We're rebuilding community in Iowa — one wave at a time. Because the ripple of a simple hello can heal a neighborhood.
Our mission
Like many, our founder grew up in a tight-knit community where everyone waved — even to strangers. That culture of casual connection has been slowly disappearing for a generation.
Research confirms what we feel: loneliness is rising, civic participation is falling, and trust between neighbors is disappearing. But the science also points to a solution.
"Small gestures — smiles, waves, eye contact — build recognition-based ties that reinforce neighborhood cohesion, trust, and belonging."
What we're building
#theiowave is part community campaign, part social experiment. We want to educate Iowans on the measurable power of small social gestures — on their own health, and on the neighborhoods where they live.
Over time, we'll track real outcomes: self-reported loneliness, civic participation, volunteerism, and local economic engagement. Because small gestures deserve big proof.
Get involvedHow it works
The iowave is grounded in decades of social psychology research about how communities heal and grow together.
A simple wave to a neighbor or stranger builds what researchers call "recognition-based ties" — the invisible threads that hold communities together.
The Foot-in-the-Door effect shows that one small act of connection makes both parties significantly more likely to engage in larger community behaviors.
Neighborhood cohesion links directly to lower depression rates, less cardiovascular disease, more physical activity, and stronger local economies.
The research
Studies consistently link neighborhood social ties to reduced risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, and higher self-rated health outcomes — even after controlling for income and demographics.
Accepting or participating in something small makes people far more likely to participate in larger efforts later. Meta-analyses confirm this effect across charity, health behavior, and civic engagement.
The U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health crisis. The health impact of chronic loneliness rivals smoking 15 cigarettes a day — and it's measurably reversible through social connection.
Stronger neighborhood cohesion correlates with increased local economic engagement — more foot traffic at small businesses, higher volunteerism, and greater civic participation rates.
Get involved
Here's how you can help build something bigger than any one of us:
Wherever you are, right now. That's it. You've already joined.
Tell friends, family, and neighbors. Share on social media with #theiowave.
Sponsorships, media connections, neighborhood networks, design — all welcome.
Neighborhood associations, faith communities, local businesses — we'd love to partner.
Get updates and ways to get involved as we grow.