Because our emerging Global Intercultural Circle involved women from across the U.S., we realized we needed to find a virtual format if we wished to come together regularly. So, we agreed upon a monthly virtual connect. We discovered over trial and error that for virtual connects to work well, we needed at least one lead facilitator, a note-taker, a reliable virtual platform, an agenda, a regular meeting time (like the last Monday of each month), a shared site for documents, and a style of engagement that intentionally invites everyone to participate during the opening and closing for the call. Over time our virtual circle has experimented with video-conference call platforms (Google Hangouts, Skype, and Zoom) and audio-conference call platforms. We have found a monthly call for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours that happens the last Monday of the month works well. For each call, we include an: 1) Opening Check-In; 2) one or two themes for discussion; 3) closing check-out ritual and/or a closing reading or song. Below are sample facilitator agendas and a 10 month series.
Template for a Virtual Gathering