In March 2020 the world as we knew it was spun on its head. We lived that history. The impact on those in the IT training industry in Europe was huge. The vast majority of the training was in-person and, for disease control reasons, that could not conintue in the face of the pandemic.
As an independent trainer, it was a very isolating experience. So to help I set up a weekly ‘coffee’ hour to get together with fellow MCTs from across the world. We formed a virtual community of up to 45 people though with a core group of 9 who joined weekly.
That group had a huge impact on our wellbeing during the pandemic and inhelping us cope with the switch to virtual and utlimately back into the classroom for most. For some of us this period meant learning new technologies to survive and our fellow MCTs were a greate source of support & information in this endeavour.
This last week we ‘celebrated’ our fifth birthday with the realisation that we dont need a weekly get together anymore but are unwilling to let go of our little community, so we’ll be switching to monthly meetups going forward.
Whatever we face, communities small and large can have a profond impact. And as MVPs and MCTs from around the world gather near Seattle for various events and annual summits in & around Microsoft HQ, it’s a great time to reflect on why we put so much effort into community. This virtual MCT community story for me highlights why we do it. To me it’s for each other and for ourselves, to induldge in the friendship & support such communities bring and to offer that support to others.
Sara Fennah's Blog 