The Mosaic Institute is a think-and-do tank that brings together people, communities, and nations to advance pluralism and reduce conflict. We operate through people-to-people engagement to create common ground by building mutual empathy and understanding. We believe that Canada’s diversity is not a problem to be solved, but rather the solution to many of Canada’s and the world’s conflicts.

We engage in community-grounded empirical research; convene action-oriented dialogues; provide inclusivity and equity training for youth; and facilitate public engagement on topics of national interest.

We also hold public events to raise the level of discourse and engagement on issues related to conflict, our responsibilities towards one another, our legitimate expectations of one another, and Canada’s place in the world. Our innovative peace dialogues bring different people together to learn, and subsequently act, to end conflict.

This introduction is how I speak about my work at the Mosaic Institute. Every single aspect of our organization is predicated on the power of person-to-person interaction. When we suddenly decided to work remotely due to COVID-19, my team was faced with the challenge of turning our work – which is grounded in real-time interaction – into virtual programming. In our case, every single program and activity needed to pivot to be online. Over the past few months, we have learned the importance of the following steps when translating in-person programming to virtual.

Review the main goal(s) of your program, and then evaluate whether they can be accomplished virtually

All programs have objectives and anticipated outcomes. When thinking about if/how to move your program online, review your metrics and outcomes for the program and be creative about how they could be met in a different, virtual way. For example:

• If the program’s objective is to educate, empower, or raise awareness; a social media campaign, podcast, or webinar could accomplish the same goals.
• If the program’s objective is to provide counselling; interviews could be completed by telephone, virtual calls, or video submissions.

Understand your organization’s virtual capacity and your team’s skills

When the decision is made to transition to a virtual setting, evaluate whether you have the appropriate tools to accomplish your goal(s).

• For example, if you want to interact with your clients, a webinar format may not be the best option as most webinar settings do not allow for audio/video interaction. However, if you want to share a large degree of information and limit audience interaction to Q&A, this format may be ideal.
• See what tools your partners are using, and attend virtual events so you can have a sense of what your stakeholders would experience. If you determine that you need different tools, this list of COVID-19 resources for the not-for-profit sector and TechSoup Canada are great places to start.
• If accessing new tools is not feasible, partner with an organization who would assist.

Ensure your team is comfortable with the tool(s) that you will be using.

• Most virtual conferencing platforms offer free training resources; either have a group “session” to train everyone or ask each member to complete the training prior to implementing a virtual program.
• Schedule a test program with trusted stakeholders, who will forgive any errors and provide valuable constructive feedback. They may be other team members, former clients, or Board members.

Know your stakeholders

Not everyone is comfortable within the digital space, and not all stakeholders will be comfortable with online programming. If possible, do a quick survey with your stakeholders, and find out what they would be comfortable doing, and at what time. Whenever possible, offer a non-digital alternative.

• For example, offer the opportunity to connect by telephone instead of using the internet or data; or to receive a flyer in the mail instead of viewing it online.

Communicate before, during, and after the virtual program

Shortly before your event, send a reminder. Including an event kit will help your clients have a seamless experience.

During your program’s introduction, thank your audience for their time and ask them to be patient with you as you navigate this new virtual space. Include your “netiquette” key points; such as how to ask questions or where to find more information.

After your program, send a follow-up thank you message to your clients, reminding them of any action items and thanking them for their participation.

Case studies

At Mosaic, pivoting to virtual programming continues to be a learning opportunity that has resulted in new experiences, grown our community, and changed some of the ways we think about our work.

Some of our most recent examples are:

Case #1: UofMosaic Fellowship program

Our UofMosaic Fellowship Program brings together university students from across the country to share, listen, learn, and act to end conflict.

Objective	In-Person Programming	Virtual Programming
One of the program deliverables is to design and implement an on-campus dialogue that addresses a polarizing issue dividing students.	Our Fellows were planning to implement their on-campus dialogues between March-May 2020.	Instead, they coordinated a nation-wide online conference to address the “infodemic” that many of us are experiencing.

Case #2: Next Generation

Our Next Generation program applies our Mosaic Model of Dialogue to develop the skills and qualities in youth to become the next generation of leaders in conflict resolution, inclusion, and pluralism.

Objective	In-Person Programming	Virtual Programming
Provide students with the space to explore their own identities and biases, learn about the histories and cultures of others and feel confident in their ability to engage in respectful dialogue and resolve conflicts.	A combination of in-class workshops, full day programming and full week programming that focus on peace and conflict themes in a local and global context, as well as the Mosaic model of research, dialogue, and action.	In response to school closures, we developed  a Digital Learning Hub, a Google Classroom, downloadable workbooks and packages, and an equity and accessibility consultation for teachers and administrators.

Case #3: Peace Patron Award

Our Peace Patron Award is our annual signature event and highest honour, at which we present the award to one person who has made a preeminent contribution to peace and intercultural understanding.

Objective	In-Person Programming	Virtual Programming
Annual signature fundraising event, celebrating the Mosaic Institute’s work; honouring our Peace Patron; and bringing together our community.	Annual gala dinner	Unable to hold our annual gala, we instead recorded our Peace Patron ceremonies, and held a live fireside chat with our 2020 Peace Patron, Margaret MacMillan. Both phases were successful, and in fact hosting online allowed us to reach even more of our stakeholders.

Rachel Mansell is Vice President, Operations, at The Mosaic Institute, a “think and do tank” dedicated to bringing people, communities, and nations together to advance pluralism and reduce conflict. Rachel is a detail oriented, people-focused strategist with a passion for helping others achieve their personal and professional development goals. Her interest in conflict resolution practiced through the lenses of human rights, diversity, and inclusion has led her to a career working with diverse communities in the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors in both Canada and the UK. Connect with Rachel at rm@mosaicinstitute.ca or find out more at www.mosaicinstitute.ca.