and after the day to maximize impact. Whether you unplug for one hour or the full 24, it’s a chance to step away from screens and step into offline activities, real conversations, and meaningful moments.
But GDU is more than just a day, we’re a year-round nonprofit with tools, programs, and resources to make unplugging a lasting practice. The best way to start your unplugged journey? Join us for the Annual Global Day of Unplugging..
The next Annual GDU will take place on…
GDU 2026
March 6-7
How to Participate
It only takes 3 simple steps to spark connection in your community:
1. Get Inspired
Browse past Gathering Stories for inspiration.
2. Submit Your Gathering
Add your gathering to the Unplugged Map (want extra visibility? Members get a Map Spotlight).
3. Wrap it Up
Share your story: submit your Gatherer Wrap-Up form and invite your Gatherlings (guests) to share theirs too.
Big News for U.S. Schools!
For the first time ever, schools can take part in the Unplugged Schools Challenge 2026 (March 2–6) during GDU 2026. In partnership with ScreenSense, we’ll be engaging students nationwide to lead unplugged culture in their schools. Winning schools will receive awards and prizes from our sponsors.
Details launch in November! Want to collaborate, partner, or sponsor? Reach out: info@globaldayofunplugging.org
Get Inspired by SuperGatherers!
SuperGatherers are seasoned hosts who keep showing up with creativity and connection. Some have led Annual GDU Gatherings for years, while others host unplugged gatherings monthly or weekly. They’re our powerhouse of ideas, and yours too.
Explore Gathering Categories and Gathering Stories to see how some of them brought their visions to life!
Arts & Expression
Mindfulness & Movement
Retreats & Travel
Dining Experiences
Outdoors & Nature
Grassroots Movements
Gathering Categories
Books
New Friends Hangouts
Education
Global Gatherings
Sound Experiences
Unplugged Schools Challenge
FAQs
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Dream up your unplugged gathering
Submit your gathering to the Unplugged Mappage.
Enjoy your gathering.
Submit your Gatherer Wrap-Up form and Gatherling Wrap-Up.
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If you’re looking for more hands-on support in planning a meaningful unplugged gathering, consider joining our Unplugged Memberships (coming back early September!).
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The Wrap-Ups are an important way for you to reflect on your unplugging experience, for you to be a part of the Unplugged Movement, and they help us grow our impact (and keep the lights on).
Real talk: These forms are how we measure our impact and how we get funded. No Wrap-Ups = no fuel for the fire. So please don’t skip it — we need you!
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To become a SuperGatherer all you have to do is put on more than one Unplugged Gathering and fill out Wrap-Ups for all your gatherings.
We engage with our SuperGatherers by asking them for feedback on our resources and programming, offering exclusive promotions, and we reach out to them first when we have seed-funding opportunities.
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We are only able to offer seed-funding when funding and sponsorship allows for it.
If you are wanting to be the first to know about seed-funding opportunities, then please consider joining our Unplugged Membership program (coming back early September!) or be the second to know and sign up for our Newsletter.
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We are always excited and open to sharing our story! For all partnership, sponsorship, or PR inquiries, please fill out the Partnership Form.
Check out the numbers from GDU 2025!
Since we’re all community here, we like to be open and honest about our impact. Check out the GDU 2025 Report.
@daniellamonet
KTLA x GDU's Head of Marketing (Becky Tahel)
WECT 6 News
Billboard x Global Day of Unplugging