A fist bump is the universal sign of positive acknowledgement – simple and friendly, signifying, “I see you. You belong.” This small gesture will be even more prominent on UNC Greensboro’s campus thanks to a new pilot program, the 500 Fist Bump Challenge Coin Connection, that aims to prove a fist bump can make all the difference when it comes to purposefully creating community connections. 

“Our mission is to see to it that everybody intentionally feels seen and connected and that they truly belong,” said Mike Perko, professor of public health education in UNC Greensboro’s School of Health and Human Sciences and founder of 500 Fist Bumps. “Connection is a human imperative, period.”  

The origin of 500 Fist Bumps 

Inspired by seeing how a lacrosse coach’s simple fist bump lifted the spirits of his young son Jack, making him immediately feel like a valued member of the team, Perko started 500 Fist Bumps in 2023. The non-profit initiative uses the fist bump as a connection point for organizations to build care, trust, and a supportive environment for kids. 

“In 30 seconds, I watched Jack go from standing on the outside of this group to getting fist bumps left and right for everything that he tried,” says Perko. “But more importantly, he was giving fist bumps back to kids that were taller than him, older than him, and more experienced than him. My son was lucky to have this coach; my goal is to help organizations commit to this so that every coach, every teacher, every mentor to our kids get will be that person.” 

Perko’s mission is well-timed. The stats on youth sports teams are stark.

Now in its third year, 500 Fist Bumps has grown to include relationships with the Ragsdale YMCA, Southwest Guilford High School, and the Carolina Core professional soccer team. This August, during 500 Fist Bumps night at the Carolina Core soccer game, Perko saw his vision in action. 

“During the game, more than 4,000 fans stood and fist bumped each other,” he says. “We created 12,000 intentional opportunities for human connection in 30 seconds.” 

Bumping up the program 

Perko knows the need for connectivity extends beyond youth. 

He recently co-authored the forthcoming textbook “Worksite Health Promotion” which focuses on implementing employee worksite wellness programs among organizations. Perko says that the need for addressing issues such as loneliness, anxiety, isolation, and other physical and mental conditions in the workplace has never been more critical. 

A 2025 United Nations World Health Organization Report says that 100 people worldwide die of a loneliness-related condition every hour, and that social connection is a vital pillar of whole health. The 500 Fist Bump Challenge Coin Connection at UNCG is designed to foster belonging and connection to improve mental health and increase connection among faculty and staff. Created in collaboration with Stefanie Milroy, director of HealthyUNCG, the program puts the science of social connection into practice. 

“We are excited to pilot this campus-wide effort designed to strengthen belonging and well-being,” Milroy says. “Social connection is a key driver of mental health, job satisfaction, and resilience. This initiative helps reduce burnout, boost morale, and create a supportive community.” 

“This program is different than other wellness programs. We believe it’s the first of its kind geared toward connecting as humans,” Perko says.  

By creating intentional moments of interaction, 500 Fist Bump Challenge Coin Connection turns small acts like a hallway hello, a kind message, or a fist bump into powerful symbols of belonging. Participants exchange a Connection Coin, start a conversation, and participate in a research study at the same time.  

“The wooden coin is about the size of a quarter. The front of the coin has the UNCG emblem and the words ‘You Belong Here.’ The back is printed with a QR code that takes you to a quick, two-item survey that asks why did you receive a coin and how did it make you feel,” Perko says. “We’re asking folks to give coins to each other as often as possible and express gratitude and support for each other. The beauty of it is that through our survey, we will be able to build through testimonials what it really means to belong at UNCG.” 

HealthyUNCG is currently recruiting volunteers to participate. They offer trainings for faculty and staff willing to help this giant social experiment take off. 

“We want to decrease loneliness, anxiety, or social isolation through connection within the UNCG community,” Perko says. “We want everyone to feel like they belong here, which will help us all enjoy UNCG and be more connected.”

Story by Alice Manning Touchette

Photography by Sean Norona and Mike Perko