‘Zoom’ into 2020: Video Meetings for Members-at-Large
By Gail Speckmann, Outreach Chair
As those of us who are members of NLAPW branches know, there are many benefits to being part of the community of Pen Women. We are now expanding access and inclusiveness to members-at-large through a teleconferencing program called Zoom.
Zoom is a cloud-based group meeting/discussion tool that offers interactive video, audio, and screen-sharing experiences on your computer, tablet, or phone. If you are familiar with Skype, you already get the concept. When joining a Zoom conference call, members-at-large have the option to participate in the dialog or simply listen and observe.
Based on the survey responses (initially sent out in October 2018 and resent in January 2019) from members-at-large, I have been contacting those who indicated an interest in having more connections with one another. An initial Zoom launch has been made, and the program seems very workable. Special thanks to Laura Walth, Kate Petit, and Connie DeDona as we have been exploring the program and brainstorming about the possible uses of Zoom for NLAPW.
In early February, an invitation will be sent out to all members-at-large to try out Zoom and see its potential benefits. To connect with other members online, all you will need to do is click on a link in an email sent to you by the meeting host.
Our League currently has 105 members-at-large scattered across the United States. There are various reasons why these members are not part of a branch, and these include not living geographically near an existing branch, other transportation issues, health reasons, and lack of time to commit to a regularly meeting organization. Zoom can provide a virtual branch experience with low-pressure involvement and convenient interaction for these members.
The Zoom meetings can be used for introductions and for presenting something each woman is working on or has accomplished in her field. Members can take part when it works for them and particularly if they have some creative endeavor for which they would value feedback from other professionals. Shared issues regarding work situations, creative challenges, and outreach can be discussed in the group setting. Program presentations are also possible.
An added benefit from using an option like Zoom comes from increased membership potential by attracting members working full-time, including younger members.
Please consider joining us in exploring the possibilities of this new community experience!