Community Program Helps Lander Residents Build Healthier Relationships with Technology

In Lander, many residents feel overly connected online and underconnected in real life, struggling with screen addiction and its effects on families and individuals. When one local parent discovered Humanality—a program designed to help communities make intentional choices about technology use—she began sharing the concept with neighbors and friends, and within two weeks, 150 people expressed interest in participating. She reached out to LOR with a plan to launch Humanality in Lander, organizing residents into smaller “microvillages” based on life stages like young families, elementary students, or singles. Each group will meet regularly to watch research-based videos about how screens affect human brains and bodies, complete challenges together like gardening or hosting bonfires, and tackle individual goals like eliminating earbuds for a month or avoiding phones during meals. Over 11 lessons, participants will create personalized “digital life plans” outlining their desired relationship with technology while earning challenge stickers for their water bottles. LOR’s funding will help cover registration costs for at least 100 residents plus a spring celebration event, making the program accessible to all who want to participate.