There are many new ways to build community and create connection.gettyYou’ve heard the narrative that we are lonely and disconnected, but encouraging new data suggests we are getting together more often in more places to do more things and build community. As they say, “We are so back!” We can overcome social jetlag and our reductions in social skills as we reacclimate and reengage.Reconnecting and rebuilding community will be worth it, because belonging is so significantly tied to our physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing as well as our success in our careers. And when we come together with others, we’ll be in good company; with 79% who expect to attend more events in the year ahead, according a survey of more than 4,000 people ages 18-35 by Eventbrite.New Ways to ConnectHere are the new ways to connect, based on what’s trending and what’s transformative for your social wellbeing.1. Look Beyond SocializingPerhaps the easiest way to reconnect is to go slowly. Ironically, some of the most popular ways that people are getting out and getting involved is to look beyond socializing. In fact, 58% of people say that while socializing is somewhat important, it doesn’t have to be the only focus of a great experience. Perhaps it is caution that is driving 45% to say they want to control how and when they interact; and 41% to say they are happy to observe rather than to join the fray, according to the Eventbrite data.To connect in this low-risk way, look for activities like flower arranging, puzzle competitions, caffeine tastings, music bingo, silent reading groups or silent art nights. 2. Look for Activities with Purpose Another great way to get involved is to look for activities that offer you a sense of purpose. Fully 73% of Eventbrite respondents are more likely to attend an event if it’s a cause they care about. Volunteering and cause-based events work especially well for connection because they give you an excuse to get together (50% of Eventbrite respondents agree) and they naturally connect you with people who share your goals and aspirations. Shared ideals give you a starting point for conversation and can make socializing seem more natural. Great examples of these kinds of activities are tree planting events (including the advantages of a connection to nature) as well as clothing swaps. In the Eventbrite data, 46% wanted live show or open mic fundraisers; 36% sought out educational talks or panel discussions; 35% looked for art builds or sign-making sessions and 35% wanted community problem-solving meet ups. You can look for these opportunities as well. 3. Look for Local EventsIt’s great to go to a big event somewhere else, but it’s especially powerful to connect within your local community (88% of Eventbrite respondents agree). When you act locally you can see the effects of your efforts and experience the fulfillment that comes from making a difference to people with whom you live and work. But getting involved locally also gives you the opportunity to sustain the relationships you create. You meet a new friend at the downtown benefit and then you can easily get together for dinner the following week. Local opportunities include things like local art walks, craft markets, backyard parties, shopping during local business nights, block parties, local artist performances, community gardening or meet-your-neighbors café events. 4. Look for Opportunities that Challenge YouAfter you’ve started slowly and when you’re ready to dive in, also look for events that surprise you or push you out of your comfort zones. Doing hard things is especially good for your wellbeing and sense of fulfillment.A large majority of people (79% within Eventbrite data) say they want spontaneity in events. And 44% say they want to break their routines and feel more fully present. And those who are ages 18-22 are 1.3 times more likely to say they want activities that help them get out of their comfort zones, according to the Eventbrite respondents.One of the ways to experience surprise or challenge is to find mashup events that combine areas of interest. In fact, 69% of people say they value events that combine areas of interest. As an example, young parents are 14 times more likely to want this kind of event, according to the Eventbrite data.Look for creative combinations like crafting and cocktails; group skill swapping; toddlers and trivia; nostalgia nights or wellness events that combine exercising with spa treatments.5. Look for the Unexpected or the UnusualEspecially fun are events that are unexpected or surprising or that offer special bonuses. Think of forest clearings, lakeside screenings, sunrise sound baths or skyline DJ sets. We’re motivated by things that offer us a new way to look at something. People are coming out for after-hours tours of museums; behind-the-scenes experiences at book stores or events at unusual locations like laundromats (!) that are turned into venues. We’re also attracted by factors that feel rare or special like an exclusive movie screening, pop-up experiences, surprise performances, speakeasies or an unreleased media drop. Overall, we increasingly want what feels like one of a kind and that is more real and less curated.Making It HappenOf course you can look for these opportunities and take advantage of what’s available. And even more importantly, you can create them yourself. Find a few friends and put together a small event to get started. When it works well, you can try another type of event and invite a larger crowd the next time. Lean toward personal and word-of-mouth invitations so people can discover terrific opportunities to belong without a digital feed.Getting out, coming together and making connections to build community have tremendous benefits and investing the time and energy to jump in are worth the effort.