The Unplug Map
Every moment of presence sparks hope.
The Unplug Map is a living record of people choosing presence over distraction. Every pin marks a gathering where humans slowed down, reconnected, and reclaimed a bit of their attention from the digital noise. More than a directory; it’s a global signal showing just how many people are carving out time for one another. When you add your gathering, you’re showing the world that real connection isn’t just possible – it’s happening everywhere, and no one is doing it alone.
The Unplug Map is a living record of people choosing presence over distraction. Every pin marks a gathering where humans slowed down, reconnected, and reclaimed a bit of their attention from the digital noise. More than a directory; it’s a global signal showing just how many people are carving out time for one another. When you add your gathering, you’re showing the world that real connection isn’t just possible – it’s happening everywhere, and no one is doing it alone.
Note: All new 2026 gatherings will be added to the Unplug Map after the gathering has taken place and you’ve submitted the Wrap-Up Form.
1. Before Gathering
When you start planning, please fill out the Gathering Plans form so we can support you along the way, showcase your community on our platforms, & follow your gathering’s journey. Member or not, when you submit the Gathering Plans form, you’ll receive some of our free resources.
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Unplug Blog → Explore real stories, ideas, and successes from Gatherers (hosts) around the globe.
Unplugged Ideas → Browse 200+ creative, community-tested ways to unplug.
Become a Member → Unlock the full GDU resource suite, practical tools, and 1:1 strategy support from our team.
2. During
Hosting an unplugged gathering doesn’t mean losing photo or video memories – just be intentional about how you capture them! Our favorite approach? Using the I/We Unplug Signs as one intentional photo moment.
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Photo-Only Person: Designate a photo-only person
Pro tip – make them known! Give them a fun bandana or name tag so guests still feel present.
Call on Your Guests: Provide or encourage guests to bring analog, Polaroid, or disposable cameras – it takes a village!
After the gathering, share a Dropbox link so everyone can share their favorite snapshots.
Keep it Grassroots: Invite a local photographer or videographer to capture the magic.
Provide Opportunity: Call your local school or college and recruit a student photographer who’s excited to practice their craft.
Get Crafty: Have guests draw, paint, or doodle each other – or whatever catches their eye in the unplugged moment.
3. After Gathering
After gathering, submit the Gathering Wrapped form & watch your finished gathering appear on the Unplug Map. Your pin becomes a symbol of hope – a reminder that humans can find balance in a digital world if we’re willing to unstick ourselves. It tells the world: We still gather. We still choose each other.
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Guest Survey Form→ Measure your gathering’s impact by inviting your Gatherlings (guests) to share their before-and-after connection and belonging levels.
Photo Collection: If your guests took photos or videos during the gathering, set up a Dropbox link to collect & share the content.
Form submissions power our impact and keep the movement funded. We can’t show the importance of our work without them – so please don’t skip them! Curious about how, what, and why we measure? Learn more→ Impact Report.
Do what you love, but make it unplugged.
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