SOCIAL DISTANCING MEETING IDEAS
If your group is meeting permanently online, you can still create opportunities to come together with other permanently online groups. Connect with another permanently online small group leader and choose a week when your two groups meet together online (all the recommended platforms have plenty of capacity to do so). Make it fun with an Ice Cream Social or a Happy Hour theme (each member brings his/her favorite frozen treat or adult beverage to the meeting). These are ideal social events to plan for weeks during the year when there might not be a formal video/questions for the group to discuss.
If your group is only meeting online temporarily, you might find it helpful to periodically create opportunities for your group to come together in person in socially distant ways. Here are a few ideas:
Park - Invite your group to meet at a local park, asking members to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, food, and drinks, and reminding them to remain six feet apart.
Grill - If you have a large yard, invite members to join you for a night of grilling and fun. Let them know if they need to bring their own lawn chairs or if you will be providing them, and that seating will be six feet apart.
Pool or Outdoors - Some neighborhood pools, park pavilions, and other outdoor spaces have opened. Reserve a night to meet with your group members for a social gathering.
Driveway Social - Don’t have a big yard? Invite your group to join you in your driveway. Encourage them to bring their own lawn chairs, snacks, and drinks.
Restaurant Patio - If your group members are comfortable eating at a restaurant, find a great local eatery where group members can hang out, order good food, and enjoy the patio.
Fire Pit - Have a fire pit? Put it to good use! Invite group members for a night around the fire pit. You can even provide supplies for s’mores.