Opening Keynote!
Al Condeluci has been an advocate, a catalyst for building community capacities, and leader in understanding social culture since 1970. Born and raised in the steel town of Pittsburgh, PA, still making his home there, Al received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Youngstown State University, his Masters in Social Work and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Since 1970, he worked as an attendant, caseworker, advocate, planner, program director and finally, CEO of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) until his retirement in late 2018. CLASS is dedicated to its mission – working toward a community where each belongs. CLASS, under the 47 years of Al’s leadership, grew to become the third largest disability specific agency in Southwestern PA with a budget of $16 million and a staff and payroll complement of 400. CLASS was listed in the 50 “Best Places to Work” in Allegheny County, PA in 2007 and 2011.
Presentation: Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation: The Key to a Better Life
The notions of loneliness and social isolation have been clearly identified as vexing issues in our culture today, and since the pandemic, have seemingly exacerbated. We know that when people are rendered isolated, bad things can follow including adverse health issues, unhappiness/depression, challenges with life success, and even shortened life expectancy. We also know that all aspects of our lives are affected, our families, our social lives, as well as our work productivity.
This session will explore social isolation and loneliness. Not only will we look at the research and data related to this concept, but we will explore strategies, such as Positive Deviance approaches, and actions that can be employed in addressing loneliness by accessing social capital principles. In an interactive format, we will introduce the UCLA Loneliness Scale and examine ways and means to building more effective relationships.
Objectives
- Participants will be introduced to recent data and research on isolation/loneliness
- The UCLA Loneliness scale, one way to measure loneliness, will be introduced
- The construct of Positive Deviance will be overviewed
- Blue Zone strategies used to combat social isolation will be examined
