Human Connection

+ AI Summit

April 23rd - April 25th, 2024 // Bailey, Colorado

What will happen when a crisis of disconnection meets a world shaped by AI? 

This spring, we are gathering 25 leaders — educators, technologists, youth activists, mental health professionals, and community builders — to consider how AI will reshape relationships and to chart a future of human flourishing.  

With nearly every indicator of youth mental health and connection heading in the wrong direction, we know that things are about to get a lot more complicated as AI proliferates.

How do we walk into this next chapter clear-eyed about the potential that can be unlocked, and the very real risks we need to guard against? More importantly, how do we seize the moment to actively shape this future for the better?

This gathering is designed to bring together leaders across disciplines, all of whom feel passionately about ensure the next generation is prepared to thrive. We will glimpse into the future of these new technologies and consider the implications on human relationships and connection.

From there participants will have the opportunity to work together to apply these insights into either 1) designing or refining concrete solutions they want to bring into the world or 2) defining the field-level opportunities and considering how we can marshall the right talent, resources, and energy in that direction. Come build with us.

Gathering Preview

This convening is designed to counter forces that drive us to proliferate technology without a meaningful sense of its impact. Where there is a bias for speed and scale, we are creating pause and deep reflection. Where there are silos by industries, we aim to create cross-sector collaboration. Where there is bias to see dystopia or utopia, we seek rigorous reflection on the benefits and risks.

You can expect:

Rich, immersive provocations and spacious time to think about how AI will shape human connection.

A chance to cross-pollinate and build enduring partnerships with people who care about human connection but work across diverse sectors.

Time to generate ideas/solutions and get feedback that can sharpen your existing work.

To be part of the start of something — a co-creator of what a movement to protect and nurture human connection in an age of AI must look like.

You should NOT expect:

A traditional conference with panels and keynotes.

The usual suspects attending an AI/tech conference.

Easy answers or pre-defined path forward.

Tenative Agenda

TUESDAY, APRIL 23:

Why human connection? Why now?
We will arrive mid-afternoon to set the stage for the time together. Over a meal and around a bonfire, we will begin by building community, rooting ourselves in why this goal of human connection matters — to us, to our work, to our society.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24:

How might AI reshape relationships?
We immerse ourselves in the AI tools of today and forecast where the technology might go in the coming 5-10 years. All of this will help us hone a point of view about the potential that this technology might unlock for human connection, the risks we should be wary of, and the values we want to guide this next chapter.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25:

What’s the future we want to build?
Given the trends and possibilities we have explored, we will begin to define the biggest opportunities we see. Participants will opt to apply our learning at one of two altitudes: 1) designing concrete solutions/ products/ experiences that can support meaningful human connection in a time of AI, or 2) map the ecosystem levers we need to influence and consider how we marshall the right resources + talent to them. We end by asking “what’s next?” and defining the comittments that can keep our individual and collective momentum building.

Note: Programming will end around 4PM on Thursday, but we are offering the opportunity to stay on the property that evening to continue enjoying the mountains, the community, and the conversations our time together sparks.

Venue

We are honored to host the gathering at Lone Rock’s campus in Colorado. An hour drive outside of Denver, this beautiful mountain retreat provides the perfect setting to connect with nature, each other, and think big about the future.

Details

  • We are looking to convene a diverse group of 25 leaders who represent different backgrounds , ages, and disciplines. We ask that all participants:

    1. Work in a capacity that supports human connection and development, specifically connected to people ages 13-25 (think expansively: educator, engineer, youth activist, researcher, faith leader, mental health professional, entrepreneur, etc).

    2. Are deeply curious about AI and the way it will reshape how people connect to themselves and each other.

    3. Thrive in emergent and sometimes ambiguous conversations and are up for out-of-the-box experiences.

    4. Commit to action and are willing to take the learnings and ideas from this week and bring them into their lives and work.

  • We’re betting on the power of the relationships that will form and the progression from learning to action that will take place. Given that, we’re asking that you only apply if you are able to join for the full commitment.

  • With the generous support of funders, we are excited to subsidize the cost of the experience for participants. There will be a sliding scale ranging from $100 to $750 for the full event. This includes programming, food, and accommodations. It does not include flights to/from Colorado.

  • Let us know if assistance on your flight costs would make the difference of attending or not (can share in the “anything else we should know” question of the app). We have limited travel stipends that we can offer on a needs-basis.

  • We hope this is the first of many ways to learn and engage. Feel free to share your information here.

Additional questions? Please reach out to info@therithmproject.org