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What are Groups?
Care2 offers discussion groups where members can debate hot topics, share information, and connect with people in your area that share your interests.
Finding Groups to Join
Browse our Group Catalog for groups that interest you. When you find one you like click on the 'Join Now' link. Open groups will allow you instant access (you'll only be prompted to join when you attempt to participate. Closed groups require applications and sometimes invitations to join. You'll be able to tell the status of the group from the homepage next to the group image.
Creating Groups of your own
If you do not see a group on the topic you were looking for you may want to consider starting your own group. You can elect additional hosts to help you moderate the group and keep the discussions active.
Care2 offers discussion groups where members can debate hot topics, share information, and connect with people in your area that share your interests.
Finding Groups to Join
Browse our Group Catalog for groups that interest you. When you find one you like click on the 'Join Now' link. Open groups will allow you instant access (you'll only be prompted to join when you attempt to participate. Closed groups require applications and sometimes invitations to join. You'll be able to tell the status of the group from the homepage next to the group image.
Creating Groups of your own
If you do not see a group on the topic you were looking for you may want to consider starting your own group. You can elect additional hosts to help you moderate the group and keep the discussions active.
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What is a "Primary Network"?
Your Primary Network is the main organization that your account is associated with. Usually, this will be the organization whose logo and banner you see at the top of your screen, and is determined by who invited you into the network.
How does that work? Many organizations are building their networks on Care2. Members who join via a link from the Sierra Club will see Sierra Club's graphics as they surf the Care2 network. When these Sierra Club members then invite their friends to join, the friends also see Sierra Club graphics throughout the network.
As members from each of these organizations join Care2, the entire huge network of progressive individuals grows, benefiting all the groups and members.
Your Primary Network is the main organization that your account is associated with. Usually, this will be the organization whose logo and banner you see at the top of your screen, and is determined by who invited you into the network.
How does that work? Many organizations are building their networks on Care2. Members who join via a link from the Sierra Club will see Sierra Club's graphics as they surf the Care2 network. When these Sierra Club members then invite their friends to join, the friends also see Sierra Club graphics throughout the network.
As members from each of these organizations join Care2, the entire huge network of progressive individuals grows, benefiting all the groups and members.
Care2 Group Discussions Help
As a member of a Care2 group, you can participate in discussions within the group. In order to read the discussions within a group, scroll down past the group description and the announcements to see the topics with the most recent activity. If you want to read the list of all discussions, click on the View all Topics link below the recent topics list. Once you have selected a topic, you can scroll down to read all the posts on that discussion. In order to add your own post to a discussion, scroll to the bottom of the list of posts and click on the Reply to Topic button. You have a character limit of 6000 per post, and can preview your post prior to submitting it by using the Preview button. Depending on the options for the group, limited html may be allowed, as well as the use of emoticons. If these are allowed, there will be a message at the bottom of the post composition page which has a link to a page describing the available emoticons and how to use them.
Participating in groups.
In order to participate in discussions that take place in the groups, you must first join that group. To join a group, simply go to that group and click on the Join button below the group description. You can leave a group that you are a member of by clicking on the unjoin link, which replaces the Join button if you are a group member. When you post to a group you have the option to post anonymously if you wish.
More on this Topic...
Posting images into discussion threads.
To post images in your discussion thread, you'll need to upload the photo from your hard drive to the web. We offer free web hosting of your photos through Care2. For more help with creating albums and more, click here.
Then right click on the photo you wish to add to a discussion thread and copy the 'image' location link. Navigate back over to the discussion thread and use the insert image feature during your reply to add the link in. A box will pop-up and you paste in the URL next to 'Image URL' and voila!
Helpful Tip: Instead of using the 'Insert Image' tool you may also try using your browser's cut & paste feature or simple drag 'n drop the image in the discussion post.
Posting Videos into Threads
The process for posting videos is actually much easier than adding images seeming as the videos from YouTube, Google, JumpCut, and VMIX (the compatible video sites) are already hosted online. In your discussion post simple type the following, "video:http//www.VideoUrlHere.com/example" and hit preview. Of course you'll want to use the actual URL of the video you wish to embed. You should be able to view your video in the preview screen. If you do not, please verify the URL and make sure it's from a compatible website.
