Creating Connection in the Time of COVID-19 with Nancy White
Mar 9, 2020
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In this episode, Nancy White from Full Circle Associates discusses creating and maintaining connections online during a crisis, offering advice for transitioning offline events to virtual platforms, exploring the eco cycle framework for reconstructing networks and relationships, and providing guidance for community managers and facilitators during COVID-19.
When transitioning offline events to online, focus on designing effective interactions by recreating aspects of face-to-face interactions such as small conversations and breakout sessions.
During chaotic times, facilitators and community managers should connect with others, provide support, and engage in civic duty by helping people stay connected and making meaningful offers to the wider world.
Deep dives
Transitioning Events from In-Person to Online
For work-based events or time-sensitive projects that cannot be postponed, the focus should be on designing effective online interactions. It is important not to replicate mediocre or ineffective offline meetings online. Instead, organizers should identify the best aspects of face-to-face interactions, such as small conversations and breakout sessions, and find ways to recreate them online. Utilizing video conferencing tools with breakout room capability can facilitate small group discussions and maintain engagement. Overcoming the fear of missing out and embracing alternative methods of interaction are key to ensuring successful online events.
Reevaluating and Adapting in Times of Change
The current situation offers an opportunity to reevaluate the portfolio of activities and relationships. Organizations should consider what activities have outlived their usefulness and should be discontinued, and what new possibilities are emerging. This reflection can help identify where to allocate resources and tap into the talents of the team. By being intentional and conscious about purpose and value, organizations can navigate rapidly changing circumstances and foster resilience.
Supporting Facilitators and Community Managers
During chaotic and stressful times, facilitators and community managers should not work in isolation. It is crucial to connect with others, think together, and provide support. Engaging in civic duty by helping people stay connected and making meaningful offers to the wider world is essential. Balancing inward collaboration with outward interfaces to parallel networks creates a stronger and more resilient response. Utilizing resources like the F4C facilitators for corona response group and existing working online resources can provide valuable guidance and support.
In this short (~15 min) bonus episode, we speak with facilitator and community builder extraordinaire Nancy White of Full Circle Associates about creating and maintaining connections online during a crisis. Specifically, we talk through: Advice for taking offline events online (and if you should) Planning for a near-term future of limited face to face gatherings Drawing from pre-social media community building techniques to create connections How facilitators and community builders can practice self-care and help others during this challenging time Links / sources mentioned in the episode: Nancy's bio (google doc) The Ecocycle Diagram that Nancy mentions in the episode:
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