How to use Zoom for newbies

If you haven’t used Zoom before, please create a Free account on Zoom. You don’t need to pay anything to participate in our Zoom membership meeting. When you sign up, the Zoom.us app will download to your computer. If you’ve used Zoom before, then you are all set to go!

Register each month:

• Members receive an invitation email on the 1st of the month to register for meetings. (Don’t see the invitation email? Please check your junk mail folder.)
• You must Register for the meeting to receive the Zoom link. 
• Directly after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom link. SAVE THIS INFO as you will use the link and password to join the meeting. 
• On the night of the meeting, please get comfy in front of your computer with internet access.
• Click the link in the Zoom link to join the meeting, and follow the instructions to sign in.
• Sign in at 6:30pm for optional social time. Meeting starts promptly at 7:00pm PST.

Best Practices:

• Feel free to mute yourself and/or turn off your camera, especially when we are watching the speaker present.
• You can use a tablet device or smart phone, but it may be harder for you to see/hear unless you are on a larger screen. I recommend using your laptop or desktop computer.
• If you are new to Zoom, please read this short intro to joining a Zoom meeting.
• Previous Zoom users may want to check for updates to the Zoom app: launch the app, then click on the upper-right corner (your photo if you uploaded one) of the Zoom screen, and select “Check for updates” from that menu. Follow instructions to download the latest version.

Ways to engage during the meeting:

• Use the Chat window in Zoom to share encouragement, ask questions, or cheer someone on. 
• Sometimes, we use Polls in Zoom to We will also have some Polls ready to ask for your participation.
• Use the hand-raise or clapping response feature in Zoom 

Troubleshooting technical issues:

• First try logging out of Zoom, and then try the email link again (logging back in).
• Make sure you are using the link for this particular meeting.
• Double check to see if the volume is turned up on your computer, and no bluetooth audio devices are attached.
• You will also have the option of calling in via phone to listen to the meeting if your computer is not working (there will be a phone number in the invitation email).
• If you get completely stuck, the meeting will be recorded and available online for viewing later.

Have to leave early?

• That’s OK! Just join us for as long as you are able. You can leave the meeting at any time.