How to Virtually Maintain a Healthy SPS Chapter

SPS chapters face many of the same challenges that make classes, work, and socializing difficult in every other facet of life during the coronavirus pandemic. How can you build community when you’re not allowed within six feet of each other? What do you do if your membership is scattered geographically? How can you support each other through this incredibly unusual time?

The lack of face-to-face interaction and reduced opportunities to gather are significant challenges that require a new way of thinking about getting together. In addition, the switch to virtual meetings has left many of us with computer-screen and Zoom fatigue. All of this can lead to a lack of motivation to plan yet more virtual events.

Further disconnecting ourselves, however, isn’t likely to make our situations any better. Scientists thrive on collaboration, and the mutual support networks built through SPS can help. See suggestions below:

• Asynchronous communication through a platform such as GroupMe, Signal, or Discord allows your members to interact whenever they want and still feel part of the community. In fact, SPS National has a Discord server for all members with a range of topics in physics and a rather active “meme” channel (to join, please visit