Upcoming D2R Events

The Transformative Power of Play Conference

The Disconnect 2 Reconnect (D2R) Coalition and Westchester Library System are proud to present “The Transformative Power of Play: Combating Depression, Anxiety and Isolation in the Digital Age,” a full day conference on April 27, 2026, at Windrose Conference Center, Ossining NY. This conference will explore the benefits of play for counteracting excessive screen time, social media and unhealthy societal trends that engender chronic stress, conflict, exhaustion, and social isolation. Research has shown that play is beneficial to brain development and functioning, learning and innovation, connectedness and belonging, social competence and collaboration, stress relief and resilience, and most of all joy. Play is particularly important for children, but it’s also vital to adults of all ages.

The primary goals of the conference are:

  1. To increase awareness and understanding of the importance of play in our lives
  2. To consider play as a response to excessive screen time and social media.
  3. To consider play as a response to public health issues regarding anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
  4. To have fun through experiential activities

Target audiences of this conference include educators, mental-health and expressive-arts professionals, non-profit and business leaders and administrators, early childhood providers, community providers (e.g. after-school programs), parents, and anyone interested in learning more about the impact of play and social media.

Community Conversations

WLS procured the screening rights to the documentary Playing For Keeps: The Upside of Downtime at local libraries. Screenings include facilitated community conversations with topic experts. The film, directed by James Redford, explores the value of play from a health perspective. It features high-performing individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life and demonstrate how play is a potent antidote to those subjected to stress and danger on the job, while highlighting the power of a playful approach to our daily lives, regardless of our circumstances. It serves as a reminder that play is a natural and essential part of our lives, from birth to adulthood.

Public screenings are listed below. This list will be updated regularly.

If your organization would like to host a private screening, please contact us at askoutreach@wlsmail.org.

Public Screenings (This list will be updated regularly)