"Student loneliness is at an all-time high... and the culprit is lack of human connection."

For the past 15 years, highly acclaimed speaker and youth motivator Joe Beckman has been sharing his powerful message with audiences all over the world. His message?  Human connection matters.

Beckman says, "People are craving connection. It's only when we stop and slow down, separate from our screens, and truly listen to each other's stories, that we can course correct, and give our youth the best chance to leave their mark on this world."

Decorah Middle School Principal Justin Albers says after hearing Beckman speak at the Keystone Premier Education Conference in Elkader, several DMS staff members approached him about getting Beckman to Decorah. "He truly has a gift," says Keystone AEA Director of Educational Services Tesha Ruley. "He connects his own personal stories with research, and then provides tangible ideas to foster connection. He has lots of energy and is very inspiring. Decorah is in for a treat."

Beckman will have a full agenda when he comes to Decorah on Thursday, April 5th. He'll spend the day with students at Decorah Middle School, discussing what it means to be a "difference maker." Beckman tells decorahnews.com, "My message is all about reclaiming the importance of the choices we make every day." After school, Beckman will speak about the importance of student engagement in a district-wide presentation. Finally, Beckman will hold a parent/community event beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Carrie Lee Auditorium. Beckman will share a strategy-based, interactive presentation based on his own thoughts and ideas about ways to engage our youth and reclaim human connection. The event is open to everyone.  There is no charge for admission.

For more information on Joe Beckman, visit his website at https://joebeckman.com/

A personalized video message from Joe about his visit to Decorah can be viewed at https://youtu.be/4iXQer1z2yY