Persevering in a Virtual World

Ch-ch-ch-changes. Turn and face the strain.” Although David Bowie wrote these lyrics in 1971, it has never felt more real than it has during the last 14 months.

consultations provide us the opportunity to connect with chapter officers and executive boards to be able to provide coaching and tailored resources,” said Andrew Stockmann, assistant director of chapter development. “I’ve enjoyed getting to virtually meet the

Not only have our students had leaders from the chapters I assist. It will be to make unprecedented changes to their daily lives, but FarmHouse “LOOKING BACK TO OUR great to get on the road in the fall, but the virtual visits are the next best option.” and the FarmHouse Foundation FOUNDERS, WHO WOULD Like the students, the association, staff have made changes to meet the needs of both students and alumni. HAVE THOUGHT A GROUP advisor and volunteer calls were all moved to Zoom. FarmHouse invested

“Looking back to our Founders, OF MEN WHO SOUGHT in additional meeting capacity space on who would have thought a group of men who sought out friendship OUT FRIENDSHIP BASED Zoom to host large groups of students and alumni. The FarmHouse Leadership based in person, would have realized IN PERSON, WOULD HAVE Institute was also held virtually in 116 years later friendship would be strengthened through a virtual REALIZED 116 YEARS LATER January. With the event streamed online, we had the opportunity to host world,” said Christian Wiggins, FRIENDSHIP WOULD BE all members for an opening and keynote Fraternity CEO. “We can still do this thing called ‘fraternity’ through STRENGTHENED THROUGH sessions, in addition to the officer tracks. It was the largest attendance in history, technology.” A VIRTUAL WORLD,” SAID with more than 600 members streaming When the pandemic began, what we thought would last only a few CHRISTIAN WIGGINS, our keynote session, and more than 260 chapter officers and volunteers months, turned into more than a year of virtual interaction. Many of our normal day-to-day operations FRATERNITY CEO. “WE CAN STILL DO THIS THING participating in virtual tracks during the three-day event. One member shared his thoughts on the benefits of FLI, changed. For instance, face-to-face chapter visits and consultations were moved to virtual platforms. CALLED ‘FRATERNITY’ THROUGH TECHNOLOGY.” “I can tell a lot of the chapters are going through similar situations, so to be able to discuss our problems, learn what has

“It has been a unique experience, worked for others and brainstorm new trying to balance student’s time solutions is very beneficial.” and their burnout with making sure The staff, International Executive that chapter operations are still being Board and Foundation Trustees have completed,” said Luke Munchrath, moved several events to virtual meetings. assistant director of chapter Both the International Executive Board and development and volunteer support. the Foundation Trustees fall and spring board “Establishing connections has been meetings, the Foundation’s holiday party, difficult, but the members have been FarmHouse staff celebration and the National patient and have done their best to Western Stock Show Breakfast were all held make the most of our situation. virtually. “It allows us to deliver education and

“Since becoming an assistant content more frequently,” said Wiggins. “This director in January, I haven’t been enabled our board to address pressing issues in able to experience the traditional a more timely manner, rather than waiting for consultation model of in-person an in-person meeting.” visits, but my sense is that the virtual