Compeer Rochester Launched Volunteer Campaign
The nonprofit initiative aims to address local loneliness by matching volunteers with people in need.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Friendships
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Would you dedicate four hours monthly to helping a local neighbor who feels isolated?
Compeer Rochester has introduced the Scroll Less, Connect More campaign to encourage residents to trade screen time for social interaction. The program seeks to recruit new volunteers to support a waiting list of more than 200 people.
Why it matters
The campaign highlights the growing issue of social isolation in the community, urging individuals to dedicate time toward building meaningful, long-term friendships. By facilitating connections, the organization aims to alleviate loneliness for those currently awaiting support.
American adults spend an average of 64 hours per month on screens, a figure Compeer Rochester hopes to offset by asking volunteers to dedicate just 4 hours to a new friend. Currently, over 200 people remain on the nonprofit's waiting list.
The players
Compeer Rochester
This nonprofit organization works to improve mental health by matching volunteers with individuals who are socially isolated.
The details
The campaign uses social media, bus wraps, and flyers to raise awareness, while volunteers undergo training to build empathy for individuals facing mental health challenges. These efforts aim to build lasting bonds, with 60% of existing matches persisting for over two years and some enduring for more than 30 years.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The Scroll Less, Connect More campaign launched in Rochester.
November 1, 2026: Compeer Rochester will host the Walk to End Loneliness.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows the pattern set by the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection by addressing local isolation. It represents a growing societal effort to combat the mental health impacts of increased digital consumption.
Residents can tangibly reduce local isolation by committing four hours to a volunteer match, directly helping to shorten the 200-person waiting list. Participants receive specialized training that can improve their ability to support others in the community.
The takeaway
Loneliness is a significant community challenge that can be effectively addressed through consistent, intentional social engagement. By volunteering even a few hours, individuals can help sustain long-term connections that improve quality of life for their neighbors.
What happens next
Compeer Rochester is scheduled to host the Walk to End Loneliness on November 1, 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness for social isolation.
Further reading
For more information on community social initiatives, explore the Friendships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Esther Winter.
Live Poll
Would you dedicate four hours monthly to helping a local neighbor who feels isolated?
