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Week 1: Say Hello to Something New
Remember when you were a kid and you’d get excited by a new toy or even kicking around balloons at a birthday party? We do. But now, as adults, it can become easy to churn through days on autopilot, and to fall into a routine that starts to feel dull. So, this week we want you to say hello to something new. Say hello to this Ethel Connection Challenge by starting small with low-stakes interactions. Through it all, we will be cheering you on.
woman writing in a journal looking reflective


Activities for Oct 1-4

This week’s theme is Say Hello to Something New, and we’ve designed a set of activities to help you explore new ways to build social connections. You’re encouraged to try as many of this week’s activities as you’d like—whether that’s all of them or just one. The goal is progress, not perfection, and every action you take counts.

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Set your intentions
You will get out of this challenge what you put into it, so we encourage you to set your intentions for this experience: How do you want to feel at the end of this challenge? How will you celebrate yourself for taking action? How might you react to things not going completely as expected?

Make note of your intentions for reference later

Tip: This challenge empowers you to create more social connections. While we can’t always control our environments or other people, you can decide for yourself that success is taking action.

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Introduce yourself in the Facebook Messenger chat.
Say hello, tell everyone where you live, and share a fun fact about yourself. It can be scary putting yourself out there. But you might virtually meet someone with similar interests, with whom you can connect.

Go to the Connection Chat >

Tip: Try to think of something that would surprise or inspire the group—or something you’re proud of. It could be a hidden talent, a quirky habit, something from your past, or even something you’ve picked up recently.
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Claim your free Ethel Embroidered Patch
Show your Ethel pride with the Ethel Gathering Groups Embroidered Patch, a stylish symbol of friendship and connection. With an iron-on backing, adding the patch to your denim jacket, tote bag or backpack is easy, letting others know you are part of the vibrant Ethel community.

Visit The Ethel Store >

Use Promo Code: ETHELCIRCLE* to claim your free patch and free shipping

We want to hear from you!

Your feedback helps us make The Ethel Connection Challenge even better—whether you couldn’t participate as much as you planned or completed every challenge! Tell us which activities you loved, what felt most meaningful, and how we can improve. The survey button below will connect you to a third-party hosted website, where you can submit your feedback.


Survey


Challenge Calendar

Check back here every Sunday evening to reveal the next week's activities.


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Return to the Connection Challenge Hub


* Promotion Terms & Conditions: The free Ethel Embroidered Patch offer is valid for one-time use per customer. The promo code cannot be combined with other discounts, promotions, or offers. It cannot be redeemed for cash or its equivalent. Shipping costs are included in the promo code value. Free items are non-returnable and non-exchangeable unless damaged upon arrival. AARP may refuse or cancel orders due to promo and pricing errors, fraud, misuse, or unauthorized use. The offer is valid through December 31, 2025, or until the promotional inventory is depleted.