As things get progressively more weird with Coronavirus, the need to remain connected to each other becomes simultaneously more important and more difficult. I think that the Zoom video conference tool could be a really good organizing tool for us all. Zoom (and other tools like it) will allow those feeling most vulnerable to remain connected. As we limit travel, and in-person public gatherings Zoom offers an alternate way to connect, share information, and organize.
So, before getting to deeply into the organizing, it seems that building our own confidence at using the tool will help us help others do the same. Some of us use it a lot and maybe some of you have never used it. Either way, we all have things to learn about how to use this tool. This is also an opportunity to practice our facilitation and participation skills. I remember that one of the coolest things about Occupy was that people gained a common set of skills for participating in mass meetings. I bet we could bring some of those skills to Zoom.
Though Zoom allows folks to join by phone only, I'm hoping you'll try it with either your computer or smartphone in order to use the video features. I'd like to experiment with breakout rooms (something new to me), and let others practice hosting as well to see controls and options.
Zoom has free accounts, see https://zoom.us/ Backbone is a paying subscriber which normally allows a few more options, so let's use the Backbone Zoom channel tonight.
https://zoom.us/j/7222639356 IF you can only do it by phone, I will paste more Zoom call in information below.
If you are interested in viewing some tutorials, here are a couple options.
How to Join a Zoom meeting:
Zoom controls:
I was just watching to video on Breakout Rooms:
https://youtu.be/j_O7rDILNCM
https://youtu.be/j_O7rDILNCM
Let me know if you plan to participate or if you have experience as a Zoom host, or whether there is some other skill you'd be willing to share tonight or in the future - or question/issue that you'd like to discuss tonight 7-8pm. (We could use time keeper(s), a note taker(s) and, co-hosts, and a facilitator if someone else would like to take that role.)
Here's a draft agenda:
- Welcome/Check in (10min)
- Zoom controls (5min)
- Discussion of facilitation/participation skills that may be useful (5)
- Quick jam on Ideas for skills and tools for our community in times like these. Pick 4(?) topics (5)
- Practice breakout rooms to discuss topics. (15)
- Report back from breakout rooms (10)
- Next steps ideas sharing and GoDos (10)
- Go Forth! Each One Teach One
Again, this is a bit of an experiment with friends. No pressure to participate or to make it too big a deal. Personally, I'm just trying to figure out how to respond to this emerging moment and want to do that with people I love and trust. We are all in this together!
with love and gratitude,
Bill Moyer
c. 206-356-9980
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/7222639356
Meeting ID: 722 263 9356
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Meeting ID: 722 263 9356
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https://zoom.us/j/7222639356
Meeting ID: 722 263 9356
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,7222639356# US (San Jose)
+16465588656,,7222639356# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 722 263 9356
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abcwwvKchk