EVENT ORGANIZER

Online (Moderating the Chat):

Welcoming Participants: Start by creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere in the chat at the beginning of the session.
Clarifying Guidelines (if needed): Gently remind participants of any community guidelines or agreements for respectful communication at the start or as needed.
Monitoring the Chat: Keep an eye on the chat in real-time to identify any messages that might be disrespectful, off-topic, or harmful.
Intervening Respectfully: If a conversation starts to become disrespectful or exclusive, step in with gentle and neutral prompts to redirect the discussion. This could involve:
Rephrasing: Gently rephrasing a comment to make it more inclusive.
Asking clarifying questions: Encouraging participants to elaborate on their points in a more constructive way.
Reminding of the topic: Steering the conversation back to the intended focus of the session.
Privately messaging: Addressing sensitive issues or providing individual guidance to participants privately.
Escalating if necessary: Knowing when to alert the session facilitator if a situation requires more direct intervention.
Highlighting Positive Contributions: Acknowledge and affirm respectful and insightful comments to encourage positive communication.
Answering Basic Questions: Address simple procedural questions related to the chat or session logistics.
Ensuring Inclusivity: Pay attention to who is participating and gently encourage broader engagement if certain voices are dominating or if someone seems hesitant to share.
Real-Life Interactions (Gently Supporting):

Setting a Welcoming Tone: Be approachable and friendly to encourage positive interactions from the start.
Observing Group Dynamics: Pay attention to how people are interacting and identify any potential discomfort or exclusion.
Facilitating Connection: Gently encourage quieter participants to share if they seem willing, or help bridge conversations between individuals.
Subtly Guiding Conversations: If a discussion becomes heated or disrespectful, use non-verbal cues (like a calm tone of voice or a gentle shift in topic) or subtle verbal prompts to steer it back to a respectful place.
Promoting Active Listening: Encourage participants to listen attentively to one another.
Reinforcing Inclusivity: Be mindful of language and ensure everyone feels included and respected, regardless of their background or perspective.
Addressing Issues Discreetly: If a disrespectful interaction occurs, address it privately and gently with the individuals involved, if appropriate and safe to do so.
Supporting the Facilitator: Be an extra pair of eyes and ears for the session leader, and discreetly alert them if you notice any significant issues.
In both online and real-life settings, this volunteer role requires strong interpersonal skills, patience, empathy, and the ability to remain neutral and objective. The goal is to cultivate a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to engage meaningfully with the session content and each other. Your role helps ensure that TIFFA's sessions are positive and enriching experiences for all participants.