Unplugged Village Membership

Gather well, year-round.

Membership is your gateway to a global movement for real-world connection and digital well-being. From your first unplugged moment to leading a thriving Village in your community, membership equips you to grow your impact and lead with purpose. Member donations fuel Global Day of Unplugging, funding the resources and programs that combat loneliness and strengthen connection in schools, families, and small businesses worldwide.

What is a Village? → Learn More.

Spark Membership

$0 Annual Membership Donation

Start Your Village.
Take your first step into the Unplugged Movement. Explore community collaboration, host your first unplugged gathering, and begin planting the seeds of connection that grow into something bigger.

Sign Up

    1. Learn the basics of building your Village.

    2. Access tools and tips to start gathering unplugged.

    3. Be part of a global movement for real-world connection.

  • Spark Members are newcomers and first-time Gatherers curious about bringing the Unplugged Movement to their community.

    You might be:

    1. An individual hosting your first unplugged gathering.

    2. Someone exploring digital balance but unsure where to start.

    Spark is ideal if you want a free entry point, inspiration, and the basics to begin collaborating with your community to build your Village and gather unplugged.

  • Spark Dashboard

    1. Gathering Guide → Step-by-step guidance for building a Village (Schools & Youth, Third Spaces, Farmers Markets).

    2. Toolkit → Basic collection of downloadable tools, templates, & tips.

    3. Submission Links → Easy access to Map Submission, Gatherer Wrap-Up, and Guest Survey links.

Ember Membership

$120 Annual Membership Donation

Grow Your Village.
Turn your community into a thriving hub of connection. Gain the tools, recognition, and support to expand your Village, foster belonging, and make a lasting impact in your community.

    1. Strengthen and scale your local Village.

    2. Receive your own UV City Page that showcases your gatherings and collaborations to inspire others.

    3. Receive a Village Kit with UV stickers, pins, coasters, custom UV city decals, and partnered goodies.

    4. Access exclusive resources, giveaways, and early access to seed-fund opportunities

    5. Directly fuel Global Day of Unplugging’s mission to combat loneliness and foster community worldwide.

  • Ember Members are community builders collaborating with local schools, businesses, and neighbors to cultivate stronger connections.

    You might be:

    1. An organizer running ongoing gatherings, retreats, or wellness initiatives.

    2. A community leader, educator, or business owner integrating unplugged practices into your work.

    3. Someone seeking priority access, recognition, and deeper collaboration with the GDU team.

    Ember is ideal if you’re hosting regular gatherings throughout the year with the goal of fostering belonging and purpose in your community.

  • Ember Dashboard:

    1. Gathering Playbooks → Step-by-step strategic planning tips for growing your Village and hosting unplugged gatherings (Schools & Youth, Third Spaces, and Farmers Market).

    2. Resource Library + Templates → Collection of downloadable tools, customizable templates, & digital well-being activities.

    3. Submission Links → Easy access to Map Submission, Gatherer Wrap-Up, and Guest Survey links.

    Ember Perks:
    Annual renewal opportunities with the option to purchase more straight from your dashboard.

    1. Village Starter Kit (1 free) → (physical box) UV stickers, pins, custom UV city decals, coasters, partnered goodies, and 25 Smartphone Nap-Sacks.

    2. UV City Page → Showcases your gatherings and activities, collaborations, and community connection metrics (regularly updated).

    3. Strategy Session (1 Free) → 1:1 strategy call & follow-up with a GDU specialist.

    Ember Services:

    1. In-Kind Partner Resources → Access our partner network for in-kind donations like snacks, drinks, discounts, and memorable activation tools to elevate your gatherings.

    2. Global Community Network → Connect with other gatherers for advice, support, and collaboration opportunities.

    3. GDU Team Presentation → Option to book the GDU team for custom presentations (in-person or via Zoom) at an exclusive Ember member rate.

Designed to fit your community’s unique needs.

Membership FAQs

  • The Unplugged Village Membership is your gateway to a global movement for real-world connection and digital wellbeing. Members join a network of individuals and community leaders who host unplugged gatherings, build local Villages, and promote digital balance in schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.

    • Spark Membership: $0/year – a free entry point to explore the movement, start hosting gatherings, and access digital resources.

    • Ember Membership: $120/year – for leaders ready to grow and expand their Village with exclusive tools, recognition, and hands-on support.

    1. Digital resources and toolkits for building a Village and hosting unplugged gatherings.

    2. Step-by-step Gathering Guides or Playbooks to build and grow local Villages.

    3. Submission links for tracking and reporting gatherings and connections.

    4. Ember members also receive a physical Village Kit and a UV City Page that showcases their gatherings and community impact.

  • Your membership donation directly powers Global Day of Unplugging’s mission, funding tools and programs that help schools, families, and local businesses combat the loneliness epidemic and foster community worldwide.

    1. Spark: Newcomers and first-time gatherers looking to explore unplugged living and start building a Village.

    2. Ember: Community leaders, organizers, educators, and business owners hosting regular gatherings with the goal of strengthening connection, belonging, and purpose in their communities.

  • Yes! Spark members can upgrade at any time to Ember to access additional tools, recognition, and support for expanding their Village.

  • Not at all. Many members simply want to be part of the community, learn, and support the movement.

  • Membership is open globally! Our community spans across countries and cultures, and you’re welcome wherever you are.

    ***Note: Shipping & handling outside of the U.S. may cost more and take longer. In-kind partner resources are primarily available only within the U.S., but in some cases can be shipped internationally depending on the partner.

  • Membership gives you deeper access, real tools, guided support, and direct connection with Gatherers – far beyond what we share publicly.

  • Membership provides the guidance, tools, and network you need to host impactful gatherings, collaborate with local partners, and cultivate thriving Villages. Ember members gain additional support to expand their reach and foster lasting community connections.