Virtual Support Group ... Setting it up

Hi All -

As many of you know, I have recently complete the OH Support Group Leader Training. While I'm holding monthly meetings locally, there has been some interest in having a Virtual Support Group. I'm trying to work out the logistics for this.

How do we want to meet?

ONLINE CHAT -- We can do this as a chat, but then it's all typing.

CONFERENCE CALL -- I'm looking at doing something with a conference calling system. I can set it up so that we can have a virtual meeting with a conference call number. You dial the number and pay whatever long distance charges might be applicable to you ... in my case, I have unlimited long distance, so it wouldn't cost me anything. If you don't have unlimited long distance, it would cost you whatever you normally pay for long distance. There are 1-800-numbers that we can do this with, but I can't afford to foot the bill for this because it costs per person, per minute.

With conference calling, we all are able to hear one-another, but of course, we can't see each other. It can be set up so that someone can give a presentation if we want to hear one. You can 'mute' out background noises. It can also be set up so that it's like a virtual meeting which allows Q&A or interchange between members.

How do we want to handle distributing information?

EMAIL - I can put together a distribution list that is solely for distribuiting handouts prior to a meeting. I could use this same email list to notify you of an upcoming meeting, if you like.

Website - I can post the information on a website that you can access and view or download the info.

Group blog - I can post the information on the group blog and you can look at it before and/or during the meeting.

All three?

I'm trying to iron out the details before I schedule the first meeting. I'd love your input.

Barb

Barb, I sent you some suggestions via PM-- I think conference call is good and how about a WIKI to use to share information?  Thanks again for doing this! :)

What's a wiki? How many do you think will be in on it? Go with whatever works best for you - we can adapt to just about anything. Thanks for doing this. - Iris

I agree with Iris...what ever is best for you, we can adapt to.    Thanks, Pam

A WIKI is a website that is used like a collaboration tool. All members (if provided rights) can add, edit or change information on it. I thought it would be a great way for us to share information for the support group (handouts, etc).  Wikipedia is a great example of a wiki.  It is editable, but I think is only editable by certain users (so the information is correct and not speculation).  Go to www.wetpaint.com and you can read more about Wiki's. I created one a couple weeks ago there for a friend's Bachelorette Party so we could all add what we were bringing. It's cool! :) Anyway, the Wiki can be private so only users in the support group can see it.  Barb, I'll be glad to set it up if you want to go that route for the information part of the SG. Regarding HOW we chat/meet, I think the conference call is the best idea, but I'm sure most people will go along with what you decide. :)

I think whatever you use will be fine Barb.. dont make it hard on yourself!

Oh, I'd just emailed you a reply, Barb.  LOL A compromise between online chat and conference calling: what about using Yahoo chat or MSN Messenger conference chat?  That way, we can mix media.  Then if there are 16 of us on at one time, we can choose to type in the moment or wait our turn to give voice input.   Thanks for putting this effort forward.  This is an awesome community, and you're making it even awesomer.

thanks kim ...

i'll be looking into the yahoo chat or msn messenger ideas ... both sound good.

barb