Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about using the Leaders for Communities website. If you cannot find what you’re looking for or if you have suggestions for new question topics, please contact the Leaders for Communities website administrator at info@leadersforcommunities.org.
About Leaders for Communities
What is the purpose of the Leaders for Communities website?
Who can view or join Leaders for Communities?
How do I invite others to join Leaders for Communities?
Can I promote Leaders for Communities on another website?
How do I set Leaders for Communities as my homepage?
My Page and Settings
How do I set up my page on Leaders for Communities?
How do I change my password, profile photo, or other information?
How do I view or change my privacy settings?
Can I control when I receive email notifications?
Can I change how photos, videos, blogs, and latest activity are displayed on my page?
What else can I add to my page?
Friends and Messages
What is the difference between comments and messages?
How do I send a message to another Leaders for Communities member?
What are friends and what can a friend do that other members cannot?
How do I send and accept friend requests?
Can I remove someone as a friend?
Can I prevent a member from sending me messages or friend requests?
Members, Groups, and Blogs
How do I find or meet other Leaders for Communities members?
How are groups different from discussions?
How do I join or create a group?
What are blogs and how do I create one?
How do I view or manage entries in my blog?
Who else can see and comment on my blog?
Discussions and Polls
How do I participate in or create a new discussion?
How do I participate in a poll?
Photos and Video
How do I add photos to my page?
How do I add videos to my page?
What are tags and why should I add them?
How do I view or manage my photos?
How do I view or manage my videos?
Who else can see and comment on my photos and videos?
Resources, Job Board, and Events
How do I view resource documents?
How do I RSVP or create a new event?
Searching the Site
How do I search the Leaders for Communities website for a specific topic?
How do I search for a specific member on the Leaders for Communities website?
About Leaders for Communities
What is the purpose of the Leaders for Communities website?
The Leaders for Communities website was developed by NeighborWorks America as a place for new, emerging, and experienced leaders in the community development field to share ideas and experiences, access professional development and career opportunities, and, ultimately, to create a more effective and diverse field. The Leaders for Communities website provides many ways to connect: by participating in discussions and groups focused on specific topic areas; writing personal blog posts and messages; exploring posted resources, events, and career opportunities; and sharing inspiring photos and videos. All these aspects enable members to create rich and enduring professional connections, pass along valuable lessons and knowledge, and cultivate up-and-coming leadership within the community development field.
return to topWho can view or join the Leaders for Communities website?
The Leaders for Communities website is visible to the public, and anyone may request to join by clicking the "Sign Up" link on the right side of the homepage and following the instructions. However, the site administrator must approve members before they can create a profile or post to the site. This ensures that all members of the website are professionals in the community development field, who will be able to contribute in an informed way to the site's discussions and other resources.
return to topHow do I invite others to join Leaders for Communities?
Once you are a member, you can invite others to join Leaders for Communities too. To send an invitation, click on the Invite link next to Friends in the login box on the top right side of the page. Type in the email addresses of the individuals you wish to invite (separated by commas), add a personal message if you like, and click “Send Invitations.” You can also import email addresses directly from your personal address book or other email accounts (like on AOL or Yahoo!). Just follow the prompts on the page.
return to topCan I promote Leaders for Communities on another website?
Of course. You can help get the word out about Leaders for Communities by promoting it on other websites, blogs, or social networks (like Facebook or MySpace). Here are a few ways to do this:
1. Post a link to Leaders for Communities on your site. Here is the HTML code to add:
<a href= "http://www.leadersforcommunities.org">Leaders for Communities</a>
2. Post a customized badge, including embeddable photo or video players: Badges are special graphic links you can post on other websites that let visitors know about your membership in Leaders for Communities. Clicking on the badge will take them directly to the Leaders for Communities website. Click here to get a Leaders for Communities badge.
Pick from a series of badges, including ones that feature photos or videos (your own or from the entire Leaders for Communities website), or copy the “HTML Embed Code” and paste it in the appropriate area of the website, blog, or social network where you wish to post it. Follow the prompts to add your badges and widgets directly to Facebook, MySpace, or a number of other sites.
3. Pull in content from RSS feeds: Posting an RSS feed is a great way to show constantly-updating news on recent activity or content from Leaders for Communities. RSS feeds are generated for individual members’ blogs, photo streams, and recent activity, as well as for the entire community’s activity and photo stream. Once you’ve decided which RSS feed you’d like to promote, just click on the corresponding orange RSS link to get the feed’s URL.
return to topHow do I set Leaders for Communities as my homepage?
