On September 28, 2026, Compeer Rochester, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering connections for individuals facing mental health challenges, introduced its "Scroll Less, Connect More" volunteer campaign. This initiative responds to findings that American adults spend an average of 64 hours per month on screens. The campaign encourages residents of Rochester to dedicate just four of those hours to building new friendships.
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Tracy LoTemple, Director of Programs at Compeer, emphasized the significance of understanding how excessive social media usage can diminish social connections. She noted, "Bringing that awareness... has been an eye opener to our volunteers, and you know, by having this broader campaign and bringing the idea that we do have loneliness happening in our community still. It wasn't just a COVID issue."
Compeer Rochester accepts referrals from mental health professionals, directing diagnosed adults to the organization, where they are matched with volunteers who share similar interests. Currently, there is a waiting list of over 200 individuals seeking services. LoTemple highlighted the importance of effective matching, stating that 60% of the established friendships endure for more than two years, with some lasting over 30 years.
Volunteers receive training aimed at fostering empathy and effective communication with those experiencing mental health issues while also addressing the stigma associated with these challenges. LoTemple explained a training exercise where volunteers identify their own support networks, starkly illustrating what it might feel like to lack such connections.
The "Scroll Less, Connect More" campaign has already begun to attract more volunteers, thanks to flyers, social media outreach, and bus advertising in the area. LoTemple mentioned that the campaign's goal is to ensure that the pool of available volunteers outnumbers those waiting for assistance. Preparations are underway for Compeer Rochester's upcoming Walk to End Loneliness on Sunday, November 1.