Editing your Post
Within groups you now have the ability to edit your own posts. Whether you are creating a new thread topic, replying to an existing thread, or writing a host announcement after you hit submit you have the option to go back and make changes. How this works...
You must hit the 'Edit Post' button within a minute of submitting your post. You must submit your changes to the post within 5 minutes of pressing the edit button.
Why the time limit? Some features are prone to abuse by members. While most members would only use the feature to enhance their posts & fix spelling errors, some users might use the feature for baiting and switching. All posts that have been edited will be marked with at tag reading, "This post was modified from its original form on [date & time]."
As a member of a Care2 group, you can participate in discussions within the group. In order to read the discussions within a group, scroll down past the group description and the announcements to see the topics with the most recent activity. If you want to read the list of all discussions, click on the View all Topics link below the recent topics list. Once you have selected a topic, you can scroll down to read all the posts on that discussion. In order to add your own post to a discussion, scroll to the bottom of the list of posts and click on the Reply to Topic button. You have a character limit of 6000 per post, and can preview your post prior to submitting it by using the Preview button. Depending on the options for the group, limited html may be allowed, as well as the use of emoticons. If these are allowed, there will be a message at the bottom of the post composition page which has a link to a page describing the available emoticons and how to use them.
Participating in groups.
In order to participate in discussions that take place in the groups, you must first join that group. To join a group, simply go to that group and click on the Join button below the group description. You can leave a group that you are a member of by clicking on the unjoin link, which replaces the Join button if you are a group member. When you post to a group you have the option to post anonymously if you wish.
More on this Topic...
Posting images into discussion threads.
To post images in your discussion thread, you'll need to upload the photo from your hard drive to the web. We offer free web hosting of your photos through Care2. For more help with creating albums and more, click here.
Then right click on the photo you wish to add to a discussion thread and copy the 'image' location link. Navigate back over to the discussion thread and use the insert image feature during your reply to add the link in. A box will pop-up and you paste in the URL next to 'Image URL' and voila!
Helpful Tip: Instead of using the 'Insert Image' tool you may also try using your browser's cut & paste feature or simple drag 'n drop the image in the discussion post.
Posting Videos into Threads
The process for posting videos is actually much easier than adding images seeming as the videos from YouTube, Google, JumpCut, and VMIX (the compatible video sites) are already hosted online. In your discussion post simple type the following, "video:http//www.VideoUrlHere.com/example" and hit preview. Of course you'll want to use the actual URL of the video you wish to embed. You should be able to view your video in the preview screen. If you do not, please verify the URL and make sure it's from a compatible website.
Editing your Post
Within groups you now have the ability to edit your own posts. Whether you are creating a new thread topic, replying to an existing thread, or writing a host announcement after you hit submit you have the option to go back and make changes. How this works...
You must hit the 'Edit Post' button within a minute of submitting your post. You must submit your changes to the post within 5 minutes of pressing the edit button.
Why the time limit? Some features are prone to abuse by members. While most members would only use the feature to enhance their posts & fix spelling errors, some users might use the feature for baiting and switching. All posts that have been edited will be marked with at tag reading, "This post was modified from its original form on [date & time]."
Group Hosts
Group hosts have the ability to change the description and photo for the group. They can also post announcements to the group in the announcement box for the group.
Beyond these abilities, the hosts are expected to help facilitate healthy dialog and discussions on the boards by posting topics for discussion and monitoring for inappropriate posts on the board. If you come across behavior that violates our Terms of Service in any group, please notify the group host.
Each group on Care2 is a unique combination of hosts, members, goals, and expectations. Thus, interpretation of, and adherence to, the guidelines outlined in the Care2 Code of Conduct varies across groups.
