There are many ways to stay connected even if in-person meetings are not an option. Here are a few tools for your team to consider. Select an option that best fits your team’s needs and let us know if we can assist at AskAFS@afsusa.org. All of these tools have free features or are completely free.
If you plan to run a mandatory orientation using any of these platforms, learn more here.
The resources listed below will help you get started with each of these platforms. Any link with an asterisk* will take you to a video tutorial.
Zoom 
Zoom is a simple and professional tool to conduct virtual meetings. Attendees do not need to have an account to join a Zoom call but they do need to download the Zoom app (desktop or mobile).
- 1-on-1 meetings: no time limit
- Group meetings: 40 minute limit
- Conference calls, video calls, screen sharing, break-out rooms, and a few interactive tools
- Scheduled meetings can be password protected
If it is a non-reoccurring meeting that is longer than 40 minutes, AFS may be able to schedule it on your behalf. Contact your Field Staff member or AskAFS@afsusa.org if you are interested in scheduling a longer meeting.
Resources:
- Quick Start Guide
- Join a meeting*
- Add a virtual background* (AFS-USA virtual backgrounds are available here!)
- Share your screen*
- Zoom video tutorials*
- Watch recorded training sessions
- Join a live training webinar
Skype 
Free Skype calls are quick to set up and easy to run. Anybody can join your call – no Skype account needed!
- Group meetings: 4 hour limit
- Conference calls, video calls, screen sharing, document sending
Resources:
Google Meet 
Google Meet lets you make voice calls, send messages, and have group video chats from your mobile device or computer.
- All meetings until September 30th: no time limit
- All meetings after September 30th: 60 minute limit
- Attendees need to have a Google account to use Google Meet
Resources:
WhatsApp 
WhatsApp is a free app that is popular among teenagers and people who communicate internationally. It is optimized for mobile devices.
- Maximum 8 people on a video call
- No time limit
- Cannot share screens
Resources:
- How to create and invite into a group*
- How to make a video call*
- How to add an international phone number
Other Free Resources
Doodle Poll- A great tool for identifying a meeting time that works for your group.
Google Forms- Create a form to solicit feedback, create an RSVP, or build a quiz.
Google Jamboard- A collaborative virtual whiteboard. A good tutorial can be found here, with some ideas for collaboration at minute 7:00.
Evite- Use a free template or design your own virtual invitation.
Logging Orientations
If you run a mandatory orientation using any of these platforms, please remember you must link each attendee to a related activity in the Activity Module and then update the Activity with the date they attended. Please see below for more information:
- Video tutorial (password: XbD+8W7#)
- Written instructions