.. include:: /shortcuts.rstext .. index:: single: Groups; Find groups single: New in Mahara 1.7; Search only for groups you can join .. _find_groups: Find groups ----------------- *Groups → Find groups* You see groups and get basic information about them. If a group administrator decided to hide a group, you will not be able to see it unless you have been invited to it. .. figure:: /images/group/group_find_groups.* :alt: List of groups A list of groups and certain actions you can perform #. Search for a certain group using a word / words from its title or description. You can limit your search results to a certain group category if :ref:`group categories ` exist. You can search for * |new in Mahara 1.7| groups you can join. This is the default value and only shows those groups that you are not a member of **and** that you can join. Thus, it does not show any groups that have :ref:`controlled membership `. * groups you are not in. * groups you belong to. * all groups. #. You can find out more about a group by * clicking on the group name to see the group homepage. * clicking on the name of the group administrator to get to their profile page. * clicking on the member link to see who is already a member of this group if the administrator discloses this. .. note:: Users who are staff or administrators in Mahara can hide groups. Thus, you may not be able to see all groups that exist in the system. #. If you want to become a member of an open group, click the *Join this group* button, and you will be a member immediately. #. If you want to join a group that needs the approval of the group administrator, click the *Request to join this group* button next to the group. The administrator will receive a notification and decide about admitting you to the group. #. If you have been invited to a group, either *Accept* or *Decline* the membership invitation. .. note:: Usually, you do not see forums, group pages, group collections and group files unless you are a member of a group. If a group is publicly available, you do see the forum discussions.