Group History Tool for Hosts
Our engineers have developed a great new tool to help hosts track member activity in groups. When logged in as host of a group you will now see a "Group History" link. This link will bring you to a page where you'll have access to the following user specific information:
What to do when you believe someone has violated our Terms of Service:
Within a Group:
If the problem occurs within a group, please report the problem to the Group Host (either via the Community Watch system if in use, or directly to the Group Host). It is the Group Owner / Hosts responsibility to manage their group. Make sure to provide them with as much evidence (including links to posts) as possible, so they can investigate.
Outside of Groups:
Please use the "Flag as Inappropriate" link at the bottom of the individual's profile page. Please include as much detail as possible, including links to specific evidence. Note that we are neither arbitrators nor lawyers, and we have limited resources to be able to investigate, but we do our best to help.
If you believe an individual has broken the law (e.g. you believe they have committed libel) please report this to your local law enforcement.
Social Networking attracts a wide-range of individuals. Some with very strong beliefs and that's what makes social networking so interesting. If you encounter and individual or group that you believe is a troublemaker, we find that the best policy for members is privately report the troublemakers and to publicly ignore them.
More on Managing Groups...
Technical Difficulties
Are you having trouble with system recognizing you as a host of your group even though you're logged in?
I believe that this problem is due to cookie handling by our login system. While cookies were accepted by your computer from our cookie tester, your browser may not be taking cookies from our passport system.
Our system needs to be able to read the cookies on your system during your visit to Care2 in order to recognize that you are logged in as you. If the system doesn't see that it's you then you host controls will not show up.
Please make sure that your browser is set up to take cookies from www.care2.com/passport as well as care2.com, and let us know if you continue to experience these problems.
Group hosts have the ability to change the description and photo for the group. They can also post announcements to the group in the announcement box for the group.
Beyond these abilities, the hosts are expected to help facilitate healthy dialog and discussions on the boards by posting topics for discussion and monitoring for inappropriate posts on the board. If you come across behavior that violates our Terms of Service in any group, please notify the group host.
Each group on Care2 is a unique combination of hosts, members, goals, and expectations. Thus, interpretation of, and adherence to, the guidelines outlined in the Care2 Code of Conduct varies across groups.
Group History Tool for Hosts
Our engineers have developed a great new tool to help hosts track member activity in groups. When logged in as host of a group you will now see a "Group History" link. This link will bring you to a page where you'll have access to the following user specific information:
- View Post History - View all posts made by a user within the group
- View Suspension History - View date & length of member time-outs
- Host Notes - Add/view notes about a user (written and viewable only by group hosts)
- Block/Unblock Member - Click button to change the user's status within the group
What to do when you believe someone has violated our Terms of Service:
Within a Group:
If the problem occurs within a group, please report the problem to the Group Host (either via the Community Watch system if in use, or directly to the Group Host). It is the Group Owner / Hosts responsibility to manage their group. Make sure to provide them with as much evidence (including links to posts) as possible, so they can investigate.
Outside of Groups:
Please use the "Flag as Inappropriate" link at the bottom of the individual's profile page. Please include as much detail as possible, including links to specific evidence. Note that we are neither arbitrators nor lawyers, and we have limited resources to be able to investigate, but we do our best to help.
If you believe an individual has broken the law (e.g. you believe they have committed libel) please report this to your local law enforcement.
Social Networking attracts a wide-range of individuals. Some with very strong beliefs and that's what makes social networking so interesting. If you encounter and individual or group that you believe is a troublemaker, we find that the best policy for members is privately report the troublemakers and to publicly ignore them.
More on Managing Groups...
Technical Difficulties
Are you having trouble with system recognizing you as a host of your group even though you're logged in?
I believe that this problem is due to cookie handling by our login system. While cookies were accepted by your computer from our cookie tester, your browser may not be taking cookies from our passport system.
Our system needs to be able to read the cookies on your system during your visit to Care2 in order to recognize that you are logged in as you. If the system doesn't see that it's you then you host controls will not show up.
Please make sure that your browser is set up to take cookies from www.care2.com/passport as well as care2.com, and let us know if you continue to experience these problems.
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How do I transfer ownership of my group?
