Ask Sam: Going Virtual
Hey GlamourGals! We at GG National hope you all have been doing well during these unpredictable times. Many things have been changing, but one thing that remains constant is the GlamourGals Spirit!
Though as we still carefully navigate through this new world with new challenges and opportunities, here’s a question on all GlamourGals’ minds:
This pandemic has impacted everyone and the GlamourGals mission is more important than ever as seniors throughout the country are left without routine in-person visits. In order to combat senior isolation, GG National has implemented virtual programming to provide both GlamourGals and seniors a safe way to maintain intergenerational friendships! Here are four ways to continue participating in the GlamourGals mission!
1. Virtual GG Meetings
Being there for your fellow GlamourGals is a surefire way to motivate each other to do our best to rise above the new obstacles we are facing. We have already witnessed the power of virtual meetings bringing us together, such as through our Virtual Glammys, GLTI, and Mental Health Summit. While we cannot be together physically, nothing can stop GlamourGals from making an impact!
Host a meeting together, whether it is to share chapters updates, chat about new baking recipes, or recommend new television shows. Host meetings with your chapter and the seniors in your community! GG Leaders should reach out to their contacts at the senior facilities for their ability to host virtual meetings and how to schedule them.
2. GG Media Club
Once meetings are scheduled, whether it is forming a book club, listening to podcasts and music, or creating crafts, share in activities you can all enjoy together. Especially concerning books and music, try to find media from previous generations or different cultures that might not be familiar to you, but that the seniors may know. Ask for suggestions and recommendations and respectfully share opinions on the media shared. Learn from the differences made across these generations and find common ground to appreciate where we are and how we got here.
If possible, find books that have audiobook options or large print for seniors who are visually impaired.
However, if virtual meetings with the seniors are not possible…
3. #MyDearFriend Kind Note Writing Campaign
GG National is proud to have started a Kind Note Writing Campaign to reach out to the isolated seniors throughout the country who are in need of kindness and communication. Share with the seniors your thoughts and hopes for the future and what you are doing in the short term, such as learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby. Ask them questions about their own hobbies or favorite things, like books, movies, and music.
#MyDearFriend does not have to be limited to the senior facility your chapter visited. Many senior facilities are open to receiving letters as they’re looking for volunteers to help cheer up their seniors with a kind word. We as GlamourGals want to let them know they are not alone during this pandemic.
There are a few different ways to have your letter sent to the facility. A chapter leader should communicate with their senior facility contact to find the safest and most appropriate way to send their letters. Some volunteers send their letters to a leader to safely drop off the letters to the facility in bulk. Others have volunteers send their letters individually. Do what is best for you and your chapter as the most important thing is your safety.
Use social media to spread the word with the hashtag #mydearfriend. Post photos of your written messages, card designs, and how much the mission means to you! Encourage everyone you know to join in as honorary GlamourGals, because we’re all in this together!
If you know someone who is not in a GG chapter who would like to join our mission of sending over 50,000 cards, have them check out the GlamourGals #MyDearFriend page for more information on how to sign up and join! They will be matched with a senior facility that is ready to receive kind notes!
And our final method of continuing the GlamourGals mission remotely…
4. GG Coloring Book
In the style I use for these articles, I’ve helped GlamourGals create a coloring book! We now have a physical/digital book for all chapters to color with and for their seniors!
Use these coloring pages as a method of relaxation when you’re feeling stressed and need to decompress. These coloring pages were not only made with GG volunteers in mind, many are based on actual photos provided by volunteers! On each page is a quote from a current or former volunteer who shared their love of GG with us. They serve as a reminder as to why we all choose to be GlamourGals and why GG spirit never falters!
Check out how to get a copy for yourself and/or a senior facility here!
There are definitely other ways to continue spreading the GG Mission because as long as everyone stays safe and sound, we’ll get through these times together.
That’s all for now! Hope to see you all at the Glammy Awards!
All GlamourGals can earn one service hour by answering this journal prompt: What part of the GlamourGals’ virtual Programming are you most excited for?
GG National looks forward to reading your answers! Email us at chapters@glamourgals.org if you have any questions. We’re here to help!
If you have any other general questions, always feel free to reach out to us at contact@glamourgals.org as well.
