How to Stay Connected While Social Distancing

We need community now more than ever

Circles are small groups of women who come together for real talk and peer support. Right now, Circles are meeting virtually and helping each other through the pandemic. We’re a global community and we’re continuing to lean on each other.

Resources to help you get through this

Physical distancing is essential to slow the spread of COVID-19, but it can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected from your loved ones. For those sheltering at home, here are some practical resources to help you connect with your friends, family, and others in your community. For more resources,
check out our other topics here.

If you’re covering this topic in your virtual Circle this month, read one or more of the pieces below, then discuss as a group using our suggested questions at the end.

All of my friendships are virtual again

Whitney Scharer shares how she’s embracing virtual get-togethers and finding more time to connect with friends.

Read on WBUR

TED talk: How the internet enables intimacy

Stefana Broadbent’s research shows how communication technology is capable of cultivating deeper relationships.

Watch the video

Caring for and connecting with elders during the coronavirus

Find ways you can support older people to stay connected during this isolating and risky time.

Read on Quartz

Discussion questions for virtual Circles

These questions are designed to help you and your Circle members connect over common challenges, share your best strategies to overcome them, and workshop solutions together.

Pick one question to start with and move on to the other questions if you have time.

Staying connected to your community while physical distancing

How are your family and friends handling the move to virtual communication?
Is there anything that has worked especially well? Is there anything you’ve tried that didn’t work out?
What are you seeing that’s encouraging, heartwarming, or positive about the sudden adoption of virtual connections?

More from LeanIn.Org

Attend a virtual event

Our global Circles community is meeting virtually and discussing the topics that are top of mind for women.

Find a virtual event

Join our global community

We all need a safe space for real talk, inspiration, and support. And right now, it’s even more important to stay connected.

Start a Circle

Free resources from Option B

Tips on building resilience and supporting others during COVID-19, including an excerpt from the best-selling book plus digital cards.

Learn more