Photos Courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs Canada
What if unplugging from our devices actually enabled us to feel more closely connected to those around us? Real People. Real Connections. This is precisely the type of forward thinking with which the Boys and Girls Clubs’ most recent initiative, Unplug to Connect, was founded upon. Tomorrow, ninety-five Boys and Girls Clubs from all over the country are inviting Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join them and Unplug to Connect!
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.
From the Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops in British Columbia, to the Boys and Girls Club of Charlottetown in PEI, Clubs across the country are unplugging from their devices for one hour (or more) to connect face-to-face with friends, family, coworkers, and peers. This is a nation-wide attempt to show that when you put down your phone, anything can happen.
In a recent press release, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada noted that, “technological devices are designed to connect us with others, but they are also causing us to feel isolated.” As a result, increased anxiety and low levels of self-esteem are common among kids and teens due to the pressure of being “plugged in” at all times.
President & CEO, Owen Charters, reflects on the importance of Unplug to Connect stating, “I think it really raises the profile of an issue that we are seeing happen, one that is affecting youth, and that is the increasing negative effects of tools like social media and smartphones.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa are celebrating Unplug to Connect on Parliament Hill where MPs, Senators and political staff will team up with members of the club for a fun-filled game of basketball between 8am and 9am. Many of the politicians who will be playing alongside the children and youth also play in the Sens Sports and Leadership League, who supports Clubs in running Ottawa’s only free non-competitive basketball league.
Also joining in on the match will be players from the Carleton Ravens Basketball Team and their head coach, Dave Smart.
Visit unplugtoconnect.ca to learn more and find all the resources you need to help spread the word!
