I love the work I do and one of the biggest reasons is getting to nurture community with others. As a facilitator and trainer, I strive to create spaces where people can learn, productively challenge others and themselves, work through tricky problems, and commit to opportunities for growth in the future. It can be so exciting to walk into a room after lots of preparation and planning and finally get to be with a group and dig in. I usually leave facilitations feeling a bit tired but also energized by the development that can happen with the right conditions in that room.
Needless to say, I haven’t walked into any rooms like this in several months. While I was determined to quickly move all of my work online and had enough resources and knowledge to get me there, it took me a long time to acknowledge how hard it was to cease in-person gatherings. I do not believe you can recreate in-person experiences virtually, but I also do believe that online collaboration and training can still be effective and meaningful.
Beyond learning about various virtual collaboration platforms and technologies, I have found that one of the most powerful elements of building community online is modeling vulnerability. For me, this means coming as my whole self and being honest about where I’m at, even if I’m feeling low. This is hard enough to do in person and even harder to do through a screen. But being the first to do it, especially as someone in a leadership role, can encourage others to follow suit. I also try to model vulnerability about the limitations of being in virtual space. I say ahead of time that we may hit technological snags and ask for compassion. I invite the group into the process with me, emphasizing that we’ll make our way through any challenges or imperfections together and all be okay. And we always are. But saying it helps me feel more at ease and the group feel more connected as we embark on an experience markedly different than being in the same physical space.
I find this principle to be just as true for more informal and social gatherings as it is in a work setting. Having the courage and open-heartedness to say what feels difficult about connecting online often has the effect of feeling more connective. And of course, there are ways that gathering virtually can actually strengthen community. Maybe it is more inclusive for those of us in various parts of the globe or who can’t access those in-person spaces otherwise. Maybe there’s a safety in the distance that allows for a different kind of intimacy.
Whatever your experience has been trying to be in community online, I hope you find those glimmers of connectivity and vulnerability to be a balm amidst the struggles and isolation. Just sharing these newsletters reminds me how grateful I am for my communities, both near and far.
Building and Sustaining Community Online