Virtual Based Facilitation

Many chapters and colonies are facilitating LEAD sessions and educational workshops virtually. The following guidance will help chapters and colonies navigate how to successfully implement educational programs in a virtual environment using Zoom or other video conferencing software. If needing a premium account of Zoom, which provides unlimited meeting time, allowance of up to 300 participants, and meeting recording capability, submit a request at www.sigmanu.org/zoom.

1. Plan Accordingly. While moving LEAD and other educational programs to a virtual environment are possible, chapters, colonies, and facilitators will need to make plans for adjusting to the features and limitations of your chosen video conferencing platform. Facilitator notes for all LEAD sessions should be reviewed in advance to identify any necessary adjustments. Contact your Leadership Consultant if you can’t access any password-protected materials. In preparing for an upcoming session, make note of activities and group interaction that would be difficult to achieve in a virtual environment. These activities can be swapped by the facilitator for something more appropriate or easier to accomplish virtually.
2. Take Full Advantage of Software Features. Though it is not 1:1, Zoom and other video conferencing platforms have released several features that make the transition from in-person to virtual facilitation much easier. Breakout Rooms can be utilized for small group conversations and team-building activities. Polling allows facilitators to build quick consensus or create engagement. Screen share enables facilitators to share PowerPoint presentations or other documents and resources. Chat features also allow participants to engage with one another and ask questions without distracting from the main conversation or presentation.
3. Set Expectations. To ensure that sessions run smoothly, facilitators and event planners should set expectations with participants either in advance or at the beginning of the video conference. Examples of expectations include, but are not limited to, appropriate dress and decorum (especially if the call will be recorded), limiting the use of distracting or inappropriate digital backgrounds, and facilitator preferences for communication (e.g. remaining on mute until called upon, using the chat feature to ask questions, etc.).
4. Record the Session for Those Who Could Not Attend. A convenient advantage for virtual educational programs is that most video conferencing software allows you to record your events for future viewing. Have members who are not able to attend your LEAD session? Send them a link to the recording of the session they missed to view on their own time later.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance with moving your educational programs to a virtual environment, please contact your chapter or colony’s Leadership Consultant.