Chooseday 11th November, Choose to Connect 🤝

Good Morning,

On this ChooseDay, we invite each of us to Choose to Connect — not just send a text, but be present. Let’s put down our phones, close the tabs, and spend real time with friends, family or community. Let’s be fully there. 💛

Sometimes we underestimate the power of showing up. But the research is clear:

• In Australia, about 17% of people aged 15+ say they often feel very lonely (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024a).

  
  

• Social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer physical and mental health — including higher risk of emotional distress, chronically lower wellbeing, and early death (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024b).

  
  

• The World Health Organization (2024) notes that social connection is a public-health priority, emphasizing that simple steps like “reaching out to a friend in need” or “putting away one’s phone to be fully present” can make a difference.

  
  

• Communities with stronger connection and trust recover quicker from change and challenge because connection builds resilience (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024c).

  
  

In short: being present, listening, laughing, supporting — these aren’t just nice things. They’re essential.

How you can choose to connect today 🤝✨

Here are some ideas to turn this into action:

• Schedule 15–30 minutes today with someone meaningful — a call with the phone off, or better yet, in person.

• Invite someone for a no-screens activity — go for a walk, grab a coffee, or sit in a park and talk.

• Reach out in your community — check in on a neighbour, offer help, join something local.

• Be fully present — when you’re with someone, put the device aside. The quality of connection matters more than the quantity of texts.

• Share kindly — tell someone you’re glad they're in your life. That little acknowledgement can go a long way.

Speaking of connection... For over 25 years, EdConnect Australia has been improving the social, emotional, and learning outcomes of students at risk of disengaging from education. This is made possible through the time, knowledge, and passion of volunteers—whether in the classroom, as mentors, or as Big Buddies through corporate volunteering.

🎮🏀 Programs include:

• Literacy and Numeracy Buddies – a team-based corporate program where your workplace is matched with a class (approx. 20–30 volunteers). Volunteers exchange letters and take part in two visits (one at the workplace, one at the school), with a total commitment of just 10 hours across the year.

  
  

• Learning Support & Mentors – dedicate just one hour a week during the school year to either support students in the classroom (under teacher direction) or mentor one-on-one with a student who would benefit from support from a trusted adult and role model.

  
  

Last year, more than 1,000 volunteers supported over 20,000 students across 250+ schools in Australia.

With your help, EdConnect can continue to build brighter, stronger futures for young people by:

• Exploring how your workplace can become a Buddies partner

• Spreading the word and encouraging family and friends to volunteer

• Investing in EdConnect programs to broaden impact and reach more schools

• Connecting with EdConnect on LinkedIn to stay up to date 📩

  
  

Support EdConnect!

Let’s all make today one where we choose to connect — deeply and authentically — and help others do the same. Because when we are truly present, we don’t just change a moment. We change lives.

🤝 Connecting you,

The GoodCompany Team

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