Acquaint: Volunteer to Promote Human Connection
Deepening human connection is essential to solving the world’s greatest challenges. And it starts with each of us. We all have ways we can grow, to connect more freely, more joyfully, and more effectively with others.
Few things are more important than the people in our lives and world. At Acquaint, we invite you to volunteer to practice human connection, wherever you are in life. Through this practice, you’ll transform the way you relate to others and, in doing so, help transform the world.
In semi-structured one-on-one conversations, Acquainters connect across cultures, beliefs, and life experiences. Along the way, they build communication skills, develop empathy, and often uncover unexpected insights about others and themselves.
Since launching, volunteers from over 110 countries have contributed thousands of hours to the practice of connection. Each person brings something unique to the community, and each leaves enriched by the perspectives of a truly global network.
We welcome people of all backgrounds, whether you’re just starting to explore human connection or you’re looking to deepen an existing practice. What unites us is the belief that by changing how we connect, we can change the world and our own lives.
What We Offer
Global Community and One-on-One Connections
Acquaint is a volunteer opportunity for people to engage in impactful conversations. When you join Acquaint, you become part of this global network, gaining access to many different perspectives and experiences. Our platform facilitates one-on-one conversations between volunteers, enabling deep connections and fostering meaningful exchanges.
Communication Training
Our platform includes a library of interactive communication learning modules that equip individuals with the skills to build bridges and navigate different types of interactions effectively. Volunteers can unlock new training modules by participating in one-on-one sessions. The modules cover essential topics such as active listening, empathy, and conflict transformation.
Practical Application
We believe that true learning happens through practice and application. Acquaint empowers volunteers to take their skills beyond the virtual realm and make a tangible impact in their communities. By applying their newfound collaborative skills locally and globally, our volunteers become catalysts for change, inspiring others to follow suit.
Partnerships
Acquaint partners with corporations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations to offer meaningful engagement to their members. In addition to the dialogue and communication training elements, we also provide workshops and impact data collection to our partners.
The Acquaint Mindset
There are two main objectives for each Acquaint conversation. First, to connect with someone you wouldn't normally talk to, learning new cultures, perspectives, and personalities. Second, to deliberately practice human connection. Improving the quality of our connections can bring transformative changes in our lives. Imagine if you could improve all your relationships, even just a little, for the rest of your life. That is the promise of practicing human connection. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend working on the following attributes:
- Humility: Examine your own assumptions, believe you can learn something new from everyone, and that you can become a more effective connector. Be open to feedback from fellow volunteers and the Acquaint team.
- Curiosity: Approach conversations with genuine interest. Ask questions not to respond, but to learn.
- Appreciation: This healthy habit boosts enjoyment, reinforces learning, and can completely change the tone of a discussion.
- Effort and Attention: Human connection takes work. Effort and attention can transform the quality of any interaction, on or off Acquaint. Be present, focused, and effortful in your interactions.
- Listening: Try to ensure both you and your session partner get to speak and listen about half the time. Listen to understand—before thinking of your reply, truly hear what your partner has to say.
“Through Acquaint, I have learnt about the world in ways that go beyond textbooks or media. This understanding has not only broadened my perspective but has also helped me approach people with more empathy and openness. I have realised that I can talk to anyone, from anywhere in the world, and create a profound connection.”
- Jahleel, Nigeria
- listening
- appreciation
- curiosity
- equality
- non-judgement
- listening
- appreciation
- curiosity
- equality
- non-judgement
Our History
Before Acquaint was founded in 2021, its predecessor was an intergenerational program focused on connecting younger and older people to address the effects of isolation during the pandemic. It recruited younger “volunteers” to connect with “participants” living in care homes. Co-founders Katherine Mahon and Alex Szebenyi noticed a problem: dividing people into two groups created an othering effect. It didn’t seem right—if everyone was taking time to connect, shouldn’t all feel like contributors?
The solution: Make everyone a volunteer and put the focus on human connection, not one group serving another. Recognizing that lack of connection is a global problem, not just a generational one, the founders opened Acquaint to all countries and restructured for meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Within three years, volunteers have joined from more than 100 countries. We still retain our roots as an intergenerational program, with volunteers ranging from teenagers to (at least) ninety-somethings. The exchange of ideas, wisdom, and life experiences is integral to every volunteer’s journey with Acquaint.