New Feature!! Group hosts may now transfer ownership of their groups via the group management console. Look under "General Settings" and click on "Transfer Ownership" then select the new owner from the list of existing group hosts. If your new owner is not yet a host, you'll need to add them via the "Host Setup/Priviledges" link on the console.
How do I delete my group?
New Feature!! Group hosts may now delete their own groups via the group management console within their group. Look under "General Settings" and click on "Delete" follow the directions and you'll be all set.
The only exception, are Premium groups which will need customer support assistance to complete the request. To request this action, please submit a request through the help form and use the appropriate category to submit the request. Please be sure to include the URL of the group(s) homepage in your initial request.
New Feature!! Group hosts may now transfer ownership of their groups via the group management console. Look under "General Settings" and click on "Transfer Ownership" then select the new owner from the list of existing group hosts. If your new owner is not yet a host, you'll need to add them via the "Host Setup/Priviledges" link on the console.
How do I delete my group?
New Feature!! Group hosts may now delete their own groups via the group management console within their group. Look under "General Settings" and click on "Delete" follow the directions and you'll be all set.
The only exception, are Premium groups which will need customer support assistance to complete the request. To request this action, please submit a request through the help form and use the appropriate category to submit the request. Please be sure to include the URL of the group(s) homepage in your initial request.
What's new with Group Messaging?
Drumroll, please. We know youve been patiently awaiting the release of our new Group Messaging system and were happy to announce its here!!
So what's new, you ask? Quite a bit, actually. You will still be able to track individual group discussions posts and daily digests but now you'll also be able to track Host Announcements. One change, however, is that you'll no longer be able to track a particular thread. We had many problems with this function in the past so we've migrated to a new set-up.
What else, you ask? Members and hosts will have the functionality to post directly from their email accounts! Not to mention all the new icons. Aren't they pretty? There are new folder icons, new pins icons, new group host signifiers, new 'no photo' images (Yes!) and new 'email only' group member images.
We hope you like the new features!
Drumroll, please. We know youve been patiently awaiting the release of our new Group Messaging system and were happy to announce its here!!
So what's new, you ask? Quite a bit, actually. You will still be able to track individual group discussions posts and daily digests but now you'll also be able to track Host Announcements. One change, however, is that you'll no longer be able to track a particular thread. We had many problems with this function in the past so we've migrated to a new set-up.
What else, you ask? Members and hosts will have the functionality to post directly from their email accounts! Not to mention all the new icons. Aren't they pretty? There are new folder icons, new pins icons, new group host signifiers, new 'no photo' images (Yes!) and new 'email only' group member images.
We hope you like the new features!
Will I still be able to track discussions?
Yes! You are still able to track individual discussion threads as before but now you will also have the following options in every group:
Yes! You are still able to track individual discussion threads as before but now you will also have the following options in every group:
-
Individual Email -- Receive an email for each post and host announcement made to the group.
Daily Digest -- Receive a daily email containing all group posts and host announcements made the previous day, sorted by thread.
Host Announcements Only -- Receive only important host announcements made to the group by email.
Web Only -- Do not receive emails of group activity. Read group posts and announcements on the website only.
Care2 Group Host Announcements Help
The Host Announcements module gives hosts the ability to inform their group members of important news or issues. A host may use this tool for such things as periodic newsletters, announcements, code of conduct, or any other message a they may want a member to see.
These announcements will appear in the Host Announcement module within the group and an email message will go out to all members who have opted to receive these messages. Group members may opt-out of these mailings if they choose.
What's different about this feature compared to the discussion module?
This module is a place for group hosts only to post messages to their members. Members will not be able to reply directly to the posts here but are able to create topics below to discuss the announcements. Host announcements also go out as emails to everyone who has elected to receive email communications from the group.
Group Hosts
How do I activate the host announcement section in my group?
Go to the 'Group Management Console,' click on 'Homepage Modules' and check the box next to 'Host Announcements.'
The Host Announcements module gives hosts the ability to inform their group members of important news or issues. A host may use this tool for such things as periodic newsletters, announcements, code of conduct, or any other message a they may want a member to see.
