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=== Gathering Online ===

Due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic measures, it can be beneficial to plan events to happen 100% online, then improvise if something can happen in person.

A few notes from discussions with FoAM network members during autumn 2020. 

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=="Start where you are." ==

  * What are your strategies for survival given the current condition?

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==What works for you in online gatherings?== 

For example:
  * gathering people from around the world
  * more focus and intimacy, less social mingling
  * fostering a sense of belonging to a distributed community
  * don't need ice-breakers as much. people are happy to jump into conversations.

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==What are the "essential services" in online gatherings?== 

For example:
  * clear purpose, instructions and rules of engagement
  * tested (and retested) setup
  * good hosts (prepared, knowledgeable, engaging everyone, keeping the rhythm)
  * a redundancy of competent and agile technical support staff
  * interesting worthwhile content and inspiring speakers
  * more regular check-ins to make sure people are comfortable, engaged, connected

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== DIVERSITY ==

  * redundancy of modes of engagement/channels of communication. have multiple alternatives to engage with people with connectivity problems. redundancy in modes of engagement - be prepared to change mode/direction of conversation. have backup plans if things go wrong (what is the minimum? text based chat, sms, letters)

  * a range of formats (keynotes, guided discussions, chill-out rooms, physical education...)

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== "we're struggling with this together" -> so "let's try stuff" ==

How do we want to be together?

  * how do you like to connect with people when you can't be physically co-present?
  * what kind of place can we create together? what are its qualities?

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== Design process ==

Think about:

  * How can you simplify the design? What is the minimum that would make it work?
  * What are the most appropriate platforms for the purpose, content and atmosphere?
  * Pick the appropriate platforms and Play With The Medium. (eg. for some things Zoom is the best there is. for others it might not be - be clear what the purpose of each session is, and decide on the platform accordingly). 
  * How can the participants be more engaged? (eg. moving between formats, contents, group sizes)
  * How can you make the experience lighter, surprising and more playful?

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== A few playful examples ==

  * How could the participants 'make the space' together? 
  * online multiplayer games
  * connected performances (multiple camera angles, sonic experiments, ambient webcams...)
  * create a map (d&d, choose your own adventure...)
  * VR, AR experiments
  * listening spaces (cameras off)
  * "no talking" spaces
  * sharing a familiar situation remotely - people engaged in the same physical activity (kitchens, bars, reading rooms, fitness rooms...)
  * togetherness through physical objects - DIY kits sent by post beforehand
  * silence is sexy
  * embrace the glitch & delay
  * think about having sufficient breaks (some with activities)

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=== Commit, prepare, then improvise (and+and) ===

  * Be clear on the purpose and code of conduct for the gathering and each of the sessions, yet make your goals more flexible/adaptive (min-max)
  * Spend enough time planning and crafting clear instructions, then be ready to improvise when things don't go as planned
  * Trust in people's capabilities to self-organise when the purpose and rules of engagement are clear (instructions are important, but don't micromanage). 
  * Some things you design might not work. How could you incorporate the 'not working' as part of the process, rather than seeing it as a failure?