Virtual activities make it easy to connect with Stitch members from the comfort of home — whether you want to socialize, share a hobby, or simply stay in touch with your community without the need to travel. Hosting one is a great way to bring members together wherever they are. Follow the steps below to post your virtual activity and choose the video tool that works best for your group.
Step 1: Set how your activity will take place
Go to the Activities section in Stitch and select Suggest an Activity.
Select Virtual to indicate that your activity will take place online.
If your activity is not linked to a specific Stitch Group, choose who can join: members in your local area, your state or region, or your country.
Step 2: Choose your video provider
Select your video provider: Stitch Video Chat or Zoom.
Stitch Video Chat is Stitch's built-in video tool. Attendees do not need to install any software — they join directly from the activity page. Stitch Video Chat supports up to 50 attendees, though only 12 appear on screen at one time. It includes live chat and screen sharing, and works best for social get-togethers with smaller groups.
Zoom requires a Zoom account (the free account is fine), and attendees may need to download the Zoom app or enable their camera in a browser before joining. If you are planning a webinar or a larger gathering, Zoom is the recommended option.
Note: Encourage attendees to check their Zoom setup before the activity starts — some first-time users need a few minutes to get the app running.
Step 3: Add your activity access details
If you chose Zoom, paste your Zoom meeting link into the Meeting link field. Add any additional instructions your attendees will need — for example, a Meeting ID, passcode, or dial-in number.
Important: Your meeting link is not visible to members on the activity page. Attendees join by clicking the Join now button, which uses the link you entered here. Make sure all access details (Meeting ID, passcode) are entered accurately at setup.
2. If you chose Stitch Video Chat, you do not need to provide a link or any additional details. Attendees join by clicking the Join now button directly from the activity page.
Step 4: Add your activity title and submit
Add a title for your activity. You do not need to include 'virtual' or 'online' in the title — Stitch marks virtual activities automatically with a Virtual label on the activity card.
Complete any remaining details and submit your activity for approval.
Note: Once your activity is approved, it appears in the Activities section of Stitch with a Virtual label at the top of the card so members can identify it easily.
Using Stitch Video Chat
If you chose Stitch Video Chat, no link sharing is needed. When it is time to start, you and your attendees simply select the blue Join now button on the activity page.
Note: The Join now button is not active before the activity is scheduled to begin. If attendees arrive early, the activity page will display a notice letting them know when the button will become available.
Using Zoom
All Zoom meetings must have either a Passcode or a Waiting Room enabled. If you have neither, Zoom enables a waiting room automatically.
You have two passcode options:
Embedded in your meeting link — the passcode is added automatically, so attendees do not need to type it in.
Manual entry — share your Meeting ID and passcode with attendees in Step 3 so they can enter it themselves.
To choose which option is right for you, visit the Settings section in your Zoom account.
If you use a waiting room instead of a passcode, familiarize yourself with how to manage it — you will need to admit attendees manually when they arrive. Zoom's support pages explain how the waiting room works.
Tips for running a successful virtual activity
A few things that make virtual Stitch activities go smoothly:
Share access details clearly. Include everything attendees need — meeting link, Meeting ID, passcode, or dial-in info — in your activity description before the activity starts.
Encourage cameras on. Seeing each other's faces makes the connection feel real. A screen full of black squares is far less engaging.
Ask attendees to find a quiet spot. If they are somewhere noisy, ask them to mute their microphone when they are not speaking. In Zoom, the activity organizer can also mute other attendees.
Give people time to settle in. Let attendees grab a drink, get comfortable, and feel welcome before diving in. A warm start sets the tone for the whole session.