Newbie Inclusivity in Rooms

Hi everyone! I hope you all are safe and well. The topic of inclusivity in rooms was mentioned in one of our weekly teen meetings. Thank you to the participants for consistently helping us put out needed reminders! Today I am here to talk about Newbie inclusivity in rooms. We have a wonderfully welcoming community however we can improve on continuing that welcome and making our new members and listeners feel more included in our group conversations.

Who is a Newbie?

A 7 cups member or Listener who has been on the platform for less than a month. They have the badge 'newbie' showing next to their name in rooms.

What is Inclusivity?

In the group support sense, is the practice of making members and listeners feel welcomed and accepted into the ongoing group conversations.

How can we be more inclusive?

✦ Don't stop at welcoming! Our community has a habit of welcoming all users entering the room. However, we must make an effort to further involve the individual. Ask them what brought them to 7 Cups or how are they finding the platform?

✦ Make an effort to involve newbies in existing conversations. Many times in groups there is some conversation happening and newbies feel hesitant to jump in because they don't know the users involved in the conversation. Use questions to give them an opening like ‘What do you think Hope?

✦ Use icebreakers. Icebreakers are generally easy and fun to indulge in. It is easier for newbies to join in and feel comfortable in a more casual environment. A quick google search will present you with 100s of icebreaker questions.

✦ Avoid nicknames and inside jokes. It can be hard for a newbie to feel part of a conversation where people have already established nicknames and they are bonding on inside jokes. This does not mean you have to give up nicknames altogether but it is usually a good idea to stick to usernames.

✦ Answer Questions and offer information/resources. We all were once new, we all needed support and guidance. Remember those times and answer questions that newbies may have and provide information that can further support them. As an old-time user you have learned a lot, don't hold back. Share your knowledge!

✦ Encourage them to come back. It feels good when someone wants us to be a part of a group or conversation. Asking newbies to come back and hang in the room when they have the time can be encouraging and can allow them to feel like they are a part of your support room.

These are simple practices that can go a long way. When we were new, there were some kind users who made us feel welcomed and supported and thus we are still here, being a part of this wonderful community. Let's work together to ensure all newbies feel welcomed and supported in rooms. We will soon roll out a thread where newbies can send shout-outs to listeners/members who supported them!