Invite-only vs. open groups

Every group on the site is one of two kinds: Open or Invite Only. Here's how they differ and how to know which is which.

Open groups

Anyone signed in can join an Open group with one click. The Join Group button shows up right on the group's page (or Join on a group tile in the list). Most city groups are Open, since the goal is to bring as many local volunteers together as possible.

Invite-only groups

An Invite Only group requires a current member, an admin, or the group's creator to add you. On the groups list you'll see an Invite Only chip on the tile, and on the group's own page there's no join button at all for non-members — you have to be invited in.

Telling them apart

On a tile, look for the Invite Only chip. On a group's own page, look for a Join Group button — if it's there, the group is Open; if there's no join button, it's Invite Only.

Switching a group from one to the other

The group's creator, any group admin, or a platform admin can switch a group between Open and Invite Only at any time from the Group settings dialog (the gear icon in the group header). Members already in the group stay in either way.

What can each kind of group do?

Both kinds work the same once you're inside — same posts, same chat, same admin tools. The only difference is how new people get in.

Searching invite-only groups

Invite Only groups still appear on the Groups list and in search. You can read the description and see how many members they have, but the posts are hidden until you join.