The Retreat will be held on ZOOM. In order to maximize the online retreat experience for you and the retreat community, we ask that you turn your video camera ON during all sessions.  

 

Please follow these recommendations:

Download the ZOOM APP:  Sign up for a Basic (free) ZOOM account ahead of time at -- https://zoom.us  -- and download the ZOOM APP to your computer, laptop, iPad or Smart Phone. This is important to be able to fully participate in the weekend, for breakout small groups and other interactions with Geneen and the retreat students. 

Update your ZOOM APP:  If you have the ZOOM APP, make sure you are using the most recent update:  5.12 or higher (depending on your device). Updates are found in the ZOOM APP, in preferences. This is important to activate the side-by-side view when in dialogue with Geneen, breakout groups and other connection tools (see below). 

Recommended Device:  We recommend that you use a computer (laptop or desktop) WITH VIDEO capability or an iPad/wifi tablet. Using a smaller device (e.g., smart phone) will not allow you to be with and see Geneen and other students easily. Dial up phone connection (audio only, no video) should ONLY be used if:  your WiFi goes down, power outage, connectivity problems, etc.

Signing In to ZOOM Session:  Click on Join Meeting in the ZOOM APP and enter the unique Meeting ID. You will then be prompted to enter the unique Password.  A pop up window will ask you to "allow" the ZOOM APP.  Make sure you "ALLOW".

Use Your Name:  Please use First Name (or nickname) and Last Name (or linitial) so you can be easily identified. Do NOT use an unknown name (e.g, iPhone, iPad, Sally’sPhone, etc.). You can rename yourself when you enter each session.

ZOOM Controls:  Become familiar with the following ZOOM control buttons/features:

• Participants:  On the tool bar at the bottom of the video screen you’ll see “Participants”. Click on that to activate a right column that lists the host and student names and gives you access to tools:  Mute/Unmute, Chat, etc.
• Mute/Unmute:  Stay muted during sessions. The Mute/Unmute buttons are located in the ZOOM system:  on bottom video control bar (mic icon), in participant list (next to your name), on your Video Thumbnail (click on 3 dots for dropdown list). Geneen or Lauren will let you know when you may Unmute.
• Video On/Off:  Keep your video ON during sessions.  Video controls are located:   on bottom video control bar (video icon), in participant list (next to your name), on Video Thumbnail (click on 3 dots for dropdown list)
  • TURN OFF VIDEO briefly … if you need to move around or adjust your computer screen.
• Raise Hand: Used to indicate that you would like to speak (when asked):  "raise hand" icon is located in the "Reactions" icon on the control bar beneath the ZOOM Video screen.  When you raise your hand, STAY MUTED until Geneen asks you to speak.
• Rename:  If you are not identified by your name, please do it manually when logging into a session. You can also rename yourself:  in participant list (next to your name “More”) and on your Video Thumbnail (click on 3 dots for dropdown list). Please use your FIRST NAME (or nickname that you normally use) and LAST NAME (or last name initial).
• Chat:  We will use the Chat sparingly during sessions:
  • Answer requests from Geneen
  • Share reactions/comments at the close of a session
  • DO NOT use the chat to make random comments/side conversations during a session

How to View on ZOOM: There are two ways to view the sessions on ZOOM. Speaker and Gallery (button at top of video screen, toggles on/off).  We suggest that you experiment and toggle between the two:

• Speaker View:  This will feature whomever is talking as large on the screen and thumbnails of a few of other students at the top of the video screen.  This is the BEST VIEW when Geneen is speaking at length.
• Gallery View:  This will show many thumbnail screens of everyone … Geneen and all the participants.  Because there will be many of us together, there will be several screens with lots of faces. We encourage you to click through the screens (arrow button on the side) to view other screens, other faces.

BREAKOUT GROUPS:  During our sessions, we will be using small breakout groups (2+ students per group), as directed by Geneen. Breakouts are used to work interactively with other students in a separate “room”. Here’s what you need to know to enter and “be” in a breakout group:

• You will be given clear directions on what you will be doing in the breakout group and how long each student will have to speak in the group.
• When the breakout groups are opened, a message from ZOOM will pop-up to “Accept” the  invitation to join.  Always ACCEPT.
• Make sure you are UNMUTED while in the group and your video is ON.
• Once in a small group, stay there until the group ends.  
• HAVE A TIMER:  Each student will have a set number of minutes to talk within the group. Please use and set your timer (or identify a “Time Keeper” for your small group) so that everyone gets an opportunity to talk within the group. You will NOT receive prompts to change to the next person, so self-timing is important.
• ENDING BREAKOUT GROUPS:  A broadcast message will announce when the group is closing. You will have 30 seconds to finish up. Do NOT click to return to main session until the group has completed; after 30 seconds, by magic you’ll be back in the big meeting room.
• RE-ENTERING the MEETING:  MUTE yourself.  Please settle and wait for everyone to return and for Geneen to restart the meeting.

Trouble Shooting ZOOM: We are together for many days with many sessions, and problems will arise. Here are a few tips:

• Screen Freezes or Lose Connection:  If you are dropped from a session, use the connections for the session to re-enter  … found on this HOME PAGE.  I've found it's best to close your browser window BEFORE attempting to login again. Stay calm, keep trying, as you will get back in!
• Audio Problems:  Make sure you have the volume UP on your computer or device. If you have low volume through the speakers on your device, using a headphone will increase the volume.
• Video Problems:  Again, depending on the bandwidth of your WiFi/internet connection, the video may appear blurry/freeze. NOTE: The recording will feature a higher resolution video.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS FOR GENEEN:  If you have a comment or question for Geneen, please them anytime during the weekend in an email to:   geneen@geneenroth.com  Geneen will respond as time permits.

NEED HELP?  If you have a problem or question (technical, personal, other), please do reach out to us. We’re always here to help. As Judy is also the main technical support during sessions, please use the following ways to contact her, depending on the urgency and/or nature of the problem/issue/question:

• • Text:  for more urgent issues during a session (need an answer in minutes), text Judy at:  703-401-0871. Start the text with YOUR FULL NAME to identify who is texting.
  • Email:  for something that is not urgent (question, comment, anything). Best email:  retreats@geneenroth.com
  • Phone:  when we are NOT in session, Judy is available by phone at 703-401-0871.