LAUNCHING SOCIAL SEPTEMBER: a new national campaign supporting Reach

Media Release - August 2012, Australia www.socialseptember.com

Social September and The Reach Foundation have come together to inspire people to create spaces for face-to-face social connection and promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Alongside a host of well known faces, Australians will disconnect from digital technology in the month of September, and reconnect, face-to-face, with family and friends.

Over the past two decades, digital technology has enabled us to connect with each other in ways we never imagined. According to recent research, 13 million Australians spend over 18 hours a day online, and one in five minutes a day is spent on social media.

We love using technology and social media, but also believe that connections and conversations in the real world remain invaluable. Social September takes us back in time to experience the benefits of good ol' face to face interactions with the people in your lives.

Bianca Venuti, founder and self-admitted social media fan, hopes the campaign will give us all an opportunity to press pause in September - disconnect from our digital lives, and reconnect with each other and ourselves.

"This Social September, I am pledging to Disconnect by leaving my phone in my handbag (particularly in social settings), andReconnecting – by hosting an Italian cooking lesson to catch up with friends I haven't seen for ages.

“We'd love everyone to get on board in a way that makes sense to them. I can't wait to see the reconnect event ideas people come up with!" said Bianca.

We invite you to register now at www.socialseptember.com and spread the word!

Participation is social, fun, and personal. As individuals or as part of a team, 'connectors' can host their own 'reconnect' fundraising event and/or take on a personal 'disconnect' technology challenge. All funds raised will support the Reach foundation, enabling more young Australians to participate in inspiring programs that promote connection and build self-belief. For each $75 raised, one additional young Australian can be invited to a face-to-face Reach program.

Some of the inaugural Social September Socialites include Adriano Zumbo, Laura Dundovic, Maria Venuti, Danny Clayton, Joshua Horner, PJ Lane, Trevor Ashley, Zoe Sheridan, and Joe Avati. From hosting dessert nights to cabaret shows, taking a pause from You Tube surfing to fighting addictions to Words with Friends, our ambassadors will be helping to lead the charge!

A face-to-face launch for ambassadors, media, celebs, and VIP supporters will be held in Sydney on Thursday, 16 August at Mezzaluna Ristorante, Potts Point. Additional Social September Socialites, key events, and space sponsors will be announced. For those in Sydney, please RSVP to Bianca Venuti, contact details below.

Contacts and further information
Bianca Venuti, Founder
0404 177 749
biancavenuti@socialseptember.com

socialseptember.com
facebook.com/socialseptember
twitter.com/socialseptember

About Reach

Reach is a national youth organisation that’s been making a positive impact in the lives of young Australians for nearly two decades.

Our mission is to encourage all young people, no matter what their circumstance, to believe they can achieve.

At Reach, connection is a core value. It means being present with each another, expressing ourselves openly and having the courage to be real.

Reach's school and community programs create safe and supportive spaces where young people can share stories and experiences honestly, build meaningful connections, and recognise that they're not alone.

Independent research confirms that “Reach helps young people improve their self-esteem.”

reach.org.au