What We Do

ZAG Lab

Pops of
Joy

ZAG Mag

ZAG Lab

ZAG Lab has developed a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focused curriculum that equips students with the tools to celebrate and surprise themselves and others, fostering greater self-confidence, self-awareness, and compassion. Research shows that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs have as great a long-term impact on academic growth as programs designed specifically to support academic learning. (Mahoney, Durlak, and Weissberg, 2018)

HOW WE DO THIS:

  • ZAG Lab has developed a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focused curriculum that equips students with the tools to celebrate and surprise themselves and others, fostering greater self-confidence, self-awareness, and compassion. Research shows that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs have as great a long-term impact on academic growth as programs designed specifically to support academic learning. (Mahoney, Durlak, and Weissberg, 2018)

    Students engage in neighborhood projects that brighten someone’s day, such as May Day celebrations and writing handwritten cards to seniors. The curriculum emphasizes our core values: The Magic of Surprise, The Power of Play, and The Reciprocity of Joy. It also challenges the idea that creativity is exclusive. We know that everyone has something to express when given the space and opportunity.

  • Bring more joy to your work culture with ZAG Lab workshops. We focus on:

    • The Magic of Surprise: Creating memorable moments that make employees, clients, and customers feel seen and valued.

    • The Power of Play: Interactive games and creative exercises that boost collaboration and unlock creativity.

    • The Reciprocity of Joy: Fostering a culture of giving and receiving to enhance team spirit and client experiences.

Pops of Joy

ZAG Project partners with volunteers, donors, artists, musicians, and local organizations to curate pleasant surprises. Our projects range from interactive art, musical performances, and flash mobs, to acts of kindness in everyday places like parks, transit stations, and schools.

Why Surprise Matters:
Research shows a pleasant surprise increases curiosity, excitement, and wonder, intensifying emotions by up to 400% (Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected). Adding elements like art, animals, and kindness releases brain chemicals linked to happiness and well-being.

HOW WE DO THIS:

    • Animals: Service dogs (Bern Bright), puppy visits

    • Art & Music: Welcome mats, murals, group art projects, singalongs, dance parties

    • Physical Play: Parachute games, ZAG Zone activities

    • Surprise Initiatives: Spontaneous joy activations, red carpets, popsicles, winter bags

  • We host monthly volunteer events, engaging the community and supporting our nonprofit collaborators.

    Sign up for our newsletter or volunteer with us!

  • ZAG Project offers workshops for businesses and nonprofits on managing stress, preventing burnout, and fostering well-being through mindfulness, identifying signs of stress and burnout, and community engagement.

ZAG Mag

ZAG Mag is a printed publication that was created to provide people with moments of pause in our chaotic world. In the pages, you’ll find stories and examples of ways that ZAG Project is bringing joy and connection to those in the Denver Metro area, as well as:

  • Interactive activities

  • Stories and ideas from local contributors

  • Journal Prompts

  • A DIY project and a recipe

  • Ways to find joy

  • ...and more!

Magazines can be picked up at CAFE 180 (3315 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80235). CAFE 180 is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.