St. Helen Catholic Church

Howdy saints,

 

I know many of you are wondering how you can keep up with your groups during a time when it is difficult for people to meet, especially here on campus. Here are some ideas for you on how to use tools that are available everyone to stay connected. 

 

Don't forget that I am here to help you!

Some groups might want to video chat while others need an easy way to leave quick written messages to each other. Others need to share documents and pictures. Whatever it is, there's an app for that.

Are the people you're helping or connecting with using a computer or a cellphone? Not all apps are equal. Its important to keep in mind what's easy for you may not be easy for them.

Pick something and try it. Yes it takes time to learn but I promise you will not regret learning something NEW! Pro tip: Test it before you are going to meet. A good start gives your group confidence and comfort.

Zoom is perfect for groups that will have people use their computers OR their phones. It's secure and has all sorts of awesome features to allow people to present, share, and even a built in Whiteboard. People who attend meetings don't need a login id, just a link to the meeting. Click the icon to go to the Zoom website

You might have never used this before, BUT YOU SHOULD. Its very simple and works well with cellphone users. It can be used on the computer as well but works best on the phone. It takes seconds to make a group and you're up and going. You can even make a room (using Facebook) and people can join without any login information, just a link. 

If your group prefers to use their computers, Google Hangouts are perfect. They work well and are completely free. They also integrate into gmail and Google Drive and Google Documents. 

 

The only downside is everyone needs a Gmail address to be able to use Google hangouts well, so consider that before you commit.

If you just need to start a group you can send text messages to as well as pictures and documents and your group is going to be using cellphones, this is it. Don't think twice because its simple and straightforward.

If your group prefers to use their computers, Google Hangouts can also work well for text based messages. Its not as simple as WhatsApp but it is strong on the computer and can be a good middle ground for those folks who don't want to use their phone. 

This is for Power users. If you're group needs real tools that a Nonprofit office would want to use, this is it. I've been using SLACK for years now and currently use it both personally and professionally. Its powerful but can be intimidating. It can permanently replace email for your entire group IF they choose to take the plunge.

Seriously. If you chose a Video Chat or a Text chat from above, all of those apps already have document management:

I currently use this at work and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. If you use Microsoft you need to have this. People who don't have Microsoft Word or Excel can read and edit a document WITHOUT a login or anything. Get folders and share your stuff with your group without worrying about whether or not they can open it. 

 

This is hard to beat. It works very well with any of the aforementioned apps. It works very well on both computer and cellphone. It is very collaborative. And its FR$$.