Chat Archive 12/15/2012

Twitter though just a tech tool is a means to connect to others. Many find a community too.

In preparation for our chat on Saturday input was reviewed and questions for the chat were firmed up. Barb and I met early Friday morning at 8am EST, Nick and I talked at 9:20 am EST (Dec 14th). - All set for Saturday morning's chat!

Very shortly after our Friday morning discussions, the tragedy in Newtown Connecticut occurred. Lives were shattered throughout Newtown. The devastation that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary became known.

On Saturday, as the chat began it seemed that all participants instinctively knew these things -

• We were not sticking to a set of questions
• The clock was not important

In this chat, we were educators- teachers, administrators, support staff, school community members. We were parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, grandparents.

• We listened 
• We grieved 
• We empathized
• We shared prayers
• We encouraged each other
• We thought of positive steps
• We offered hope

As noticed in this tweet which was sent out actually as part of a different chat, 'If digital community is real community, then it is ok to grieve together'.

Wikipedia defines community this way

The word "community" is derived from the Old French communité which is derived from the Latincommunitas (cum, "with/together" + munus, "gift"), a broad term for fellowship or organized society.

We are just starting out as an online chat. It has only been 5 weeks. Already though - we see community.

• It is there when you need it 
• It offers just in time support 
• It gives you a chance to lend a helping hand
• Each person is important, has a role and gifts to share
• Collaboration is important
• Together we are stronger

What an honor to have met and connected with so many great educators in such a short time!

Archive in full on Storify
http://storify.com/ncara/catholicedchat-archive-12-15-12
Archive as a slideshow


Tweet shared at the beginning of chat-