Hybrid Meetings, the Future of Connection?
Pre 2020, S-Anon had two meeting formats, in-person and phone. Along with the rest of the planet, S-Anon had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic and learn to function through virtual connections. This created a number of emergency setups and last-minute alterations to ensure that our meetings continued during what, for most of us, was a very difficult time. Every group in Indiana began using Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms to meet safely. As we are moving out of the pandemic there is a huge need to reconnect in-person, but not lose what the virtual meetings gave us. Here are some numbers:
June 2021
-US & Canada Registered Face-to-Face Groups: 299
-International Face-to-Face Groups: 21
-Registered Phone & Virtual Groups: 37
-Temporary Phone & Virtual Groups: 74
-S-Ateen Face-to-Face & Virtual Groups: 3
434 meetings
What we recognized in the Fishers, Indiana group is that participation and repeat meeting attendance seriously increased when we offered a virtual option. We saw a lot of newcomers during the last 1.5 years, and we truly believe that offering a virtual option for meetings allows loan members to connect with a group that would normally have been too far to attend. Therefore, we recognized that offering a hybrid meeting, where you could come in-person and virtually would feel welcoming, convenient and possible for most of our members. Fishers began testing this meeting format, technology and connecting in June 2020. Through some trial and error, here is what we found works best for us.
- Location with strong internet connection. If this is not possible, a member could offer their phone as a hotspot.
- TV to connect computer to so all members in-person can see the virtual attendees. If this is not possible, you could place a laptop at the end of the table in gallery view.
- Microphone/speaker so everyone can be heard. For a laptop (device you can connect a USB to), a Jabra Speak 410. I have personal experience with this and it is very easy to use and works well.
- If available, the ideal setup would include a webcam, attached to the TV that also has a microphone and is connected to a computer. This allows you to login to the virtual platform, see/hear the room, and have all virtual attendees visible to in-person members.
- Worst case scenario, you pass a laptop from speaker to speaker meeting in-person for the virtual members to see clearly.
We hope that everyone has the ability to attend meetings in the way they prefer and continue to work their program. Meetings are vital to our program work and sometimes you just can't beat a hug, or the ability to attend from your back porch. Progress, not perfection. These suggestions are not endorsed or approved by S-Anon WSO, just personal experience, strength and hope from Indiana.
