Philadelphia, PA
Welcome to our Unplugged Village®
Since 2009, hundreds of thousands of Global (formerly National) Day of Unplugging participants have joined the movement to elevate human connection over digital engagement in their cities across the globe. Here are some of the wonderful individuals and groups helping Philly residents unplug!
One of our treasured advisors, Catherine Price, Digital Wellness Advocate, Speaker and Author of “How to Break Up with Your Phone”, “The Power of Fun”, and soon to be released “The Amazing Generation”, brings her hopeful message to Philly residents and… far beyond! Check out her inspiring Ted X talk below.
Fairmount Park Conservancy celebrated NDU 2022 with some amazing programs of yoga and bird watching. In 2025 several other groups joined the effort including Germantown Academy Upper School who had an Unplug Day for it’s students.
In addition, Artist Sheryl Oring who has crisscrossed the country for 20 years dressed as a 1960s secretary with her vintage typewriter documenting the nation’s hopes and fears through her "I Wish to Say" project. Sheryl held a typing event for GDU for people to send a message to the White House. A copy of each message is sent to the White House, and the other preserved in an archive now containing nearly 5,000 postcards. Check out her book, “Activating Democracy: The I Wish to Say Project”.
Dr. Hava Rose from “Pause” also partnered with GDU for some very special retreats. Dr. Rose will offer Pause. A Daytreat Experience, on Saturday June 7th (9:30 am - 4:30 pm ET) in partnership with Penn Museum. This is an opportunity to experience a full retreat in just 1 day, with collective workshops and breakout workshops. It is a beautiful day with community! Click the LINK for tickets. She will also start a new “Morning Drip” hangout in Oct (see below).
Alex Becker is a researcher, former elementary school teacher, and mom focused on helping families protect childhood and navigate an increasingly digital world. Alex leads Delco Unplugged and is a Co-lead for PA Unplugged. Delco Unplugged is a grassroots effort in the Philadelphia suburbs focused on delaying smartphones and social media for children and creating healthier norms around screens — in homes, schools, and communities.
PA Unplugged is a statewide coalition working toward a cultural shift in our approach to screens & social media during childhood and adolescence. A cultural shift does not happen in a silo. We recognize that parents & caregivers, educators, and community members must work together to effect change.
For 2025:
Nov 2, 2-5pm, Greater Philadelphia Alternative Device Fair (see flyer below)
Oct 20, 22, 23 - “Morning Drip” with Hava Rose! An early morning hangout with no agenda as an opportunity to fill your cup in great company before the workday. See location and details HERE.
June 7, from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm- Pause. A Daytreat Experience
March 7, from 6-8 pm -The Art of Typing: Unplug, Slow Down, and Write. try out a typewriter with Sheryl at Philly Typewriter - See details HERE.
March 7, from 6-8pm - Disconnect to Reconnect with Dr. Hava Rose.
March 8, - Stop by the Central Parkway Library for a personal tour of Oring’s “Secretary to the People” exhibition. Sheryl will offer typing lessons and let people try out one of her typewriters. Participation is first come, first served. Located in the First Floor Gallery West. Details can be found HERE.
Dr. Hava Rose with one of her Pause group retreats.
Check out Catherine Price’s Ted X Talk
Sheryl Oring with her “I Wish to Say” Project.
Fairmount Nature Conservancy held a yoga and bird watching class for GDU 2022.