It's easy to set Leaders for Communities as your browser's homepage. Just follow the instructions for the web browser that you use:
For Internet Explorer:
1. Go to: Tools → Internet Options
2. Click the "General" tab.
3. In the "Address" field type: http://www.leadersforcommunities.org
4. Click "OK".
For Firefox:
1. In the menu bar click: Firefox → Preferences
2. Select "Main" from the icons at the top.
3. In the "Homepage" field type: http://www.leadersforcommunities.org
4. Click "OK".
For Safari:
1. In the menu bar click: Safari → Preferences
2. Select "General" from the icons at the top.
3. In the home page field type: http://www.leadersforcommunities.org
4. Close the dialog box.
return to topMy Page and Settings
How do I set up my page on Leaders for Communities?
When you first sign up to join Leaders for Communities, you will be asked to provide a profile photo and answer a set of profile questions. This is all you need to do to set up your page, but you can customize your profile by adding photos, videos, blog entries, or other information.
return to topHow do I change my password, profile photo, or other information?
You can change your account or profile information at any time. Simply click on the Settings link in the login box on the top right side of the page. From here, you can select any of the following:
Profile: Modify your name, password, profile photo, or personal information, or change your responses to the profile questions that appear on your page.
Appearance: Change the appearance of your profile page.
Privacy: Adjust your privacy settings, including who can view your profile and send you messages.
Email: Choose what activity will send you email notifications.
return to topHow do I view or change my privacy settings?
You can change your network privacy settings at any time, including settings for who can view your profile, send you messages, or leave comments for you. Simply click on the Settings link in the login box on the top right side of the page, and click the tab for “Privacy.” Choose an option for each setting and click “Save” button to update.
return to topCan I control when I receive email notifications?
Yes, you can change your email notification preferences at any time. Simply click on the Settings link in the login box on the top right side of the page, and click the tab for “Email.” Choose an option for each setting and click “Save” button to update.
return to topCan I change how photos, videos, blogs, and latest activity are displayed on my page?
Yes, you can select from a number of display options for the different sections of your page. Simply click the “Edit” button in the upper right of each section to see your options. For instance, you’ll be able to choose how many events are displayed in your Latest Activity section; whether your photos are shown as a slideshow, thumbnails, or albums; or whether or not comments on your wall must be approved before they are posted. Once you have selected the settings you want, click the “Save” button to apply the changes.
You can also change where certain sections are positioned on your profile page. Just use your mouse to grab the box you’d like to move, and drag it to the desired location.
return to topWhat else can I add to my page?
Your page includes a customizable box below your Profile Information that you can use to display text, links to your favorite sites, photos, videos, or widgets. This is another way to make your page unique. Click the “Edit” button to add content or HTML code to this box, and click “Save” to update.
You can also add an RSS news feed from another blog or website to the RSS box on the left side of your page. Click the “Edit” button in the header of the RSS box to specify a feed to display. You can change the title shown in the box, type in the URL of the feed, choose detail view or titles only, and change the number of items appearing in this box.
return to topFriends and Messages
What is the difference between comments and messages?
To contact other Leaders for Communities members, you have the option to leave a comment or send a message. Comments can be seen by all members of Leaders for Communities, and remain on that member’s profile page unless he or she chooses to delete them. Messages are private, and are sent to the member’s Leaders for Communities mailbox. You can only send messages to Leaders for Communities members who have confirmed you as a friend.
To leave a comment on another member’s page, scroll down to their comment wall, type your message, and add any photos, links, or other content you wish to include. When you are ready to post the comment, click “Add Comment.”
To send a message to another member, go to his or her page and select the “Send a Message” link below the profile photo. Type your message in the box that appears and click “Send.”
return to topHow do I send a message to another Leaders for Communities member?
Sending messages is a way you can communicate privately with another Leaders for Communities member. You can only send messages to those members who have confirmed you as a friend.
To send a message to another member, go to his or her page and select the “Send a Message” link below the profile photo. Type your message in the box that appears and click “Send.”
return to topHow do I check my messages?
To check your messages on Leaders for Communities, click on the Inbox link in the login box on the top right side of the page. From your inbox, you can read messages you’ve sent or received, view saved messages, or compose a new message.
return to topWhat are friends and what can a friend do that other members cannot?
Friends are members of the Leaders for Communities network that you’ve chosen to receive special access to your posted content. Your friends can also send you private messages through Leaders for Communities. Additionally, you can change privacy settings for your content (videos, photos, blog posts) so that only friends can view it. You can share content with them by email, or invite them to groups.
return to topHow do I send and accept friend requests?
