A small hello today.
A stronger Jeffco tomorrow.
The hardest hello is the first one. Say it anyway.
Here are some easy ways you can start connecting today, whether you’re in line at the grocery store, on a walk, or wherever you are in Jeffco.
- “How’s your day going?”
- “Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend?”
- “That’s a great [shirt/hat/bag/jacket].”
- “What’s your favorite thing about this neighborhood?”
- “Have you tried anything good here?”
- “Your dog is adorable. What’s their name?”
- “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
- “What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?”
How to connect with care.
- Start with a smile.
- Keep it light and friendly.
- Respect personal space.
- Read the moment. If someone seems busy, let it go.
- Trust your instincts.
- Focus on kindness.
Not every hello has to become a conversation. What matters is that you brighten someone’s day.
Connection starts wherever you are.
Why should you talk to strangers?
Too many people feel disconnected from the places and people around them, even in a community as vibrant as Jeffco. We pass each other every day on the same roads, trails and checkout lines, but often don’t connect.
And right now, connection matters more than ever. 1 in 5 Jeffco residents say they feel lonely often or always (Colorado Health Access Survey). People who feel lonely are four times more likely to report poor mental health and twice as likely to report poor or fair physical health. Research continues to show that social connection plays a powerful role in our health and wellbeing. Strong social bonds can:
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Support healthier habits and physical activity
- Lower the risk of heart disease and dementia
- Help people live longer, healthier lives
This campaign exists to remind us that connection can start small. A stranger is a neighbor you haven’t met yet. It starts with one hello. One conversation. One small moment of acknowledgment. Because connection turns a stranger into a neighbor, a neighbor into a friend, a street into a community and a community into the kind of place people are proud to be from.
1 in 5 Jeffco residents report feeling lonely often or always.
What happens when we connect?
This video captures the heart of the campaign: small moments of connection that help people feel seen, welcomed and less alone. When we connect with each other, we reduce loneliness and isolation, improve our health and create more hope and happiness across our communities.