Bringing Quality, Interactive and Informative Workshops, Meetings and Recorded briefs, to all CAF families regardless of their posted location.
The virtual classroom brings quality programs and information to your home computer regardless of your posted location. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of training more than 30 MFRC staff from across the country in how to adapt a live presentation to a virtual audience. This has allowed CAF families to connect with friends from various postings regardless of their posted location. In some respects, attending a virtual workshop actually brings more connections than a live presentation. We incorporate engaging activities using the variety of tools in the virtual classroom every 3 to 5 minutes.
In the last 6 months, I have helped to host more than 150 virtual meetings, workshops, demonstrations, practise sessions and classes across the country. In all, more than 500 participants have joined and are spreading the word about just how easy and interactive our virtual classes can be. Did you know that we have played virtual Pictionary and we have hosted a virtual Rock Paper Scissors Tournament with our students in the last week. You will see that anything is possible in a virtual classroom.
Some of the highlighted programs
Self Care:
- Beyond Meditation
- Deployment Readiness
- Volunteer training
Saving you dollars:
- CF1 Appreciation
- Mortgages Questions and Answers
- SISIP – Budgeting 101
- Scholarships Finding the Hidden Dollar
Information:
- Welcome to Newfoundland
- Travelling the Annapolis Valley
- Military Family Panel
- MFS Services
- The Military Family Panel – Sharing your voice
Employment Sessions:
- Skills to Succeed
- Portfolio Development
- Speed Interviewing
Parenting:
- Setting up your child Care plan
- Parenting from Afar
- Families of New Recruits
I would like to share with you a just two of the many success stories I’ve heard about the virtual classroom from participants across the country:
Success Story Number 1: I have been posted here and have yet to meet or connect with anyone since July. We live more than an hour away from a physical MFRC building. I have been afraid to get outside of my home and it takes me energy to meet new people. Joining this virtual book club this November is the first time that I have been able to connect with others beside my family. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share, laugh and have intellectual conversations all from the comfort of my home computer.
Success Story Number 2: Virtual Empty Nest Club provided a venue where Canadian military families were supported while they shared their struggles and celebrations as a result of their extended departure of their children to boarding school or university. One client, living in a very isolated community, was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. After participating in two sessions, the facilitator connected her with a social worker who provided critical assistance that otherwise would likely not have been provided.
I encourage you to come to a virtual demonstration where you will see first hand the laughter, information, and fun that come from a virtual workshop. We are working with PSP to host a virtual Running Club this fall.
If you would like to find out more about the dates and times of the programs, just pop me an email and I will be sure to place you on the list to receive the virtual calendar of events.
My virtual door is wide open and I look forward to meeting you all at the Summerside Air Show on August 22nd and 23rd. Come and say hello!
Cheers,
Margaret MacKenzie, MFRC PEI Virtual Program Coordinator Virtual.MFRCPEI@gmail.com