These announcements will appear in the Host Announcement module within the group and an email message will go out to all members who have opted to receive these messages. Group members may opt-out of these mailings if they choose.
What's different about this feature compared to the discussion module?
This module is a place for group hosts only to post messages to their members. Members will not be able to reply directly to the posts here but are able to create topics below to discuss the announcements. Host announcements also go out as emails to everyone who has elected to receive email communications from the group.
Group Hosts
How do I activate the host announcement section in my group?
Go to the 'Group Management Console,' click on 'Homepage Modules' and check the box next to 'Host Announcements.'
Why do some groups have a 'Host Announcement' section in the group and some dont?
Hosts are given the option to display this module on the groups homepage or not.
How do I reply to a host announcement?
At this time the only members with the capability to reply to host announcement posts are the group hosts.
Can I message the members even though Im not a group host?
Yes, (as long as youre email preferences are set to Daily Digest or Individual Email) you will be able to send messages from your email account to the address designated to your group.
When I send a message does it create a post too?
Yes, if the group host has enabled this feature in the group. Responding to an individual thread will create a reply post to that thread. Sending to the general group address will create a new topic.
When I try to reply to a thread through my email, I get a message back saying I'm not subscribed to the group but I am?
Make sure you reply from the email address listed in your account. If you hit the links within the email to reply to a thread, make sure that the correct email client opens up. If not, copy and paste the email address into a new message and send.
Hosts are given the option to display this module on the groups homepage or not.
How do I reply to a host announcement?
At this time the only members with the capability to reply to host announcement posts are the group hosts.
Can I message the members even though Im not a group host?
Yes, (as long as youre email preferences are set to Daily Digest or Individual Email) you will be able to send messages from your email account to the address designated to your group.
When I send a message does it create a post too?
Yes, if the group host has enabled this feature in the group. Responding to an individual thread will create a reply post to that thread. Sending to the general group address will create a new topic.
When I try to reply to a thread through my email, I get a message back saying I'm not subscribed to the group but I am?
Make sure you reply from the email address listed in your account. If you hit the links within the email to reply to a thread, make sure that the correct email client opens up. If not, copy and paste the email address into a new message and send.
Email Posting & Email Members
Members will now be able to post in groups directly from their email accounts! How it works...
Members choose their email preferences in each group. If they choose to receive group emails, then they will be able to post directly from their email accounts. They will receive messages from the group that will contain links. They can click on the links to reply to the post on the web, or they can click "Reply to Thread" to send their post through email.
**Please note: You must respond to the thread from the same email address within your account in order for the system to recognize you.
*New* - Members will also be allowed to participate in the group through email only. These group members do not need to have Care2 Profile to participate. You will be able to identify such members by their avatar which will be the cute froggie, no photo image with the 'envelope' in the upper left corner.
Setting up the email posting was a pretty complicated process as you can imagine, so please bear with us as we work out any kinks in the system. If you are having troubles, please let us know through our help form.
Members will now be able to post in groups directly from their email accounts! How it works...
Members choose their email preferences in each group. If they choose to receive group emails, then they will be able to post directly from their email accounts. They will receive messages from the group that will contain links. They can click on the links to reply to the post on the web, or they can click "Reply to Thread" to send their post through email.
**Please note: You must respond to the thread from the same email address within your account in order for the system to recognize you.
*New* - Members will also be allowed to participate in the group through email only. These group members do not need to have Care2 Profile to participate. You will be able to identify such members by their avatar which will be the cute froggie, no photo image with the 'envelope' in the upper left corner.
Setting up the email posting was a pretty complicated process as you can imagine, so please bear with us as we work out any kinks in the system. If you are having troubles, please let us know through our help form.
Displaying host & member shares in groups
What are Shares?
Shares can be created by going to Care2 Share and following the simple steps. They offer you the opportunity for sharing your ideas with others.
Host Shares on the Group Homepage
Members may contribute to a collective Sharebook (online scrapbook / blog / journal) which will be displayed on the group homepage. Shares can be blogs, recipes, polls, tributes, quotes...just about anything. It's a fun way for members to contribute to the group!
