A group exemption letter

[russellhltn]

Keep in mind this is one account per unit. So, it's going to be a "ward" account, not just a "RS" or "Sunday School" account. It's probably a good idea to sit down with the other leaders of the ward and hash out how this is going to work. As I understand it, you can have one meeting with break-out sessions.

[BrianEdwards]

Two meetings can be held simultaneously using the unit account, each with breakout rooms. And coordination will be a must, along with the standard virtual need for communication of what link to click, when to click it, password to supply, and all that jazz.

[RobCFrame]

The first paragraph on the topic of Zoom Licenses states: "When free accounts do not meet local unit needs, a Church-provided Zoom license can be requested". Does it cost the church more money for each ward that is assigned a Zoom License? If so, shouldn't we be encouraging them to use the free accounts if they "meet local unit needs", and only supply the wards with new Zoom Licenses for specific needs? Otherwise, if it costs the church no additional per unit costs, why wouldn't we just assign a license to every ward at the start?

[Mikerowaved]

The first paragraph on the topic of Zoom Licenses states: "When free accounts do not meet local unit needs, a Church-provided Zoom license can be requested". Does it cost the church more money for each ward that is assigned a Zoom License? If so, shouldn't we be encouraging them to use the free accounts if they "meet local unit needs", and only supply the wards with new Zoom Licenses for specific needs? Otherwise, if it costs the church no additional per unit costs, why wouldn't we just assign a license to every ward at the start?

That's a fair question. For some units, the free version of Zoom works well, but others have a hard time with the restrictions. It's the second group that often have gone out and purchased their own Zoom account using budget funds. What the church is offering is an enterprise account that has more features than what a typical bishop might get for use within his ward, including webinars and rooms. While they haven't revealed the exact figures, they let us know the cost per church account is quite a bit less than what a ward or stake can get on their own.

So yes, if the free version works, that would be the best way to go. If not, then using the church's account is preferred over personal accounts.