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.
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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