By Rhys Hawes, Neighbors West-Northwest
Many neighborhood meetings are being held over Zoom as part of social distancing practices, but while virtual meetings keep us safe, they can be confusing to access. Below are some handy tips for accessing meetings so you can stay engaged in your neighborhood!
No computer? No problem!
You can call into Zoom meetings on a phone.
Here are the steps:
1. Please call 503-823-4288 to request the meeting information. (If you can access a computer, head to nwnw.org/calendar and select the meeting that you want to attend. Some neighborhoods may require that you email them for the link, so check in advance.)
2. On your phone, dial the location number listed in the meeting description.
3. You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID, followed by the pound sign (#).
4. If the meeting has not started, you will be prompted to press the pound sign (#) to wait.
5. You may be prompted to enter the meeting passcode, followed by the pound sign (#).
6. Attend your meeting! If you need to mute yourself, press *6.
Looking to access affordable technology?
Apply for a free or subsidized computer at FreeGeek.com or call 503-232-9350 for assistance. Comcast also offers subsidized home internet for $9.95 per month! Head to internetessentials.com to learn more and apply. Internet Essentials subscribers can also purchase a refurbished desktop or laptop computer for as low as $149.99.
Zoom fatigue is very real! Recent studies indicate that virtual meetings can be more stressful and draining than their in-person counterparts. Below are some helpful tips for reducing your stress during neighborhood meetings:
• While it’s always nice to see your neighbors, feel free to turn off your video as needed.
• If staring at your face makes you uncomfortable, switch to “hide myself” in the menu.
• If you want to have some privacy (or hide that messy desk), turn on a Zoom background by heading to the settings tab. You can even download fun new backgrounds online!
• Your evenings might be busy, so it’s always okay to step away to make dinner, take care of kids, or do anything else you need to during meetings. Just make sure you’re on mute!
• If you can’t attend a meeting, contact the meeting host beforehand to see if the meeting can be recorded and posted online for you to view later.