Jitsi Meet

Introduction

Jitsi Meet is an easy-to-use, open-source video conferencing platform that supports audio, video, and screen-sharing capabilities. It can be used for one-on-one meetings or large-scale conferences. Jitsi Meet is browser-based and also has mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Top 7 Features nonprofits can use in Jitsi:

Web-Based Video Conferencing: Jitsi Meet is entirely web-based, meaning participants can join meetings without needing to download or install any software or apps. This accessibility makes it easy for users to join meetings from various devices and platforms.

End-to-End Encryption: Jitsi Meet offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication. This means that the content of video calls remains private and can only be accessed by the meeting participants.

Integration and Customization: Jitsi Meet is highly customizable and can be integrated into other applications and services. Developers can use the Jitsi Meet API to embed video conferencing into their own platforms or websites. Additionally, it offers options for branding and customization to tailor the user experience.

Chat features allow participants to send text-based messages in real time during meetings or discussions. This text chat can be used for various purposes, including:

• Asking questions.
• Sharing links, files, or documents.
• Providing feedback or comments.
• Engaging in side discussions.

Polling features enable meeting hosts or organisers to create and distribute polls or surveys to participants during a meeting or webinar. Polls can be used for:

• Gathering opinions or feedback.
• Conducting quick surveys.
• Collecting data or preferences.

Live Streaming Jitsi Meet can be integrated with third-party live streaming platforms like YouTube Live or Facebook Live to broadcast your meetings to a broader nonprofit audience.

White Board Feature Non-profit organisations can use a whiteboard option in various ways to enhance their communication, collaboration, and engagement with stakeholders, whether it's during virtual meetings, workshops, or educational sessions. Here are some specific scenarios and examples of how nonprofits can effectively utilise the whiteboard option:

• Brainstorming and Ideation Sessions:
• Educational Workshops:
• Collaborative Planning:
• Project Monitoring and Evaluation:

Limitations:

Scalability: While Jitsi Meet can handle a reasonable number of participants in a meeting, it may face performance issues with very large meetings. Scalability depends on the server infrastructure and resources available.

Resource Intensive: Running a Jitsi Meet server with high-quality video and audio can be resource-intensive. Organisations may need to invest in robust server hardware to ensure smooth performance, especially for larger meetings.

Dependency on Network Quality: Like all video conferencing tools, Jitsi Meet's performance depends on the quality of the internet connection for both hosts and participants. Low bandwidth or unstable connections can lead to video and audio issues.

Mobile Apps: While Jitsi Meet has mobile apps for Android and iOS, some users have reported occasional issues with the mobile apps in terms of stability and feature parity with the web version.

Conclusion

Jitsi Meet can be an excellent choice for many non-profit organisations, especially those looking for a cost-effective and open-source video conferencing solution. However, it's essential for non-profits to assess their specific requirements, technical capabilities, and user needs to determine whether Jitsi Meet is the right fit or if additional customizations and integrations are necessary to fully meet their collaboration goals.