Zoom is working well as an online tool to keep us all engaged, but I do have a concern that new members may feel a little left out.
At a ‘normal’ Club night at the Stables, when a new member walks through the door for the first time, Deb, myself, or one of our events team will make a point of welcoming them. We’ll always endeavour to find them a seat and introduce them to one or two regulars who we know will include them in the R3 chat and who are keen to help them find their feet. Zoom meetings work a little differently. As members join these electronic meetings I’ll greet them one by one, which makes it difficult to spend time with new members, who could be feeling apprehensive. As more and more regulars go on to catch up with friends, and share ‘in’ jokes, I’m aware that to newcomers this may appear ‘cliquey’, leaving them feeling left out or unwelcome, which is something we’ve worked very hard to avoid in R3. With this in mind I’ve arranged a second Club night this week. This is evening is strictly for new members, or those who have never been to a Club night before, or perhaps have only managed one so far. The aim is to give newcomers a chance to find their feet and meet other like minded enthuasists who are probably also feeling like the new kid in class. I hope some of you will give this new format a try and join me to tell me more about what is important to you and how we can help you get more from your Club and Region. Don't forget to check your inbox today for your Zoom invite link in your North East Regional email, you will need this to log on.
Ps don't forget everyone is welcome to join us for our usual Club Night & quiz on Wednesday evening from 7.30pm.
At a ‘normal’ Club night at the Stables, when a new member walks through the door for the first time, Deb, myself, or one of our events team will make a point of welcoming them. We’ll always endeavour to find them a seat and introduce them to one or two regulars who we know will include them in the R3 chat and who are keen to help them find their feet. Zoom meetings work a little differently. As members join these electronic meetings I’ll greet them one by one, which makes it difficult to spend time with new members, who could be feeling apprehensive. As more and more regulars go on to catch up with friends, and share ‘in’ jokes, I’m aware that to newcomers this may appear ‘cliquey’, leaving them feeling left out or unwelcome, which is something we’ve worked very hard to avoid in R3. With this in mind I’ve arranged a second Club night this week. This is evening is strictly for new members, or those who have never been to a Club night before, or perhaps have only managed one so far. The aim is to give newcomers a chance to find their feet and meet other like minded enthuasists who are probably also feeling like the new kid in class. I hope some of you will give this new format a try and join me to tell me more about what is important to you and how we can help you get more from your Club and Region. Don't forget to check your inbox today for your Zoom invite link in your North East Regional email, you will need this to log on.
Ps don't forget everyone is welcome to join us for our usual Club Night & quiz on Wednesday evening from 7.30pm.