Groups are a great way to connect with colleagues around the world who have similar interests or concerns as colleagues in the same region. Groups give you an opportunity to have discussions on the group’s wall, ask questions to a specific group, and learn more about a topic you are interested in. You can also list the groups you participate in on your profile (see the example below) and see what groups other people have listed on their profiles. This is another way to show others on the Knowledge Network what your interests are and let them know a little about your community.

So here’s how to join!

• As you may have noticed, there are groups throughout the Knowledge Network. However, the easiest way to see all the groups at once is to click on the groups tab, which is near the top of every page. 
  

   

• Once you have clicked on the “Groups” tab, you can use the tabs underneath to begin looking through the different groups. Under “My Groups” you can see the groups to which you already belong; under “Most Active” you can see the groups with the most lively discussions; under “Newest” you can find the most recently formed groups; and under “Largest” you can find the groups with the most members. Additionally, there is a search function on the left-hand side that will allow you to search for specific topics and will show you all the groups relating to that topic. 
• After you find a group, or five or six, that you want to join, check the summary above the title to see what kind of group it is—whether it is an open group, a group you are preapproved for, or a closed group

For open groups or groups you are preapproved for, simply click the "Join this Group" button and you are in.

For closed groups, click the "Ask to Join this Group" button, and a group moderator will be notified; the modifier can approve you to participate in the group’s discussions and have access to their content. 

• Alternatively you can be asked to join a group, in which case an invitation will appear in your inbox from a group member or the moderator. In the message there will be a link that says “click here to join.” Click on the link if you wish to join the group.

Two more things about groups:

• Leaving a group is even easier than joining one (although we hope you will stay!). When you are on the group’s homepage, look in the upper right-hand corner: where it used to say “Join this group,” it will now say “Leave this group.” Just click that button, and you will no longer be in the group. 
• Finally, only members of ICMA or the Alliance for Innovation may create groups on the Knowledge Network. If you are not a member of either organization, you may join groups but you will not be able to start your own groups. 

I hope this answers all the questions you may have had about joining groups. We will be back in the coming weeks with more Tips and Tricks to help you get the most out of the Knowledge Network. In the meantime, start joining groups! Become active in the Knowledge Network community, and be sure to post below if you have any comments or questions about groups.