Lesson 4 Checklist: From Online to Offline: Bridging Digital and Physical Communities

Understanding the Digital-Physical Spectrum

Identified where your current communities fall on the digital-physical spectrum

Clarified which communities you’d like to shift toward more in-person interaction

Recognized the unique benefits of in-person connection for your situation

Set realistic goals for online-to-offline transitions

Acknowledged your comfort level with bridging digital and physical spaces

Assessed the readiness of specific online connections for offline meeting

Prepared natural, low-pressure ways to suggest in-person meetings

Implemented safety considerations for meeting online connections

Successfully suggested an in-person meeting to at least one online connection

Managed expectations appropriately for first in-person meetings

Identified an online community with potential for offline gathering

Gauged interest in the online space before making concrete plans

Selected an accessible venue for a potential gathering

Created a clear plan for how people will identify each other

Developed simple icebreakers related to your shared interests

Prepared to arrive early and welcome others

Planned how to make introductions and connect online identities to faces

Considered how to manage the energy of the gathering

Developed a follow-up plan for after the gathering

Identified potential challenges and solutions for the meetup

Selected appropriate coordination tools for your community context

Implemented connection maintenance tools between gatherings

Explored hybrid meeting enablers if relevant to your situation

Used digital tools to document and share community experiences

Maintained appropriate privacy and consent in digital documentation

Prepared for potential differences between online and in-person dynamics

Developed strategies for low attendance at initial gatherings

Created plans for including community members who can’t attend in person

Considered how to maintain focus and purpose in offline gatherings

Prepared to move forward with becoming an active community member in Lesson 5