2024
Only7Seconds
This year Kindling chose loneliness, or social isolation, as our giving theme. After a fair amount of research, we found that American youth's experience of loneliness is particularly distressing. We decided to focus on organizations that specifically engage and empower youth who are struggling with loneliness.
Only7Seconds stood out to us as a unique nonprofit that is spreading awareness about loneliness and social isolation and building opportunities for youth to connect. Located in Washington State, the organization has implemented school programming, most notably The Connection Curriculum, to help youth connect in meaningful ways.
Founded by Kristin Wall in 2019, Only7Seconds is dedicated to “inspiring intentional, meaningful connection” for youth. They spread awareness about youth loneliness and social isolation through stories and campaigns such as their I Know Lonely Project and Ambassador Program. They also build opportunities for youth to connect in meaningful ways through school programming. By 2027, their strategic priority is to “address the youth and young adult loneliness epidemic by reaching and empowering 500,000 youth and young adults (ages 8-24).”