Roberto arrives five minutes early at Heritage Park. A small group has already gathered in the shade by the entrance. He recognizes four of the six faces; a few months ago he didn't know any of them. They talk about autumn plans and neighborhood history until one o'clock, when everyone opens the same app to see who they've been paired with. Roberto's screen says: “Your Walking Partner: Ken.” Then the group sets off down the path above Lake Washington.

Roberto learned about Acquaint Walks months earlier while exploring job and volunteer opportunities on Linkedin. The post said, “Take a Walk with Us: Join us in Testing a Nonprofit App for Organizing Local Walks!”