Global Day of Unplugging

What Global Day of Unplugging does

Global Day of Unplugging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating under Unplug Collaborative, Inc., headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California. Founded in 2009 as the National Day of Unplugging through a partnership between Reboot (a Jewish arts and culture nonprofit) and Sabbath Manifesto, the organization rebranded to its current name to reflect its international footprint across 6 continents and 17 countries. Its core product is the Annual GDU, a 24-hour digital pause held every first weekend of March since 2009, where participants power down devices and power up real-world connection through hosted gatherings. The 17th Annual GDU is scheduled for March 6-7, 2026.

The organization's technology platform is built on Squarespace and includes the Unplug Map (an interactive global directory of unplugged gatherings), membership management infrastructure, and donation processing. Its product portfolio spans the flagship Annual GDU event, the Unplugged Village membership program (Spark free tier and Ember paid tier at $120/year), the Unplugged Schools network for K-12, Unplugged Teams for workplaces, Unplugged Talks speaking engagements, Unplug Collab micro-grants, and Nap-Sacks physical products. The 2026 initiative The Gathering Effect represents a coordinated academic research study led by Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary to measure outcomes of phone-free gatherings on connection, belonging, and life satisfaction.

The business model is multi-stream nonprofit: tax-deductible donations to Unplug Collaborative, recurring membership fees (Spark and Ember tiers), merchandise sales through the Unplug Store, and sponsorship revenue from cultural coalition partners. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on volunteer Gatherers who organize local events, SuperGatherers who serve as seasoned hosts, and regional directors in 12+ countries. Distribution leverages earned media (CBS Evening News, NYT, WSJ, Today Show, Vogue), a 2026 cultural coalition with Billboard, Eventbrite, Yoto, Daylight, Brick, The Offline Club, and Log Off Movement, and institutional partnerships with schools and workplaces. Customer segments include individual Gatherers and families, K-12 schools, businesses and workplaces, and colleges and universities.

Name

Global Day of Unplugging

Legal name

Unplug Collaborative, Inc.

Website

https://globaldayofunplugging.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Global Day of Unplugging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating under Unplug Collaborative that organizes the annual worldwide 24-hour digital pause and year-round programs helping individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities unplug from devices and reconnect in person.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Sherman Oaks

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Two-tier membership program: Spark (free) and Ember ($120/year). Spark provides free entry point with basic resources. Ember provides exclusive tools, physical Village Kit, UV City Page, and enhanced support for community leaders.
2. Donations: Tax-deductible donations to Unplug Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
3. Shop/Merchandise: Unplug Store selling merchandise. Return policy states all sales are final with no returns accepted.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Global Day of Unplugging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes the annual Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) — a 24-hour worldwide digital pause held every first weekend of March since 2009 — and supports it year-round with free participation, member tiers (Spark free, Ember $120/year), and tailored programs for schools, workplaces, and colleges. It also runs The Gathering Effect research study, the Unplug Map event directory, the Unplug Store merchandise shop, and grant-giving initiatives (Unplug Collab) to expand community-led unplugged gatherings.

Product overview

Global Day of Unplugging is a year-round 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates primarily as a platform-and-program organization rather than a traditional software product. The core offering is the Annual GDU (March 6-7 annually since 2009) — a worldwide 24-hour digital pause. Supporting programs include the Unplugged Village membership tier (Spark at $0/year and Ember at $120/year), Unplugged Schools network, Unplug Collab grants, and Unplugged Teams for workplaces. The 2026 initiative includes The Gathering Effect, a coordinated global research study. The organization also maintains an Unplug Map platform, an Unplug Store, and provides free resources including planning tools, forms, and I/We Unplug Signs. Physical products include Nap-Sacks for schools. The portfolio is organized around the core annual campaign plus modular programs that serve different community segments (individuals, schools, businesses, Gatherers).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Unplugged Village: Membership program for Gatherers who want to take their unplugging efforts to the next level with exclusive resources, one-on-one support, and access to the global Unplugged Network.
• Unplugged Schools
• Unplug Collab
• Unplugged Teams
• Unplugged Talks
• The Gathering Effect
• SuperGatherers

Products and services

• Annual Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) The flagship annual 24-hour global digital pause held every first weekend of March since 2009, where people and communities power down devices and power on real-world connection. Participants can unplug for one hour or the full 24 hours, solo or with a group. Open to all globally free of charge.
• The Gathering Effect (Research Study) A 2026 coordinated global research study that uses brief research-informed surveys to examine how phone-free in-person Gatherings relate to experiences of connection, belonging, loneliness, social support, and overall life satisfaction. Led by academic researchers with the goal of providing data-driven evidence for the benefits of unplugging.
• Unplugged Village (Membership Program) The umbrella membership program for Gatherers who want to elevate their unplugging efforts with exclusive resources, one-on-one support, and access to the global Unplugged Network. Each Village leads a series of unplugged Gatherings designed to deepen relationships and spark local change. Includes Spark (free) and Ember ($120/year) tiers.
• Unplugged Schools A network of K-12 schools committed to growing a generation of digital balance. Co-creates screen-conscious rhythms, unplugged rituals, and intentional tools with educators and families. Includes Nap-Sacks phone storage pouches for classroom use.
• Unplug Collab (Grants Program) Grant program offering small but mighty grants to support Gatherers with big ideas and high-impact potential. Funds are awarded selectively and accompanied by coaching and visibility support.
• Unplugged Teams A flexible, hybrid workplace unplugging experience that delivers a catered Gathering Guide and an all-comprehensive Unplugging Toolkit designed to meet ERG needs, scale across locations, and create real impact for employee engagement and digital wellbeing.
• Unplugged Talks Healthy tech habits talks for groups, providing speaking engagements and event activations on digital wellbeing topics for organizations, schools, and community groups.
• Spark Membership Free annual membership tier ($0) of the Unplugged Village program providing an entry point to explore the movement, start hosting gatherings, and access downloadable resources, community collaboration, and updates on the movement.
• Ember Membership Paid annual membership tier ($120/year) of the Unplugged Village program for leaders ready to grow and expand their Village. Includes all Spark benefits plus exclusive tools, recognition, hands-on support, a physical Village Kit, and a UV City Page showcasing gatherings and community impact.
• Nap-Sacks Physical phone storage pouches used in schools as part of the Unplugged Schools program, allowing students to store devices during school hours as part of screen-conscious rhythms.
• Unplug Store (Merchandise) Online shop offering merchandise and resources for the Unplugged Movement, including branded apparel and goods to support the digital wellness cause.

