This Is What Everyone’s Talking About. Here’s What We’re Doing About It.

As we close out the year and head into the holidays, I’ve noticed something happening in nearly every conversation with parents:
We’re all reading the same books.

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
Notes on Being a Man by Scott Galloway.
How to Know a Person by David Brooks.
The Connection Cure by Julia Hotz.

These authors are naming the exact questions we’re hearing from families every day:
Why are our kids struggling?
What is happening socially and emotionally?
And most importantly—what can we do?

When I have read some of these books or listened to some of these author interviews, I want to say loudly to everyone I know “Here we are! The Goldfinch Foundation! We are doing it!”.

We are on to something pretty amazing and unique. I don’t know of another organization quite like the GFF who offers an integrated, empowering, experiential, youth-led, creative but also science-informed, solution to some of these societal concerns.

In 2026, The Goldfinch Foundation will be launching a monthly “Book + Author Highlight Series,” where we take one of these influential books and talk about how it connects to the real, practical work we’re doing with young people right here in our community.

Here’s what’s coming:
January – The Anxious Generation (Haidt)
February – Notes on Being a Man (Galloway)
March – How to Know a Person (Brooks)
April – The Connection Cure (Hotz)

If you’re traveling for the holidays, pick up one of these books.
If you’re in a book club, consider adding one to your list.
And if you find yourself at a cocktail party talking about parenting, mental health, or screens—pay attention. These conversations are everywhere.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers.
But we are building something meaningful: a community where young people practice connection, creativity, purpose, movement, leadership, and emotional resilience—skills that every one of these authors says young people desperately need.

I hope you’ll follow along with us in the new year.

Here’s to honest conversations, practical solutions, and a hopeful 2026.
 
Warmly,
Liz
The Goldfinch Foundation

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers and teen ambassadors who helped make the MBA Holiday Market such a success — your enthusiasm, character, and willingness to share what GFF means to you made the day truly special.

If you missed us and would like to purchase our limited-edition Christmas ornaments or other merchandise, you can still shop online.

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts? Check out our GFF merch collection!

Every purchase supports The Goldfinch Foundation’s mission to empower young adults, fund community programs, and honor Owen’s legacy. Shop GFF merch and give a gift that makes a difference.

This holiday, we’re inviting our community to give in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and deeply connected. Our Give Light holiday campaign offers two beautiful ways to honor someone you love while supporting The Goldfinch Foundation’s work in youth mental wellness and social connection.

You can choose to send a digital “Give Light” card, delivered directly to someone’s inbox—a thoughtful alternative if you’re skipping paper cards this year or want to offer a heartfelt holiday shout-out.

For those wanting something tangible, you can also honor a loved one with a mailed 5×7 limited-edition print of Owen’s artwork, sent directly to the recipient you designate. These prints are available for a limited time and offer a lasting way to share light and meaning this season.

Whether digital or mailed, each gift helps spread connection, creativity, and hope. To learn more about Give Light and how to participate, visit our website.

Join us for Into the Light, a sunrise 5K at Percy Warner Park in Nashville! Start your day with an inspiring run or walk, connect with a community of like-minded people, and celebrate mental health awareness. Whether you’re an early riser, a passionate runner, or simply looking for a meaningful way to support the cause, this event is for you. Come be part of a morning full of hope, connection, and positive energy as the sun rises over the park.

As you consider year-end giving, there are several thoughtful ways to support causes you care about while planning wisely. Options like Donor Advised Funds, direct charitable gifts, IRA charitable contributions (for those 70½+), and legacy giving can create both immediate impact and lasting meaning.

Looking ahead: Changes to federal tax rules beginning in 2026 may limit charitable deductions for some donors. If you’re already planning to give, making a gift in 2025 may offer stronger tax benefits. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor about what makes the most sense for you—while helping us continue to shine light on youth mental wellness and social connection.