To send a friend request to another Leaders for Communities member, go to his or her page and click the “Add as Friend” link below the profile photo. Leaders for Communities will send a friend request message for the member to confirm. Once he or she accepts your request, the member’s photo will appear in the Friends area of your page. You will then be able to send private messages, and will have access to one another’s content marked "Friends Only."
To view your current friends and friend requests, click on the Friends link in the box at the top right of the page. Once you accept a friend request, the member’s photo will appear in the Friends area of your page. You will then be able to send private messages and will have access to one another’s content marked "Friends Only."
return to topCan I remove someone as a friend?
If you decide you no longer wish to include a member as your friend, go to his or her profile page and select the “Remove as Friend” link below the profile photo. That member will no longer have access to your content marked “Friends Only,” nor will he or she be able to send you private messages. The member will not receive a message or any kind of notification that you have removed them as a friend.
return to topCan I prevent a member from sending me messages or friend requests?
If you don’t want to receive messages or friend requests from someone, you can block him or her. To do this, go to that member’s page and select the “Block Messages” link below the profile photo. The member will no longer be able to send you messages or friend requests.
If you are being spammed or harassed by another member of Leaders for Communities, please contact us immediately at info@leadersforcommunities.org. This type of behavior is grounds for removal from the Leaders for Communities network.
return to topMembers, Groups, and Blogs
How do I find or meet other Leaders for Communities members?
To view all the members of Leaders for Communities, choose Members from the drop-down menu under the People tab in the main navigation bar. You can search for members by name, or sort them by alphabetical order or by how recently they’ve joined Leaders for Communities. Note that you may need to scroll through multiple pages in order to view all the Leaders for Communities members. To view a member’s profile page and learn more about him or her, simply click on the member’s name or photo.
The Advanced Search can also be used to find members based on more detailed information like job title, city, or specific community development interests. To use the advanced search, select Search from the drop-down menu under the People tab in the main navigation bar. Enter the information you would like to use for your search, and click the “Search” button to find members.
return to topWhat are groups for?
Groups allow members to organize themselves in smaller sets around specialized interests. For instance, a community development professional working in a rural area might join a “Rural Development” group to connect with other professionals in similar situations. Groups have their own discussion forums, where members can discuss issues of specific interest to them. Additionally, members of a group can receive messages sent only to members of that group.
Groups can be public or private. Public groups are open to any interested member of the Leaders for Communities network. Private groups require approval from the group creator before joining.
return to topHow are groups different from discussions?
Discussions provide a way for members of the Leaders for Communities network to pose questions and weigh in on relevant topics in the community development field. Discussions are open to every member of the site, and are organized into categories that are of broad interest to all community development professionals. Because discussions include everyone, these are the best way to create lively dialogue and receive input from the most members of the network.
Groups enable members to create smaller subsets based on specialized interests. For example, a community development professional from the Chicago area might create a group specifically for members working in that region. Groups have their own discussion boards where members can discuss topics that may not interest the entire network. For example, the Chicago group might include a discussion about a unique issue of local concern.
Groups can be public or private. Public groups are open to any interested member of the Leaders for Communities network. Private groups require approval from the group creator before joining.
return to topHow do I join or create a group?
To view the list of existing groups, choose Groups from the drop-down menu under the People tab in the main navigation bar. To find a group, you can search groups by name or sort them by activity, number of members, or how recently they were created. Go to the page of the group you wish to join, and click the “Join” link next to the plus sign on the on the upper right, just below the main navigation bar.
If you would like to create a new group, go to the main Groups page and click the "Add a Group" link on the upper right, just below the main navigation bar. You will be asked to name and describe your group, choose a representative image, and select the features and privacy settings for the group. Once you’ve entered all the information, click the “Add Group” button. You will then be asked to invite members to your newly-created group. Enter email addresses of the individuals you’d like to invite and click “Send Invitations,” or you may skip this step.
Once you have created a group, you will have the option to edit the group’s settings, manage group members, or delete the group altogether. You can also choose to send a message to all members of the group.
return to topWhat are blogs and how do I create one?
The blog is your personal journal on the Leaders for Communities website. You can write about whatever you wish, as often as you wish. As with photos and videos, you can change your privacy options so your blog is visible to anyone in Leaders for Communities, just your friends, or just you.
To view your blog, choose Blogs from the drop-down menu under the People tab in the main navigation bar, then click the link on the top left for “My Blog.” You can add a new blog post by clicking on the “Add a Blog Post” link.
return to topHow do I view or manage entries in my blog?
