Unplugged Village®
Gather well, year-round.
A grassroots community-building program that fosters human connection, belonging, and collective action. Guided by local leaders, Villages host recurring gatherings throughout the year. These gatherings expand collaborations across schools, community spaces, and small businesses, strengthening local networks and community belonging.
Three Village Pathways
A Village is any size group that regularly gathers in person throughout the year with the intention of strengthening human connection and revitalizing community purpose and belonging. Villages are supported with resources, guidance, and inspiration from Global Day of Unplugging.
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Unplugged Markets
Celebrate local food, creativity, and connection through market-based gatherings and vendor partnerships.
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Unplugged Schools
Empower students and educators to model digital balance and real-world connection through gatherings on campus or after school.
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Unplugged Spaces
Bring your community together through low-lift unplugged rituals that revitalize and reimagine communal Third Spaces.
We Build Together
Join: Sign up for the Unplugged Village Membership and gain access to hands-on GDU Team support, resources, and inspiration.
$0 Spark – Starting Your Village.
$120 Ember – Building Your Village.
Start Small: Host your first unplugged gathering focused on one community pillar (farmers’ markets, schools, or communal spaces).
Grow Collaborations: Expand your reach by partnering with other local leaders, small businesses, or organizations.
Celebrate Together: Unite your community each March around the Annual GDU.
See it in Action
It takes a village.
5 Stars Across the Board
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"I am really looking forward to discussing this with our community - it’s a crisis like a frog in a slowly boiling pot - ugh”
Sunny Holden, Santa Monica PTA
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“Thank you so much! This was incredible. I hope it will inspire other parents and students in our district.”
Santa Monica parent
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"I am so grateful for this opportunity to start making my community feel like a village"
Sherman Oaks, California
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We hosted an event at the Hotel Amour's Book Bar, with approximately 30 Opal users. We offered drinks and activities, such as writing your goals for 2024 on sticky notes. Such a great initiative!!
Marjolaine from Opal/France
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While it might seem gimmicky at first, it really is liberating to put down your devices and just interact with others. I don't feel the same pressure to be constantly in the know when I'm separated from my smartphone. I enjoy living more because I'm not focused on the next email or text. I'm able to just exist in the moment, and that is the best gift I've given myself in nearly 15 years.
James
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My work is all electronic so unplugging feels weird but really good. My son spends a lot of time online as well so we were able to bond while unplugging.
Jen