Are Clubs allowed to meet virtually?

Yes! The GWC sisterhood remains strong whether your Club is taking place in the classroom or on the couch.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Options: Our Clubs curriculum on HQ feature two models that can both be run in-person or 100% virtually: our Standard Model contains all synchronous activities and our Hybrid Model with options and instructions for asynchronous portions of your meetings, for members who may be burnt out on screen time or have trouble joining live each week.

Training and Support: Our training and support for Facilitators remains 100% virtual! GWC regularly offers webinars where Facilitators can share best practices and ask GWC staff questions. Resources to help Facilitators run their Clubs, including best practices for virtual meetings, can be found 24/7 in the Facilitator Toolkit on Girls Who Code HQ. 

Videoconferencing: Girls Who Code is not offering any conferencing system accounts to Clubs at this time. Clubs should research and utilize platforms that best meet their needs. If your host organization has transitioned to e-learning, we recommend using whichever conferencing or virtual classroom software that has been adopted by your host organization.

Security and Privacy: We recommend that you secure each meeting with a password if your conferencing service allows you to do this. Access should only be permitted for authorized participants (the members in your Club). If your platform allows, please turn on the waiting room option where all participants can wait until approved by the host.

Make sure to properly disconnect at the end of each session and turn off the microphone and camera. Finally, keep in mind that any information you share may be recorded, documented, or exposed by third parties using the application. So please do not review details that may violate your privacy or the privacy of the Club members.

This year, we have included some language in the Participation Agreement for Clubs that are meeting virtually, which outlines best practices and responsibilities of the host organization. We strongly encourage Clubs to create strong passwords, avoid sharing the link to their meetings publicly, update and use anti-virus software, and be mindful about the privacy of all participants in the session.