To get to your blog, choose Blogs from the drop-down menu under the People tab in the main navigation bar, then click the link for “My Blog.” The beginnings of your most recent blog posts will appear in the center of the page, while links to older posts appear along the right side, organized by popularity, recency, and month created.
By clicking on the title of any past entry, you can view the entire post, along with any comments other members have made. From here, you can also choose any of the Admin Options on the right, allowing you to edit your post, add tags, or delete the post.
Choosing the “Manage Blog” link in the Admin Options box on the right will bring you to a summary view of all your past blog posts, allowing you to view and approve or reject comments, edit drafts or published posts, or delete blog posts altogether.
return to topWho else can see and comment on my blog?
You can choose to share your blog content with everyone on Leaders for Communities, only your friends, or even just yourself. Choose the Settings link in the login box on the top right side of the page, then click on the Privacy tab. Choose an option for each setting, and click “Save” to update. You can change these default settings at any time.
Additionally, you can set the privacy for blog posts, either at the time you post them or afterward. To change the privacy of a post, go to that post and click “Edit Post” link in the Admin Options box on the right side. You can choose to allow anyone to view the post, just your friends, or just you. Click “Save” to save the new privacy setting.
return to topDiscussions and Polls
What are discussions?
Discussions are the heart of the Leaders for Communities website, enabling members to exchange thoughts and information on a number of topics. To view discussions, choose Discussions from the drop-down menu under the Share tab in the main navigation bar. You’ll see that all discussion threads are organized under categories, making it easier to find the specific topic you’re looking for. You can click on any category title to view all discussions within that category, and you can click on a specific discussion title to view all posts within that thread.
return to topHow do I participate in or create a new discussion?
To participate in an existing discussion thread, go to the discussion and scroll down until you find the post you wish to reply to. Click the "Reply to This" link, and a box will appear where you can type your comments. You can also add photos or links, or even attach files if you wish. When you are done typing your response, click “Add Reply” to post your comments.
You can also begin a new discussion thread if you don’t see one that addresses your topic already. Click the "Add a Discussion" link on the upper right, just below the blue main navigation bar. You’ll be asked to create a title for your discussion, type an initial discussion post, and choose a relevant category. You can also add tags so people can more easily find your discussion, or upload supplemental files. When you have entered all the appropriate information, click “Add Discussion” to post.
return to topWhat are polls?
Polls are a way for Leaders for Communities members to weigh in on timely or relevant questions and issues confronting the community development field. Visit the Poll page frequently to participate in or view the results of our latest poll question.
return to topHow do I participate in a poll?
To participate in a poll, choose Poll from the drop-down menu under the Share tab in the main navigation bar. Select the button next to your response, and click “Answer” to view the results from all Leaders for Communities members.
If you have a suggestion for a new poll question, please email info@leadersforcommunities.org.
return to topPhotos and Video
How do I add photos to my page?
You can add photos by choosing Photos from the drop-down menu under the Share tab in the main navigation bar. Once you’re on this page, click on the “Add Photos” link on the upper right, next to the plus sign.
In the left pane, find the photos on your computer. To upload them, double click on a photo, or drag and drop a photo or a whole folder to “Photos to Upload” pane on the right. Once you’ve added all the photos you wish to upload, click the “Next” button. On the following screen, you can add titles, tags, and descriptions for your photos and choose the privacy level. To apply the same information to all of the photos in this batch, fill out the top portion under Edit Information for All Photos, then click the button to “Apply this info to the photos below.”
You can also upload photos from you mobile phone or email account by sending them to your Leaders for Communities email address, found under Settings.
return to topHow do I add videos to my page?
You can add videos by choosing Videos from the drop-down menu under the Share tab in the main navigation bar. Once you’re on this page, click on the “Add Videos” link on the upper right, next to the plus sign.
In the left pane, find the videos on your computer. To upload them, double click on a video, or drag and drop a video or a whole folder to “Videos to Upload” pane on the right. Once you’ve added all the videos you wish to upload, click the “Next” button. On the following screen, you can add titles, tags, and descriptions for your videos and choose the privacy level. To apply the same information to all of the videos in this batch, fill out the top portion under Edit Information for All Videos, then click the button to “Apply this info to the videos below.”
To add videos directly from YouTube or Google instead, scroll down and select this option from the bottom of the Add Videos page. Copy the embed code for the video and paste it in the text box provided.
You can also upload videos from you mobile phone or email account by sending them to your Leaders for Communities email address, found under Settings.
return to topWhat are tags and why should I add them?
