What is WebEx?
The Internet continues to bring the world closer together. Starting this month, DAJ is able to offer web conferencing for its membership and other meetings by using Democrats Abroad's WebEx web conferencing platform. Web conferencing will allow DAJ members to participate in meetings whether they live in Kanto, Kansai, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and so on. In fact, DAJ members can even participate in meetings if they are vacationing in Europe or visiting family back in the United States. DAJ leadership hopes that web conferencing will increase interest and participation in DAJ meetings, enhance our GOTV efforts, and ensure that DAJ is nationwide organization that services Democrats no matter where they live in Japan.
How does it work?
WebEx has its tricks, but it is fairly easy to use. For each meeting, you will receive an email from the host of the meeting. The email will contain the meeting password and a link that you can click on when you are ready to join the meeting. You enter your name, email address, and the password when prompted. Once the program loads, you need to call into the meeting by clicking on "Call in Using Computer". At that point, you should be connected to the meeting, which broadcasts using video and audio. To save bandwidth, we typically ask attendees to turn off video and mute their audio when not speaking. The WebEx platform also has document sharing and text messaging capability. Click here for general instructions on joining WebEx meetings.
Do I need to download anything?
Yes, you need to have ActiveX plug-ins installed on your computer. You should be prompted to do this when you start WebEx for the first time. Also, Java script is required. If you are a presenter and would like to share pdf documents during the meeting, you should make sure that you have installed the most current version of Adobe. Click here for general instructions on setting up WebEx on your computer.
Other tips
Unless advised otherwise, please mute your microphone and turn off your video. With many people participating in the meeting, feedback, background noise and talking are common problems if microphones are not muted. The procedure for asking a question during a WebEx meeting is to type **Hand Up in the text box. Please make sure that your text settings are set to message "everyone". This procedure forms a queue, which will be managed by the WebEx host or an assistant.
If you use Windows 10, you may have a problem using the Microsoft Edge web browser. In the start up panel, search for Internet Explorer, and open the application (this has the light blue "e" instead of the dark blue "e"). Mac users have reported problems accessing the toolbar (at the top of the page) when working in the WebEx program. Make sure you move your mouse all the way to the top of the screen, which causes the toolbar to drop down.
Questions
If you have questions about WebEx or would like to assist us with WebEx administration at our meetings, please email Tom Schmid at [email protected]. We're looking forward to seeing you online at our next meeting!
DAJ Executive Committee