Page 12 - 2018 January Voices
P. 12
Trailblazing: A Tale of Two Realities
by Hillarie Hunt and Vanessa Peterson
In launching our Toast of Old Town club, there was no question that it wouldn’t be
open to all our staff. But 38% of the staff at NWEA work from home, and we chartered
with members from Chicago to Atlanta, from Dallas to Fayetteville, as well as our
headquarters in Portland! So, the challenge was real: how do we blend the online
experience of Toastmasters with the in-person experience, and make it as seamless
as possible?? Here’s how:
Partnership Pathways
Our IT Services team is a tremendous Our club chartered just before
partner in making our club a success. Pathways was launched, so we decided
Having access to Zoom video conferencing, to become a full-fledged Pathways club.
several webcams, and a professional We’re so glad we did! Pathways allows us
sound system has been instrumental to share feedback online and manage our
in bringing us all closer together, both learning electronically. Vanessa Peterson,
audibly and visually. It also gives us our Charter VP Educaton (and online
practice with microphones, lighting, and member), uses Base Camp to monitor
being on camera! members’ educational progress and
facilitate Pathways trainings.
12 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 7 JANUARY, 2018
