Page 38 - Voices-2022-04

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Hybrid Meetings?

Jennifer Schmidt, EH2

Before March of 2020, I drove each Saturday have changed. New Horizons’
from Vancouver, Washington, an hour south solution is to roll out a new hybrid
(sometimes before sunrise) to attend the 8:00 meeting which involves teamwork,

am New Horizons Toastmasters meeting in patience, and technology to include
Tualatin, Oregon. The in-person experience was everyone. Here are some factors
a lot of fun and a great way to start the weekend. to consider if you want to embrace
This motivated my commitment to a weekly a new hybrid trial for your Club

commute. meetings:
When the pandemic forced the closure of
our meeting space, we had to decide if we would Teamwork - Hybrid meetings take a lot of
stop meeting altogether or try online meetings. teamwork and communication to be successful.

Honestly, I had my doubts about online meetings, Essentially your Club is merging two formats
but with practice and patience we learned the into one meeting with a lot of moving parts. This
new format and we perfected a new, fun meeting requires a dedicated team. Club officers must be
of quality. committed and decide how and when to launch

Now two years later, we are comfortable being the first meeting (which is usually the hardest
online and have welcomed many from around one.) Communication must be clear, consistent,
the world. Visitors who won’t ever be able to “stop and constant so all the members understand the
by’’ in Tualatin can Zoom in each week. As things goal of transitioning to the new meeting style.

are returning to “normal” we are changing once Then you’ll need a team that is comfortable
again to a hybrid model, an in-person and online with technology and willing to share both their
combination meeting. expertise and equipment during the meeting.
A lot of clubs are considering this hybrid

option. Going back to strictly in-person meetings Patience - Hybrid meetings aren’t built in a
cuts off our new friends and members who joined day, just like online meetings weren’t in the Spring
when online was the only option. In contrast, of 2020. Some people will want the progress to
those who want to meet in person really want be faster than is possible. To create balance, the

to meet in person again. Their vision is to grab hybrid format must work for everyone as equally
a cup of coffee and chat after our meetings as as possible, so the experience isn’t diminished
they did in the past. for any member regardless of how they’re
How can we effectively do both? Our members attending. The in-person group will have an

38 ONE COMMUNITY