Who can post shares?
The group's Hosts are the only ones who can contribute to this particular Sharebook, and only if they are given the privilege to do so (see your "Host setup/privileges" settings page to activate a new Host).
What is the difference between a Summary View and a Expanded View?
Groups hosts can choose to display shares in either a Summary View or a Expanded View. A Summary View displays the following:
There is a link at the top of the Host Shares block on the group homepage. Following this link will take you to the share compose page, prepopulating all of the fields necessary for linking the share to this group.
Alternatively, you can just add your unique group "tag" when composing a Share. Or, add the tag to any public Share that allows public tagging. The unique host tag for a group is *grouphost:groupshortname*, where 'groupshortname' = the last word of the group homepage URL.
How do I remove a Share?
Each share has a "remove" button on it. Clicking this will prevent the share from appearing in this group.
How do I add a Member Share to a group?
There is a link at the top of the Member Shares block on the group homepage. Following this link will take you to the share compose page, prepopulating all of the fields necessary for linking the share to this group.
Alternatively, you can just add your unique group "tag" when composing a Share. Or, add the tag to any public Share that allows public tagging. The unique group tag for each group is *group:groupshortname*, where 'groupshortname' = the last word of the group homepage URL.
Importing RSS Feeds
Look for the "From the Web" module on your group homepage and click on the edit link. Add the URL of the RSS feed you wish to display in your group. The URL should be the main URL of the RSS page in question. If the "From the Web" section is not displayed on your homepage you may enable it through your Group Management Console (GMC). Access the GMC and click on Homepage Modules near the bottom. Learn more
What are Shares?
Shares can be created by going to Care2 Share and following the simple steps. They offer you the opportunity for sharing your ideas with others.
Host Shares on the Group Homepage
Members may contribute to a collective Sharebook (online scrapbook / blog / journal) which will be displayed on the group homepage. Shares can be blogs, recipes, polls, tributes, quotes...just about anything. It's a fun way for members to contribute to the group!
Who can post shares?
The group's Hosts are the only ones who can contribute to this particular Sharebook, and only if they are given the privilege to do so (see your "Host setup/privileges" settings page to activate a new Host).
What is the difference between a Summary View and a Expanded View?
Groups hosts can choose to display shares in either a Summary View or a Expanded View. A Summary View displays the following:
-
* Share image
* Share Type
* Title
* Short Description
* Number of Comments
* Author
-
* More details about the Share
* Group Discussions about the share
* Tags applied to the Share
There is a link at the top of the Host Shares block on the group homepage. Following this link will take you to the share compose page, prepopulating all of the fields necessary for linking the share to this group.
Alternatively, you can just add your unique group "tag" when composing a Share. Or, add the tag to any public Share that allows public tagging. The unique host tag for a group is *grouphost:groupshortname*, where 'groupshortname' = the last word of the group homepage URL.
How do I remove a Share?
Each share has a "remove" button on it. Clicking this will prevent the share from appearing in this group.
How do I add a Member Share to a group?
There is a link at the top of the Member Shares block on the group homepage. Following this link will take you to the share compose page, prepopulating all of the fields necessary for linking the share to this group.
Alternatively, you can just add your unique group "tag" when composing a Share. Or, add the tag to any public Share that allows public tagging. The unique group tag for each group is *group:groupshortname*, where 'groupshortname' = the last word of the group homepage URL.
Importing RSS Feeds
Look for the "From the Web" module on your group homepage and click on the edit link. Add the URL of the RSS feed you wish to display in your group. The URL should be the main URL of the RSS page in question. If the "From the Web" section is not displayed on your homepage you may enable it through your Group Management Console (GMC). Access the GMC and click on Homepage Modules near the bottom. Learn more
Member created groups and resources to help other members on Care2:
The above resources are member created & operated so if any of the links become outdated please keep us informed. If you have any resources that you'd like to see added to the list please also let us know.
The above resources are member created & operated so if any of the links become outdated please keep us informed. If you have any resources that you'd like to see added to the list please also let us know.
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