Interview with Pete Bombaci of GenWell

Summary

The Genwell Challenge empowers students to create Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that combat loneliness by promoting face-to-face social connection. Founded by Pete Bombach, Genwell aims to reconnect people in a world increasingly defined by isolation. The project offers students a chance to make a real impact on mental and physical health, while also allowing them to contribute to a global movement. Top PSAs will be shared internationally, and students will gain practical experience in marketing and social psychology, making the world a more connected, compassionate place, one conversation at a time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Genwell Challenge is an experiential learning project where students create a public service announcement (PSA) to promote social connection as a solution to loneliness.
• 😀 The final project focuses on addressing the issue of social isolation, emphasizing prevention rather than reacting to mental health crises after they occur.
• 😀 Pete Bombach, founder of Genwell, launched the initiative to make the world a happier and healthier place by encouraging people to connect face-to-face.
• 😀 Social connection is identified as the most important factor in supporting physical and mental health, surpassing other lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, and sleep.
• 😀 Loneliness is described as a normal reaction to disconnection, similar to thirst or hunger, and can be addressed by taking proactive steps to reconnect with others.
• 😀 The assignment challenges students to develop creative marketing strategies, targeting different demographic groups to effectively communicate the message of social connection.
• 😀 The PSA should be tailored to a specific audience, considering cultural and social factors to resonate with that group's unique needs and preferences.
• 😀 Students will work in groups to create PSAs, collaborate, and submit a short reflection piece explaining their thought process and approach.
• 😀 The top 10 PSAs will be showcased, with the possibility of being used in real-world Genwell campaigns like 'Talk to a Stranger Week' and 'Face-to-Face February.'
• 😀 As part of the challenge, students could receive recommendation letters from Pete and Steve, offering valuable career support for those whose work stands out.
• 😀 The Genwell movement aims to raise global awareness about the importance of social connection, with opportunities to participate in initiatives that can impact communities both locally and internationally.

Q & A

What is the GenWell Challenge and what is its main objective?

The GenWell Challenge is a project aimed at raising awareness about the importance of social connection in combating loneliness. The main objective is to encourage individuals to recognize the power of face-to-face interaction and its positive impact on mental and physical health.

How does Pete's background in the beverage alcohol industry and Movember relate to his work with GenWell?

Pete’s experience in the beverage alcohol industry and with Movember showed him the power of connection in various settings. Whether it was people bonding over drinks or rallying together for a cause, these experiences highlighted the importance of social connection, which inspired his work with GenWell.

What inspired Pete to start the GenWell Movement in 2016?

Pete was inspired by the summer blackout of 2003, where 50 million people were without power for days. During the crisis, people naturally connected with one another, checking on neighbors and strangers, which sparked Pete's realization that connection is fundamental to human well-being.

What is Pete's key message about loneliness?

Pete emphasizes that loneliness is not a crisis but a simple reaction to disconnection. He believes that by addressing feelings of loneliness early through positive actions, such as connecting with others, we can prevent it from escalating into a more serious issue.

Why does Pete stress the importance of 'upstream' solutions to mental health?

Pete advocates for 'upstream' solutions to mental health, which focus on prevention rather than waiting until individuals are in crisis. He believes that social connection is a key factor in maintaining mental health and that fostering connections early can prevent more serious mental health issues.

How does social connection impact physical health and mental well-being?

Social connection is a crucial factor in supporting both physical health and mental well-being. Research has shown that having strong social bonds is associated with better overall health, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and greater happiness and life satisfaction.

What is the challenge of promoting social connection in today’s world?

The challenge lies in overcoming the barriers that prevent people from forming connections, such as social anxiety, discomfort, or the fast-paced, disconnected nature of modern life. Pete and Steve suggest that making social connection a priority requires effort and overcoming these barriers.

What role do students play in the GenWell Challenge project?

Students are tasked with creating a public service announcement (PSA) for the GenWell Challenge. They are asked to target a specific audience, craft a message, and choose an appropriate medium to communicate the importance of social connection. Their work could be used in real-world campaigns.

How can the students’ work on the PSA impact the GenWell Movement?

Students’ PSAs can potentially be used in GenWell’s ongoing campaigns, raising awareness about social connection on a larger scale. Pete has shared that past student-created content has become key pillars in GenWell’s campaigns, which could happen with the PSAs created in this class.

What is the significance of the 'Talk to a Stranger Week' mentioned in the transcript?

'Talk to a Stranger Week' is an initiative organized by GenWell to encourage people to engage in face-to-face conversations with strangers, breaking down barriers to social connection. The program, created by students, is being promoted across campuses and will likely expand to international locations.