The Chat Team is responsible for running several Chat-oriented events, notably the Fleetwide OOC Chat, the annual Trivia Chat, and bi-annual “Watch Along” events. Today we meet with the Chat Team Deputy Facilitator, Ikaia Wong so we can learn more about this important part of our community!
DeVeau: Thank you for joining us. Can you please start by giving us a short overview of the Chat Team and how it supports our StarBase 118 community?
Wong: Heyo! Thanks for having me!
If I had to sum up the Chat Team in one word, it’s “connection.” What we do is that we build and foster the connections between each other throughout the fleet. The biggest way we do this is with the Monthly Fleetwide Chat (and its partner – Side Treks). It’s that one time of the month when we all really connect to each other and share our stories. Other events we do are our Trivia Chat and our Watch Alongs. The Chat Team brings people together. That is what we’re about!
What is your favorite thing about working on this task force?
Honestly, it’s seeing everyone come together for our Fleetwide Chats. It’s like organizing a giant party where everyone’s invited! Prior to joining the task force, I had organized a few chat events of my own prior to joining the Chat Team from Wong’s Watchalongs to Wongoween and Diwali. Working on the task force feels like an extension of that – bringing people together for a while to bond and have fun!
Also, there’s Side Treks, which was my project before I became part of the Chat Team. When Discord first came out with their Threads system, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to create something that could help streamline side conversations by giving them a separate home to live in. So I created it, gave it a punny name, and Side Treks was born.
Who can join this task force?
The Chat Team is open to anyone ranked Lieutenant Junior Grade and above. Having a passion for planning and throwing fun Fleetwide Chats together is a big bonus!
How would a new member join this task force?
All you have to do is reach out to Serala, and they can sign you up!
What is the most fun thing about working on this taskforce?
For me, it’s seeing the end result of all the planning and work coming together for a fun Fleetwide Chat. It’s a sense of accomplishment knowing that you’ve done something that not just you but everyone else can enjoy. It’s seeing everyone coming together as a whole to commiserate and bond over the shared experiences in the fleet and our love of Star Trek. I love seeing that.
Thank you so much for your insights on the Chat Team!
You can read more about the Chat Team on the wiki.
