I am wondering if you, like me, can identify with this woman in the photo. “Please don’t tell me I have to attend one more meeting online!” But, as this pandemic rages on, looking like it will get worse before it gets better, it seems virtual connecting will be with us for quite a while.
Adapting & Learning
I have had some great connections on Zoom meetings and other times where I wanted to kick the computer screen and pull out my hair. In evaluating the meetings, I realized the “I want to pull my hair out” meetings were caused by the host not understanding how to use the program. The host also did not not take the time to explain to the participants how to navigate the program.
I must confess, I created some of those “kick the screen” moments as a host of virtual meetings, ugh!
I lead a community group at my church and since March we have been meeting virtually via Zoom. I made every mistake in the book. I was grateful we had a small, forgiving group that extended me lots of grace as I fumbled my way through all of the technology needed to meet virtually. I just jumped in without really understanding how to navigate the software or how to use it to facilitate a good meeting.
Create Something Meaningful
Whether you use Zoom or any of the other virtual meeting programs it is important as a host to learn and master how the program works. Next, it helps to communicate with and teach your participants what they need to know to make the most of the meeting(s). Not everyone is as tech savvy as you might think. I woefully over estimated my own tech abilities to the frustration of my dear community group members. As a result, I started investigating resources where I could learn how to manage the program better and use it to facilitate better meetings.
Here are a few resources for learning how to use virtual meeting programs. They all have instructional videos that can help you understand how to navigate the various programs listed. Pick the one you like the best and get very good at being a host or facilitator. Create a meaningful connection for volunteers that will make them looking for more.
What I can help you with are some ideas of how to use virtual meetings to host your in-service trainings and create meaningful connections.
You can download the ideas here.