A global emergency demands a global response
GILC is building the backbone infrastructure the global social connection field has been missing — the connective layer between research, policy, practice, and cross-country action.
45+
600+
5
Members
Expert Contributors
Multilateral Partners
6
Continents
ABOUT US
Building the global field of social connection.
The social connection field has many committed organizations and people working to solve social isolation and loneliness. What's missing is the connective tissue between these entities. That is what GILC is. We build the infrastructure so practitioners, researchers, and policymakers across regions can go further together. Our work helps knowledge travel, deepens collaboration, and brings momentum to create real change in people's lives, everywhere.
IMPACT
Deliberate field-building. Real change, everywhere
We have built the connective infrastructure this field has been missing — through relationships, trust, expertise, and sustained conviction.
Establishing field recognition through WHO's Comission on Social Connection
Through GILC's global peer network, Ciao Table — an organization in Switzerland and Italy — discovered Canada's "Talk to a Stranger Week" and launched their own campaign, "Say Hello to Your Neighbour."
Growing local movements through global learning
Through GILC's global peer network, Ciao Table — an organization in Switzerland and Italy — discovered Canada's "Talk to a Stranger Week" and launched their own campaign, "Say Hello to Your Neighbour."
Sparking France's national social connection federation
GILC helped connect French efforts to international leaders, ideas and learning, helping build momentum towards what became the French Federation on Social Connection, now 150+ stakeholders strong.
Seeding collaborations across continents, systems and sectors
Compeer (USA) and Keralty (Colombia) found each other through GILC; two organizations working on social health from different angles. The connection led to a joint Grand Challenges Canada application and plans to pilot Compeer's social support model inside Keralty's health system in Colombia.
GILC Member Testimonials
“GILC's international network enables us to share learning and contribute to the development of knowledge on a global scale. We are extremely grateful for its driving role in advancing this field."
— Arnaud Goulliart, French Federation for Social Connections (France)
"One of the greatest benefits is discovering projects from all over the world. GILC has the ability to engage with high-level governmental bodies and promote social connection globally. As a small association, we are proud to be part of that."
— Piera Serra, Ciao Table (Switzerland & Italy)
"This collaboration doesn't exist without GILC."
— Cheri Alvarez, Compeer (USA) & Camila Ronderos Bernal, Keralty (Colombia)
PEOPLE
A global community shaping the field.
GILC's strength is its people. Members, partners, contributors and advisors who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a shared conviction that social connection is a global priority worth organizing around. The field moves further when the right people are connected.
Members
Partners
Our Team
Steering Committee
Board
EXPLORE
Stay connected to the field.
Events
Roundtables, convenings, and global lectures. Where the community comes together.
Resources
Research, position statements, evidence briefs, and practical tools for the field.
JOIN US
There is a place for you in this work.