Disconnect to Reconnect
In an age dominated by swipes, taps, and types, My City Merch is championing a return to genuine human interaction. Our Disconnect to Reconnect Initiative is about rekindling the magic of face-to-face conversations and building stronger, more connected communities.
Think back to when ordering takeout involved speaking to a person. My 12-year-old daughter finds that "creepy" and prefers apps, even calling it serial killer behavior! This isn't just a quirky family anecdote—it's a global shift. We're all becoming more like Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez, lamenting, "We don’t talk anymore." It's a sign of the times.
Research shows teens spend an alarming 7 hours and 22 minutes on screens daily, yet only 33 minutes interacting face-to-face. Although 82% of adults recognize personal interaction as crucial for maintaining relationships, only 15% prioritize it. This trend contradicts our core values at My City Merch. We believe personal connections are the heartbeat of community pride and unity, and it's time to act on it.
We're proud to introduce the Disconnect to Reconnect Initiative. Our mission is simple: encourage everyone to put down their phones and engage in real conversations. By donating 5% of all sales, we support local community events, workshops, and programs designed to revive genuine in-person interactions. It's our way of giving back and making a difference.
Through this initiative, we aim to create spaces where people feel comfortable disconnecting from their screens and reconnecting with each other. Imagine neighborhood gatherings where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and new friendships are forged. By investing in our communities, we are investing in a brighter, more connected future. Join us in building stronger bonds.
-
GenWell Project
Connection Movement
Harvard Connected - Talk The Talk
-
National Day of Unplugging
Connection Events
HHS Social Connection - Upcoming Events
Back to School Backpacks
A new initiative from MyCityMerch. Here are the details:
- High-Quality Backpacks
- Each kit features a backpack emblazoned with the logo and colors of a professional sports team, such as the Los Angeles Lakers or the Los Angeles Dodgers. Students can choose a backpack representing any team from the five major professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS), ensuring they carry a piece of their passion and pride to school every day.
- Essential School Supplies
- Inside each backpack, students will find all the necessary school supplies for the entire school year. This comprehensive set includes notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and more, ensuring that students are fully equipped to succeed academically. By providing these supplies, we help ease the financial burden on families, particularly those in underserved communities.
- Conversation Starter Cards
- To encourage social interaction, each kit includes cards featuring fun facts, trivia, and questions about various sports teams. These cards are designed to spark conversations and help students connect with their peers over shared interests. Additionally, each student receives a "mystery card" with unique information that matches one other student. During two weeks in October, students will engage in a game to find their match, fostering friendships and communication skills.
Why This Matters
- Support for Families
- By supplying necessary school items, these kits help to ease the financial strain on families, allowing them to focus on other essential needs. This provision of free school supplies is especially beneficial for families in underserved communities.
- Equity in Education
- Ensuring that all students have access to the basic tools they need for school helps to level the playing field. This equity in educational resources is critical for the academic success of students from all backgrounds.
- Encourage Social Interaction
- The conversation starter cards and team-branded backpacks serve as natural icebreakers, helping students initiate conversations and form friendships. By discussing their favorite teams, players, and sports moments, students can bond over shared passions.
- Inclusive Engagement
- The conversation starter cards are designed to be inclusive and engaging, making it easier for even the shyest students to join in conversations. The mystery card game encourages students to learn about each other, promoting a culture of curiosity and connection.