Tags are a great way of labeling photos, videos, blog posts, and discussions based on their content. For example, a photo might be tagged “nonprofit” “gala” and “2008”. Tags help to organize content, and make it much simpler to search for and find the exact information you or other Leaders for Communities members are looking for.
return to topHow do I view or manage my photos?
You can view your photos by choosing Photos from the drop-down menu under the Share tab in the main navigation bar, then clicking the link for “My Photos.”
From this page, you can search your photos by tags, sort them by popularity or recency, or click on individual photos to edit them. Clicking on any photo will allow you to rate your photo, edit the title, description, and privacy settings, add tags, add the photo to your favorites, send a message to share the photo with others, or delete the photo. You can also see how many times your photo has been viewed, how others have rated it, and any comments others have left on your photo.
Additionally, you can organize photos into albums. Click on “My Albums” at the top of the page, then select the link for “Add an Album.” You can choose photos to add by tag, or drag and drop them individually into the album collection. Add an album title, description, and representative cover photo, and click “Save” to create.
return to topHow do I view or manage my videos?
You can view your videos by choosing Videos from the drop-down menu under the Share tab in the main navigation bar, then clicking the link for “My Videos.”
From this page, you can search your videos by tags, sort them by popularity or recency, or click on individual videos to edit them. Clicking on any video will allow you to rate your video, get the code to embed your video elsewhere, edit the title, description, and privacy settings, add tags, add the video to your favorites, send a message to share the video with others, or delete the video. You can also see how many times your video has been viewed, how others have rated it, and any comments others have left on your video.
return to topWho else can see and comment on my photos and videos?
You can choose to share photos and videos with everyone on Leaders for Communities, only your friends, or even just yourself. Choose the Settings link in the login box on the top right side of the page, then click on the Privacy tab. Choose an option for each setting, and click “Save” to update. You can change these default settings at any time.
Additionally, you can set the privacy for specific photos and videos, either at the time you post them or afterward. To change the privacy of a photo, go to that photo and click “Edit Photo” link on the right side. You can choose to allow anyone to view the photo, just your friends, or just you. Click “Save” to save the new privacy setting. Videos can be edited in the same way.
return to topResources, Job Board, and Events
How do I view resource documents?
To view a document, choose Documents from the drop-down menu under the Resources tab in the main navigation bar. Click on the name of the document you wish to view to open it in your browser or download it as a PDF.
If you have suggestions for additional documents to include in this section, please email info@leadersforcommunities.org.
return to topHow do I view job postings?
To view a list of available community development job postings, choose Job Board from the drop-down menu under the Resources tab in the main navigation bar. Click the All Jobs link to view the list or to search jobs by keyword.
If you are an employer and have an open posting you’d like to list on the Job Board, please email info@leadersforcommunities.org.
return to topWhat are events for?
The Events section gives members of Leaders for Communities a chance to find out about and attend events, trainings, and other activities for community development professionals. You can search for upcoming events and see who is planning to attend, RSVP to events that appeal to you, or organize and promote your own related event.
return to topHow do I RSVP or create a new event?
To view upcoming events, click the Events tab in the main navigation bar. You can find specific events by typing in the search box, or by clicking on a specific calendar date or event type. Select the event title to view time and location details, as well as descriptions of the event and its organizer. Once you find an event you wish to attend, RSVP by choosing the appropriate button. If you wish, you can also click “Export to Outlook or iCal” to copy the event into your computer’s datebook.
If you would like to organize a new event, go to the main Events page and click the “Add an Event” link on the upper right, next to the plus sign. You will be asked to enter an event title and image, date and time information, event type and description, and organizer contact information. You can also choose the privacy setting for your event. Once you have completed all the information, click the “Add Event” button. You will then be asked to invite members to attend your event. Enter email addresses of the individuals you’d like to invite, or you may skip this step.
return to topSearching the Site
How do I search the Leaders for Communities website for a specific topic?
To search the Leaders for Communities website, enter your search keywords in the search box at the top right of the page. The search results will include any discussions, groups, events, member profiles, photo or video tags, blogs, or comments that match the term entered.
return to topHow do I search for specific members on the Leaders for Communities website?
The Advanced Search tool can be used to find members based on detailed information like name, job title, city, or specific community development interests. To use the advanced search, select Search from the drop-down menu under the People tab in the main navigation bar. Enter the information you would like to use for your search, and click the “Search” button to find members.
return to topIf you have other questions you’d like us to address here, please send us at note at info@leadersforcommunities.org.
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