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 our Unplugging Ideas and past Gathering Stories for inspiration.
2. Submit Your Gathering
Add your gathering to the Unplugged Map (want extra visibility? Members get a priority feature in the Map Spotlight+ → Unplugged Memberships).
3. Wrap it Up
Share your story: submit your Gatherer Wrap-Up form and invite your Gatherlings (guests) to share theirs too.
(The Wrap-Ups show our funders that unplugging matters. No Wrap-Ups = no fuel for the fire. Please don’t skip them – your story keeps our lights on.
Unplugged Schools: LOOK UP CHALLENGE
Calling all high school student leaders: it’s time to step up, get creative, and lead the way toward digital balance at your school!
For the first ever, Unplugged Schools is launching the LOOK UP CHALLENGE! This school year, high school students across the U.S. are invited to lead the conversation on digital well-being by creating fun, meaningful unplugged activities for their schools. Leading up to and during GDU 2026: March 6-7, teams of 3-5 student leaders will inspire their peers with the joy of presence – and show adults what true digital balance looks like.
Challenge Timeline:
November 2025: Challenge enrollment opens.
November 2025-January 2026: Teams begin planning & submit unplugged activities ideas.
February-April: Student-led unplugged activities take place.
March (optional): Run unplugged activities alongside the 17th Annual GDU, GDU 2026: March 6-7.
May: Winners announced & prizes awarded.
How to Participate & What You Get:
Enroll your school, get creative, meet the requirements, and host unplugged activities – by students, for students.
All Participating Schools: Flip the script, connect with new peers, feel like you’re in a 90s movie, and add a formal leadership certification to every participating student’s resumé.
Winning Schools: Stay tuned…our partners and sponsors will reveal top-secret prizes in 2026.
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!
Mindfulness & Movement
Arts & Expression
Retreats & Travel
Dining Experiences
Outdoors & Nature
Grassroots Movements
Gathering Categories
New Friends Hangouts
Unplugged Schools:
K-8th
LOOK UP CHALLENGE
Higher Education
Global Gatherings
Sound Experiences
FAQs
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The Annual GDU happens every first weekend in March. But Gatherings can take place before, during, or after those dates – what matters is creating space to unplug.
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Anyone!
Individuals, families, schools, businesses, clubs, and community groups all host Unplugged Gatherings.
If you care about connection, you can be a Gatherer
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Nope!
Some people unplug for one hour, others for all 24. What matters is being intentional and making space for real connection in whatever way works for you and your community.
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Nope! Participating in the Annual GDU is free for everyone. Memberships simply provide extra resources, support, and visibility if you want to take your Gathering further.
How to Participate:
Dream it up — Imagine your unplugged Gathering (big or small, anything counts).
Share it — Submit your Gathering to the Unplugged Map page.
Live it — Host your Unplugged Gathering and enjoy the magic of real connection.
Reflect it — Fill out your Gatherer Wrap-Up form and invite your Gatherlings (guests) to share theirs too: Gatherling Wrap-Up.
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Anything!
From yoga in the park, to a book circle, to a tech-free dinner with friends. Check out our Gathering Stories and Unplugging Ideas for inspiration!
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We’ve got your back! If you want extra guidance in planning a meaningful unplugged Gathering, join our Unplugged Memberships (relaunching early September). You’ll get resources, strategy tips, and a direct line of support from our team
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Wrap-Ups aren’t just paperwork, they’re how we measure impact and keep this movement growing.
They help you reflect on your unplugging experience, share your story with the community, and show funders that unplugging matters.
No Wrap-Ups = no fuel for the fire. Please don’t skip them – your story keeps our lights on.
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SuperGatherers are our community powerhouses. To join their ranks, host more than one Unplugged Gathering and complete Wrap-Ups for each one.
SuperGatherers get:
Early access to seed-funding opportunities
Invitations to give feedback on new resources
Special recognition and promotions across the GDU network.
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We offer seed-funding when sponsorships and partnerships make it possible.
Want to be the first to know when funding opens? Join our Unplugged Membership (coming back in September!) or sign up for our Newsletter for updates.
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We love sharing the unplugged story. For all PR, partnership, or sponsorship inquiries, please fill out our Partnership Form and our team will be in touch.
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 Impact Report.
@daniellamonet
KTLA x GDU's Head of Marketing (Becky Tahel)
WECT 6 News
Billboard x Global Day of Unplugging