Better Together Brings Unstructured Socialization to Milan
Milan non-profit Better Together operates urban gatherings to combat loneliness through unstructured socialization, according to founder Carlo Asta. Established a year ago alongside Francesco Salonia and Matteo Zaupa, the initiative provides weekly urban meetups across various non-profit spaces in Milan, offering participants an environment to build community without performance pressures.
Weekly Programming Across Milan Venues
Better Together organizes four meetings each week in collaboration with host organizations across Milan, providing upwards of 42 hours of social time per week, according to latobmilano.it.
Events take place at venues such as Lato B on Viale Pasubio, 21 House of Stories Città Studi on Via Enrico Nöe, ParteciPrato on Via Faravelli, Palazzina Appiani inside Parco Sempione, Casello San Cristoforo on Via Pesto, and Social Lab Porta Genova on Via Valenza.
Extended Hours and Accessible Activities
Programs run for extended hours—frequently from morning until late evening—allowing participants to drop in for remote work, reading, board games, book clubs, film screenings, and theatrical workshops.
According to latobmilano.it, activities at Lato B require an ARCI membership card priced at 12 euros and 5 euros for under 18s, while water is provided free and participants may bring outside food or purchase items from local vendors.
Roots of the Non-Profit Initiative
Founder Carlo Asta stated that the non-profit stems from personal experiences with the stigma surrounding social isolation. After discussing mutual feelings of isolation with co-founders Francesco Salonia and Matteo Zaupa, Asta recognized that the issue was collective and rooted in a lack of communal spaces and time.
Participants frequently cite urban freneticism and life transitions as primary drivers for joining the circles. Dario, a lifelong Milan resident, noted that the city’s pace often lacks moments to slow down. Dalia, another participant, began attending after experiencing a period of malaise while working remotely from home, while Valentina and Andrew joined to rebuild social networks and step outside their comfort zones.
Orientation and Daily Demographic Profiles
Upon arrival, newcomers undergo a brief orientation session designed to ease entry and counter the intimidation often felt when entering a new social environment. Daily activities incorporate icebreaker exercises, such as conversation circles where participants draw cards bearing personal questions aimed at fostering genuine connections rather than debate.
The typical demographic consists largely of adults with an average age of 35, including separated parents, recent transplants to Milan, and individuals experiencing sudden career changes.