about us
digital wellness, teen leadership, real connection
what we do
dis//connect is a nonprofit rooted in the belief that teens and young adults deserve space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with the world around them. we create intentional, phone-free experiences that support mental health, build leadership, and spark joy.
we are guided by three commitments
1
to empower teens as peer leaders, not just participants
2
to design spaces that honor mental health and authentic connection
3
to nurture a culture of curiosity, creativity, and care
how we started
our work began with a simple question: what happens when we set down our screens and step into real connection? since then, we’ve built a community that values presence, play, and purpose. through workshops, camps, community events, and our distinctive intership program, we give young people the tools to reset their relationship with technology and strengthen their sense of self.
"Joyful"
what teens are saying
dis//connect is more than a program—it’s a movement toward balance in a wired world. together, we’re learning how to live with intention, one reset at a time.
dear advocates,
when i first imagined dis/connect, it started with a simple question: what might happen if we gave teens and young adults a chance to step away from their screens and into real, unfiltered connection? what i’ve witnessed since then has been more powerful than i could have ever predicted—laughter that echoes without notification pings, friendships formed around shared curiosity, and young leaders discovering their own voices.
we live in a world that moves quickly, and technology often keeps us running at a pace that leaves little room for pause. dis//connect was born to create those pauses. in our programs, teens not only get a break from the constant noise, they also learn how to lead, how to listen, and how to care for themselves and each other in deeper ways.
i believe our work is not just about putting down the phone—it’s about picking up what really matters. it’s about community, resilience, and joy.
thank you for being part of this journey. whether you are a parent, educator, donor, or teen, your support helps us build something rare and necessary: spaces where presence matters more than pixels.
with gratitude,
kat zilka
founder + director, dis//connect
