# Getting Started with Monashee Cooperative Online Resources
**Last Updated:** April 1, 2025
**Status:** Active
This tutorial will guide you through the process of getting started with the Monashee Cooperative's online resources and features.
## Step 1: Creating Your Account
Before you can access member features, you'll need to create an account:
1. Visit the Monashee Cooperative website at [https://monasheecoop.ca](https://monasheecoop.ca)
2. Click on the "Join" or "Sign Up" button in the top right corner
3. Fill out the registration form with your:
- Full name
- Email address
- Preferred username
- Secure password
4. Check the box to agree to the terms of service
5. Click "Create Account"
6. Check your email for a verification link
7. Click the verification link to activate your account
## Step 2: Completing Your Member Profile
After creating your account, you should complete your member profile:
1. Log in to your newly created account
2. Navigate to "My Profile" in the user menu
3. Click "Edit Profile"
4. Add your:
- Profile picture (optional)
- Contact information
- Skills and interests
- Preferred communication methods
- Emergency contact (for in-person activities)
5. Set your privacy preferences
6. Click "Save Profile"
## Step 3: Exploring the Member Dashboard
The Member Dashboard is your central hub for cooperative activities:
1. Log in to your account
2. Click on "Member Dashboard" in the main navigation
3. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard sections:
- Announcements
- Upcoming Events
- My Resources
- Recent Forum Activity
- My Tasks
4. