Joining a Group

Whether you are looking to share ideas, engage in debates, or collaborate on projects, joining groups allows you to connect with other individuals and organizations. This section guides you through browsing the Groups list, joining public groups, requesting access to private groups, and accepting invitations.

How to browse the Groups list

1. Navigate to the Groups Page:
   • Click on "Groups" in the top menu bar of Futurium.
   • Visit the direct link Groups.
2. Use Filters and Sorting Options:
   • Name (A-Z or Z-A): Sort groups alphabetically to quickly find a specific community.
   • Oldest First/Newest First: View groups by their creation date to explore long-standing communities or discover newly formed ones.
   • Most Popular: Identify groups with the highest engagement and member activity.
3. Explore Group Descriptions:
   • Click on a group’s name to view its description, members, and recent activity.
   • Check the "Home" or "About" section to understand the group’s purpose, rules, and focus areas.
4. Search for Specific Topics:
   • Use the search bar to find groups related to keywords like "climate action," "digital transformation," or "youth engagement."

Joining Public Groups

Public groups are open to Futurium users and provide an easy way to join discussions, share ideas, and collaborate on topics of broad interest. 

These groups can be joined without requiring approval.

How to Join a Public Group

1. Browse or Search for a Group:
   • Use the Groups List or search function to find a group that interests you.
2. View the Group’s Page:
   • Click on the group’s name to see its description, members, and recent discussions.
3. Join the Group:
   • Click the "Join Group" button. 
   • You will receive a confirmation email.
   • You will become a member and gain access to discussions, resources, and events within the group.
4. Start Engaging:
   • Participate in discussions and commenting on already existing content.
   • Add new posts and media content. 
   • Collaborate with other members.
   • Share content, including articles, documents, presentations, and multimedia files related to the future of Europe.  

Joining Private Groups

Private groups on Futurium provide a secure and controlled environment for discussions on specialised or sensitive topics. Unlike public groups, private groups require approval from group managers before you can become a member. 

How to Request Access to a Private Group

1. Browse or Search for a Group:
   • Use the Groups List or the search function (top-right corner) to find a private group that aligns with your interests.
   • Some private groups may be hidden and not visible in public listings. In such cases, you will need an invitation from a group manager to join.
2. View the Group’s Page:
   • Click on the group’s name to access its homepage where you can review: its description, members, recent discussions, group rules (check the “About” or “Guidelines” section for any specific rules or expectations for members).
   • If the group is completely hidden, you will not be able to view its page unless you have been invited.
3. Request to Join the Group:
   • Click the “Request Membership” button.
   • Some groups may ask you to provide additional information, such as: A brief explanation of why you want to join (e.g., your interest in the topic, relevant expertise, or professional background).
   • Submit your request. The group’s community managers will review it and decide whether to approve or decline your membership.
4. What happens next?
   • If approved, you will receive confirmation of your membership via email and you will gain access to the group’s discussions, resources, and events.
   • If declined, you may receive an explanation or suggestions for alternative groups that align with your interests.

5. Start Engaging 

   Once your membership is approved, you can fully participate in the group:

   •  Join discussions: Share your insights, ask questions, or respond to others’ posts.
   • Contribute resources: Upload documents, links, or multimedia relevant to the group’s focus.
   • Attend events: Register for webinars, workshops, or meetings organised by the group.
   • Collaborate: Work with other members on projects, policy proposals, or initiatives.
   • Stay updated: Customise your notification settings (under "My Account" > "Notification Settings") to receive alerts about new posts, events, or replies.
6. Additional Tips for Private Groups
   • Respect group rules: Familiarise yourself with the group’s guidelines (found in the "About" section) to ensure your contributions align with its purpose.
   • Engage responsibly: Private groups often host sensitive or specialised discussions. Avoid sharing group content externally without permission.
   • Reach out to managers: If you have questions or need support, use the "Contact Community Managers" button (usually found at the bottom of the group’s homepage).

   • Leave a group (if needed): If the group no longer aligns with your interests, you can leave at any time via "My Account", "Joined Groups", “Leave group”. 

     Note that community managers cannot leave their own groups, they must contact the Futurium Support Team for assistance.

7. Need Help?
   • For technical issues (e.g., missing "Request to Join" button), contact the Futurium Support Team.
   • For group-specific questions, reach out to the community managers via the group’s contact form.
   • For EU Login issues, email EU-LOGIN-EXTERNAL-SUPPORT@ec.europa.eu.

Accepting Invitations (via "My Invitations" Tab in My Account)

In addition to requesting membership, you can also join private groups by accepting invitations from group managers or other members. Invitations are a convenient way to join groups that align with your interests, especially if the group is hidden or requires approval. 

How to Accept Invitations

1. Access Your Invitations
   • Log in to Futurium and click "My Account" in the top-right corner of the website.
   • Navigate to the "My Invitations" tab, where you can find a list of pending invitations to join private groups.
2. Review the Invitation
   • Each invitation includes:
     • The name and description of the group.
     • The name of the person who invited you (e.g., a group manager or another member).
   • Take a moment to review the group’s purpose and focus to ensure it aligns with your interests.
3. Accept or Decline the Invitation
   • Click "Accept" to join the group instantly. You will gain access to the group’s discussions, resources, and events.
   • Click "Decline" if you are not interested in joining at this time. You can always request to join later if you change your mind.
4. Start Participating
   • Once you have accepted an invitation, you can start engaging with the community.
   • Explore the group’s discussions, events, and resources to make the most of your membership.