Guidelines for Creating a Group Page

Anybody can create a group!

T4PE is a great place to start a group for your project team. It'll help everyone stay up-to-date in between your in-person meetings. If you choose "Moderated Membership", you can invite as many or as few people as you want. Invite your adult advisor, the director of the nature center you are working with, your friends, classmates, and teachers. Or keep your group only for your team of four to communicate (just don't forget to include your adult advisor!).

Or you can start a group for a wider community such as for your area or country, or about a certain topic that's important to you. So have fun! Start a group - or join one!

Here are some things to include when you create a group:

• Name: Name your group. It can be the same as the name of your service-learning project, or just relate in some way to your interest. Bird Nerds, anyone? (Hey! It is so funny!)
• Upload a photo: Add an image that highlights what your group is about.
• Description: Summarize the main focus of your project in a short paragraph (50-100 words).
• Group Address: Your page will have its own url, so you can use it to share the good work your team has done with friends, teachers, college admissions offices, potential employers, your grandma - in a word: everyone.
• Website: If your group has another web site, link to it here.
• Location: List your city/area, or country. No street addresses, please- privacy is important and T4PE isn't planning on mailing you a birthday card, anyway.
• Text Box: After you have created your group, you will have an additional text box. You can use it to share information about your project that might help other people with their projects- talk about things like:
  • why you chose this project
  • what you had to do to get your project started
  • what you actually did
  • what you learned
  • what you enjoyed
  • how your project benefits your local community and environment
  • the problems you encountered
  • what you wish you had known before you started
  • what you would do differently, if anything
  • You can also insert images of your project, add web links, download videos, etc.

• Discussion Forum: If you want feedback, or have questions, start a discussion forum for people to chime in.
• Other Suggestions:
  • Each time you go back to update your group page, don't assume that someone has already read the previous information. Modify or add to your text – don't just replace it.
  • Remember that to include enough details to help visitors understand what it is you’re doing.
  • You never know who may be looking at your page. Don't put anything on it you wouldn't want your grandma to read.
  • Check out the Interactive Resource List at Youth Service America for loads of tips on how to: take photos of your project; speak to a group or members of the media; invite elected officials to an event; fundraise; and a lot more.