While many of us have gotten used to videoconferencing and meeting virtually, it is still a reasonably new meeting format for peer-support networks. PFLAG National recommends that virtual meetings have a support group facilitator as well as a live-chat facilitator at each meeting.

The support group facilitator should:

• Give some basic instructions including where the chat is and how participants can mute their line.
• Specifically request that people do not record, take screenshots, or livestream the meeting.
• Preemptively address concerns about privacy and safety concerns and share that thereʼs a plan in place to remove folks if necessary.
• Open the meeting by reading the ground rules, confidentiality statement, and agenda.
• Prepare prompts to keep the conversation moving.

The live-chat facilitator should:

• Monitor and moderate the chat throughout the session.
• Post reminders about ground rules and confidentiality in the chat throughout the meeting for people who may have joined late.
• Answer any immediate questions and queue up bigger questions for group discussion.
• Help the support group facilitator with any activities that are coordinated using the chat.
• Provide basic tech support if needed.

Download this resource here: Facilitating a Virtual Meeting