Category: Best Host
For the Consul who is the ideal host, and truly embodies the spirit of “nobody stands alone.”
2017 Winner: William L. Chew III in Brussels, Belgium
2017 Honorable Mention: Samuel Kakish in Amman, Jordan
Why They Won
One of the biggest qualities we look for when choosing Consuls is their ability to be a great host to our members! This category was a difficult one to judge, as our Consuls are natural hosts, and go to great efforts to welcome members at their activities. When making their selection for this year’s Best Host, the Global Awards Jury considered Consuls who take it to the next level when hosting their activities.
The strongest nominees for this award strive to be present and approachable during their activities, and really make other members feel at home in their group. They take an active role in responding to member questions in person, online, and on the group wall, while also sending updates to keep members notified about any changes to the activity. As detailed by one of 2017’s jury members:
“William is a great host because he is always keen to accommodate attendees’ wishes and expectations. He once contacted us during the summer months: group members had asked him to take a break because many would be gone on vacation and they did not want to miss his next lecture. This shows how much members love and appreciate his activities and how committed William is to meet the needs of group members. We agreed that he would do something different during summer to keep the group engaged and pick up his lectures again when everyone was back from vacation. His activities always get five-star ratings, and members always praise the quality of his activities.”
Why do you think we chose you as 2017’s Best Host?
If I were to reduce my answer to four key elements, I’d say: because of my consistent organization, interesting content, personal enthusiasm, and good interaction. I took over the Dutch Speaking Group in July, 2016, followed by the American Group in September, and founded my own Highlights of History Group in November of the same year. Since then I’ve organized some 50 activities. Consistent and regular scheduling on a day and time that works for most, depending on the nature of the activity, are key.
I guess my content is appealing, because when I took over and/or founded my own group I decided to play on my strengths from 30 years of teaching. Thus: provide a structured meeting with high-quality content and passionate delivery. Since I love languages, and I love history, bringing my enthusiasm to my groups is a cinch, and I can tell it is infectious by the members’ reactions. Since we are a group, finally, and not a “one-man show,” interaction is important, so I make sure to not only stay in contact online, on the InterNations platform, but also to create a real group feeling of belonging in the group itself, by reaching out to each and every individual. That interaction also comes into play when I alternate the usual activities with others like watching a movie (preceded by commentary and followed by discussion), or having a picnic in the park with a sing-a-long (when I bring my guitar), or inviting group members to a public lecture I am giving for another organization, e.g. the historical Napoleonic society. I must be doing something right, since most of my activities are often fully booked on the day I post them!
How do you juggle planning in advance, organizing a location, and remain upbeat and friendly about hosting your members? Do you ask for other Consuls to help out?
In the beginning, I adopted the last location used by the group I took over, then decided whether I wanted to stay with it or look around for alternatives. I also, indeed, took suggestions from other Consuls from other groups (I have no co-Consuls, myself), and sharing with them has certainly been helpful. I have also been very fortunate in that one of my fellow Consuls is kind enough to let me meet my group at her home, when the activity is a lecture, discussion, Q&A, or movie, which provides a cozy and quiet atmosphere, and guests contribute snacks and drinks for all. In the end, I have several regular, and several alternate venues which I use from time to time. Staying upbeat and friendly is never a problem, because I love what I’m doing. I’m a people-person and also see my work as an InterNations Consul in the context of “paying-back” to society, because I’ve been fortunate in life and want to share the joy of my passions, like I did for so many years to several generations of university students. Only now, I don’t have to grade any more papers! Yay!
You truly embody the InterNations motto “Nobody stands alone”! Do you have any advice for other Consuls hoping to strengthen their presence at activities?
Presence, personality, and passion. For me those are the “three P’s” and they are closely linked. Whatever you do in your activity, do it with passion and enthusiasm. Play on the strengths of your personality! We at InterNations have such a huge variety and reservoir of talent and each of us have strengths and passions to contribute to our InterNations family. Let them show! Bring the energy level up in your group, make your presence felt by leadership skills showing you can innovate with new and exciting ideas in your group, little games, topics, discussions — you name it. I guarantee that your group will thank you and you will bond!
Congratulations to William, 2017’s winner for Best Host, as well as our honorable mention in Amman, Samuel Kakish, for embodying the spirit of this role and being wonderful hosts for our members!
About the winner:
William L. Chew III was born in Germany and joined InterNations back in 2011, so he has seen the community grow and thrive from the early days. He began his journey as Consul by organizing language activities, but soon also wanted to share his passion for history and American culture with group members. As a recently retired professor of history in Brussels, he loves to pass on his knowledge and engage in stimulating discussions at his activities.
