In an effort to get people off their mobile devices and connecting with people in the real world, the Branch Out Movement issues a weekly challenge to stimulate strangers socially. The social initiative also uses handmade bracelets to encourage mindfulness and get participants to interact with the world around them.
It costs $5 USD to join the Branch Out Movement. You receive the bracelet -- which acts as a physical anchor and reminder to interact in the real world -- and you get sent a weekly challenge. Their website notes connecting with people in person can lead to a number of opportunities, from business networking to romantic meet-cutes.
The social business is also donating 20% of the proceeds from the bracelets to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.
Real World Social Initiatives
The Branch Out Movement Sends Out Bracelets and a Weekly Challenge
Trend Themes
1. Real-world Connection - The Branch Out Movement is embracing the power of real-world social interaction, paving the way for new opportunities in offline networking.
2. Mindfulness Movement - The handmade bracelets used by the Branch Out Movement highlight the growing trend for mindfulness, opening up possibilities for innovation in related industries such as wellness and personal development.
3. Challenges for Change - The weekly challenges issued by the Branch Out Movement represent an opportunity for other social initiatives to use gamification to motivate people to make real-world connections and take positive actions.
Industry Implications
1. Social Networking - The Branch Out Movement is disrupting the way people view networking by emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interaction, changing the way online social networking platforms could develop in the future.
2. Wellness - The Branch Out Movement's focus on the benefits of real-world interaction highlights how wellness and mindfulness practices are becoming increasingly intertwined, opening up innovation opportunities in areas such as physical and mental health.
3. Charity - The Branch Out Movement's partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation represents an opportunity for further innovation in charity initiatives, as businesses integrate social good into their business models and engage with social causes.