The Virtual Exchange Conference happened between November 15 and 19, 2021.
During 5 days we explored the current scenario, challenges and opportunities of virtual exchange.
In our conversations with guests from all over the world, we highlighted the importance of accessibility, explored best practices in building community and creating connections and fostered a debate on personal and social transformation through online channels.
The recordings of the sessions are now available, as well as the graphic facilitation murals done by Bergamottas. You can check them below.
If you share the murals, please make sure to credit @bergamottas.
We produced an e-book with the results of the Virtual Exchange Conference and you can download it now by clicking on the button below.
Shifting from offline to online (November 15, 2021)
The pandemic and the climate crisis have led us to rethink what was perceived as being something inherently offline: (youth) exchanges, learning programs and volunteer experiences. How have organisations been able to transform offline experiences into online encounters? In this panel we explore best practises and open questions.
Panel discussion with:
Adriana Troxler, from oikos International
Jonathan Yabut, The Apprentice Asia winner
Katherine Hanson, from The Experiment Digital
Sian Bagshaw, from the World Organisation of the Scout Movement
Moderator: Elis Motta
Mural by: @bergamottas
Creating accountability towards difference in online settings: a decolonial perspective (November 16, 2021)
In this session, the Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures Collective will share their experiments and experiences working with socio ecological collapses and what are the limitations and possible cracks of this kind of encounter through online settings.
Workshop with:
Vanessa Andreotti, from The University of British Columbia
Camilla Cardoso, from the Collective Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures
Dino Siwek, from the Collective Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures
Moderator: Rahel Aschwanden
Mural by: @bergamottas
How to bring the body to the online space? (November 17, 2021)
In virtual experiences, what we miss out most often is our bodily experiences: touch, smell, movement, feeling the breeze and the atmosphere of a different place, connecting with others through hugs, eye contact and shared experiences of time and space. So what of that is possible in a virtual setting? Explore with us in this interactive journey.
Pa-Kua Tai Chi Cosmodynamics class with:
Marília Moreira, Pa-Kua Martial Art Master
Moderator: Camilla Brito
(NO RECORDING NOR MURAL AVAILABLE FOR THIS SESSION)
What can virtual exchanges look like? (November 18, 2021)
Let’s open up the toolbox of existing virtual exchange programs: How do they look like? What works? How can these connections be made in an inclusive and sustainable way? These and more questions will be answered through four case studies of virtual programs for different audiences.
Case studies presentation with:
Ana Carolina Cassiano, from the Capacity-building for teachers program of AFS Effect+
Ayca Ariyoruk, from Soliya
Meghan Neuhaus, from the Business & Culture: A Virtual Practicum program
Rahel Aschwanden, from the Shift – Connections for Change program
Moderator: Kefiloe Mokoena
Mural by: @bergamottas
Creating connections online (November 19, 2021)
What happens when you participate in a virtual exchange? On our last day, we invite participants to talk about their experience, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of creating connection and community online.
Panel discussion with:
Beybin Elvin Tunç, alumnus of the NOW Facilitathon
Dani Prisacariu, from the Gender Talk
Rana Magdy, from Re:Coded
Shrouk Gamal, alumnus of Soliya
Moderator: Tamila dos Santos
Mural by: @bergamottas