Being Creative with Virtual Events

During this time of uncertainty, the Rotaract Club of Pacific Beach has been actively finding new ways to connect with members by creating weekly virtual events.

The club’s first virtual social hour was scheduled right after California's stay-at-home order to check-in on members. In addition to sharing how members were feeling, their Board of Directors shared virtual volunteer opportunities, how to support small businesses, and other virtual events they were looking forward to. Members also agreed that weekly virtual social hours were helpful during this difficult time to stay connected.

The Board of Directors took this feedback and looked for virtual opportunities to engage with members. One idea was to see if any Rotaract members would like to share something they are passionate and knowledgeable about with the club. As a result, the second virtual social hour included their twin club, Rotaract Tijuana Oeste, for an art and wine night. Ivan Santos from Rotaract Tijuana Oeste shared a wine presentation that gave an overview of the types of wine and their origin, the different types of wine glasses, and how to taste wine with your palette. Following Ivan, Jessie Case from Pacific Beach Rotaract presented on four famous artists and their most well-known artwork.

Pacific Beach Rotaract also invited their twin club, Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract Club, to a virtual social hour. The clubs created a virtual book club for their members and plan to meet once a month.

In addition to virtual events, Pacific Beach Rotaract launched an Instagram Rotaract Takeover where members share how they are social distancing during this time. An Instagram takeover is the process of taking over someone else's Instagram account temporarily (typically one day) and sharing content with their audience. President Sesy Enriquez kicked off the first Rotaract Instagram Takeover by sharing where she worked as her job is an essential service and gave members an in-depth look at how glasses are made at LensCrafters. Sesy also shared how to clean your glasses and stressed the importance of an annual eye exam.

Looking forward, Pacific Beach Rotaract has a full calendar in April with virtual events. In celebration of their fourth anniversary as a club, their April Business Meeting will be beach themed. Rotarians and guests are welcome to join and encouraged to dress in their favorite Hawaiian shirt. The April Business Meeting is Tuesday, April 7 starting at 6:00 PM. The google meet link and other virtual events can be found on their Facebook Page. On Saturday, April 11 one of their members will be leading them through a virtual painting tutorial of their local landmark in Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier. Pacific Beach Rotaract also has a virtual Informational Meeting to see if they can recruit members during this time. Lastly, make sure to tune in to their Rotaract Instagram Takeover where members will be sharing every Tuesday and Thursday in April.