Local nonprofits IndyHub — which regularly focuses on helping Indy 20- and 30-somethings get connected, involved, and making a difference in their community — and Leadership Indianapolis — which works to educate, inspire, connect and mobilize community leaders — announced today the launch of a free digital gathering series designed to bring community members together while also helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The organizations plan to host digital book clubs, panel discussions and virtual meet-ups, replacing their traditional event and program schedules with opportunities to convene remotely. The organizations, which are heavily promoting “social distancing,” intend to continue fostering community while helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re an organization that believes in the power of person-to-person connection, so naturally, this moment presents a unique challenge in our efforts,” said IndyHub president Blake Johnson. “Indianapolis is a community that sticks together, and we believe by using the amazing digital convening tools at our disposal, we can continue to meaningfully connect people to each other, to opportunities to grow and learn, and to ways they can engage in our city without risking their health or the health of their neighbors, family and friends.”
“Social distancing does not equal civic disengagement. While we may not be able to convene for conversations and programs in the ways we normally do, we can certainly continue providing opportunities for people to learn more about the city, the experiences of their fellow community members, and to engage as community leaders during this time,” said Leadership Indianapolis president and CEO Rebecca Hutton.
IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis also encourage other organizations and community leaders to help connect people during a time that, in its nature, can be somewhat isolating. Organizations are encouraged to submit their digital opportunities to IndyHub through the link below.
“According to a 2018 study by Cigna, we know that nearly half of Americans report feeling lonely some or all of the time,” Johnson said. “This time of necessary social distancing will likely exacerbate this issue. We hope that by bringing people together, even through technology, we can help strengthen not only our city’s health but also our connection to one another.”
Hutton added, “It is important, especially during times like this when people can feel isolated and alone, that we don’t disengage but rather find new ways to connect, support one another, and invest in the common good of our community.”
For a regularly updated list of opportunities, resources and updates from IndyHub, as well as an opportunity to submit your organization’s gatherings, visit www.indyhub.org/together.
Current Opportunities
IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis Digital Book Clubs (Weekly, March 25 – May 6, Virtual)
Meet up weekly on Wednesday nights with a group of new friends to discuss a good read, moderated by members of the IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis teams and network. Registration and additional information can be found here and on Leadership Indianapolis’ website.
Money Talks with Pete the Planner hosted by IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis (March 24, 5:30 – 7:00pm, Virtual)
Break out your favorite local libation for a new twist on our “happy hours with a purpose.” We’ll get together remotely, share a drink, and hear from nationally-renowned finance expert Pete the Planner on how to best plan and protect your financial health in times of uncertainty. Want to make a donation when you register for this free event? We’ll be supporting Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. RSVP here.
Additional opportunities will be added throughout the coming weeks.
