Dear Retreat Attendee, During these unprecedented times we are excited to join together with our Sangat for the upcoming virtual SYANA Gurmat Retreat. To ensure that things run smoothly, we sincerely request you thoroughly read this document and engage with your retreat Sangat as described below. If you feel we overlooked an important component or you have a question - please don’t hesitate to reach out. Online Retreat Etiquette • Be Prepared • Please download and log into Zoom ahead of time, if you’ve never used it before try it out with a friend and watch this quick tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOUwumKCW7M • Make sure your Zoom screen name has your name and city/state (e.g. Gurpreet Kaur - TX) - this is essential in making sure organizers can take account of your attendance • Have a second device ready (additional computer, tablet or phone) for interactive elements • A stable internet connection is essential • Have Materials Ready • Be ready for your zoom meeting. Gather any materials you need ahead of time. Also, make sure you go to the bathroom beforehand. If you want to have water, grab a bottle before the zoom starts. • Workshop specific requirements: • Art Workshop: Please bring the following items to create your home art studio: (a) Paper for drawing; (b) Favorite coloring supplies; (c) A big piece of paper, poster, or a couple of pieces of paper taped together; (d) Tape or glue; and (e) Scissors. • Food & Run Workshop: we will share a separate pdf with detailed recipe and instructions. • Kitchen access for making snacks, open area for workout • Get to Know the Interactive Learning Tools • Mentimeter: • Second device with stable internet connection required • Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd0fAenuAnw • Know When and How to Mute • The mute button is your friend in zoom. When your device picks up any sound, zoom grabs your screen and puts you front in center. That’s great if you are answering a question or adding a comment. However, it’s not so great if your siblings are playing loudly in the next room. Turn on mute and keep it on until it is your time to speak. • Find a Quiet Spot • To avoid distraction for you and the others on the conference call, find a quiet spot in your house. It will be easier for classmates or teammates to hear from you and for you to hear them.
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Be on Time • Please be punctual so that we may respect each other’s and the instructor’s time. This will also ensure we work out any technical issues that may pop-up at the beginning of the meeting. Wait Your Turn • Instructors will share with you how they would like you to interact during the meeting, there may be features to use like, raising your hand, participating in the provided online learning tool, etc. Be Respectful and Presentable • Since we will be joining in Simran + Nitnem together and are trying to foster a Guru-centered environment for the weekend, please dress appropriately. All participants will be expected to have their heads covered for the duration of gurmat retreat. Q/A Session • We will have a two hour panel discussion session at the end of retreat. Please add your questions for each workshop here (google form link). You can remain anonymous if you choose to. Schedule • Please review the detailed retreat schedule here (link). Kindly make sure you’re available and signed in for all sessions. Shared Folder • Upon registration you will be added to a shared folder with documents relevant to retreat and specific workshops. Please check this regularly and make sure that all necessary material is understood prior to joining retreat. • The shared folder has a google sheet for Nitnem and rehras sign-ups. Please sign up for a maximum of one vaari per session. Please remain attentive and mute/unmute yourself for the vaari. Questions • If you have any questions, please contact our organizers at numbers or emails.
Our friend Maneetpaul Singh gives some good Zoom etiquette tips in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT8hXlaDj8k&list=PLE253pyQnx-7SXZriLigIRbU8yDlVNyUe We are so excited and grateful to have you join us soon! We look forward to a weekend of connecting to Guru Sahib and Sangat. See you (through a computer screen) soon! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!