Who Are Our Playmates? Community Building Through Play

2:00 - 2:50 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026
Live Zoom Webinar

You were born to play and are wired from birth to engage in social play. From our first interactions with our caregivers, to playing childhood games, trivia nights and team sports in adulthood, play brings us together. As humans, we thrive on these connections to each other.? An 80-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development (2023) found that people who are more socially connected to family, friends, and community, are happier, physically healthier, and live longer than people who are less well connected. By encouraging openness, trust building, and shared joy, play helps create and deepen meaningful relationships. How might play serve as a bridge across geography, socioeconomics, and cultural factors such as urban-rural divides in a bid to build and strengthen our communities?? What role could schools, workplaces, or community organizations play in promoting connection through play?

Presenters

Community Builder Ethan Bryan

Ethan Bryan

Community Builder
Community Partnership of the Ozarks

Kayaker  |  Environment Compliance Researcher Julie Carey

Julie Carey

Kayaker | Environment Compliance Researcher
US Army Engineer Research

Owner Jess Hamlet

Jess Hamlet

Owner
Village Meeple Board Game Cafe