Can you imagine a world where our ability to recognize the needs of others failed to exist? The boom of digital engagement through gradually desensitized us toward the cares and feelings of others. The result is an increasingly connected world where we have never been more isolated. Digital connection provides many benefits but robs us of the time needed to invest in face-to-face conversation. The relational and psychological effects in society are considerable: * Children are becoming more self-centered: Self-centeredness has increased by 30% among college students in the past 30 years. * Children care less about others: Empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of another) has decreased by 40% in the past 30 years. We must address this crisis so the next generation has the emotional and mental skills needed to build community by caring about others and connecting deeply with others. There was a time when such community occurred naturally within families and neighborhoods. People gathered on the front porch to swap stories, share a laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Sadly, many of us have replaced our front porch discussions with weak substitutes, such as the Internet and entertainment, busyness and isolation. But deep down, we all still long for the front porch—a place where we can share life. This is why we started the Front Porch Initiative—to move our relationships forward by looking back at how the community has always been built—sharing life and sharing stories. The My Story Project from Front Porch Initiative gets people talking, sharing the stories that have shaped them most. Sharing stories helps re-establish space for conversation, commonality, and community in classrooms, boardrooms, small groups, and teams. Together we can develop healthy relational habits to combat this growing epidemic. Want to launch the My Story Project in your school district or company? Contact us today!