Quantifiable outcome

• 181 Unplugged Gatherings across 6 continents in GDU 2025 alone
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BillboardcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. Billboard, the leading music/entertainment publication, provides media support and visibility for the global unplugging movement, positioning face-to-face gathering as public health infrastructure.
• EventbritecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. Eventbrite supports the movement by helping promote and facilitate unplugged gathering events globally.
• YotominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. Yoto, a screen-free audio platform for kids, aligns with GDU's mission of reducing screen time and promoting real-world connection.
• DaylightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. Daylight (e-reader device company) supports the movement through co-marketing and brand alignment.
• BrickminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. Brick is a phone-free watch for kids, supporting digital wellness for families.
• The Offline ClubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. The Offline Club is a community organization dedicated to promoting phone-free experiences and digital balance.
• Log Off MovementcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural coalition partner for GDU 2026. Log Off Movement (founded by Emma Lembke) is a youth digital advocacy organization. Emma Lembke also serves as an advisor to GDU.
• HingecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for GDU 2025. Hinge, the dating app designed to be deleted, sponsored the annual event to promote real-world connection over digital dating.
• UScellularcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for GDU 2025. UScellular, a mobile carrier, supported the annual event as part of their commitment to responsible technology use.
• VerizonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor supporting the Unplugged Movement.
• Little Free LibraryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership promoting screen-free activities through book sharing. Little Free Library has locations in 108 countries.
• The Social DilemmaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial impact documentary and organization raising awareness about social media's effects on mental health and society.
• OpalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerScreen time management app partner. Kenneth Schlenker is founder/CEO of Opal and serves as GDU's France Director.
• Sound Mind LiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMental health and wellness organization aligned with GDU's mission of digital wellbeing.
• Tiffany Shlain (Webby Awards)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmmy-nominated filmmaker, founder of Webby Awards, and author of '24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day A Week'. Serves as an advisor to GDU.
• State FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational insurance company partnership represented by Tracey Rivera.
• RebootcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal founding partner. Reboot, a Jewish arts and culture nonprofit, launched National Day of Unplugging in partnership with Sabbath Manifesto in 2009.
• Unplug Collaborative (Internal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Day of Unplugging is a year-round initiative operated by Unplug Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Center for Humane Technology: Leading advocacy organization exposing how technology platforms harm wellbeing; produced The Social Dilemma. Operates at a broader policy and societal level but is a flagship peer in the digital wellness movement.

Direct peers

• Log Off Movement: Youth-led digital advocacy organization founded by Emma Lembke (also a GDU advisor). Directly comparable mission around raising awareness of social media's mental health effects and mobilizing collective action.
• Reboot: Jewish arts and culture nonprofit that co-founded the original National Day of Unplugging in 2009 with Sabbath Manifesto. Closely tied origin and ongoing mission alignment around Sabbath-inspired digital pauses.
• Sabbath Manifesto: Original co-creator of the unplugging movement in 2009, designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world. The spiritual/seasonal predecessor and ongoing partner of GDU.
• Screen-Free Week (CCFC): Annual week-long event run by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood encouraging children and families to unplug from entertainment media. Similar annual-event model with closely aligned educational mission.
• Digital Detox: Brand and community promoting digital wellness through live events, retreats, and storytelling. Closely comparable mission of helping people disconnect from devices and reconnect with the real world.
• The Offline Club: Community organization dedicated to phone-free experiences, dinners, and digital balance. Core cultural coalition partner of GDU 2026; operates the same phone-free gathering model across multiple cities and is the closest direct comparator.
• Wait Until 8th: Parent-led movement pledging to delay smartphones for children until 8th grade. Operates as a community-driven digital wellness movement with comparable organizer-network and grassroots GTM.

Emerging players

• Opal (screen time app): Screen time management app whose founder Kenneth Schlenker also serves as GDU's France Director. Adjacent digital wellbeing product with a software-tool orientation versus GDU's community-event orientation.
• One Sec: Mindful app that forces a pause before opening social media apps. Shares the digital wellness mission via a different (software) delivery mechanism than GDU's event-based approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/UnplugCollab
• Facebookfacebook.com/hometoglobaldayofunplugging
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/globaldayofunplugging

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Day of Unplugging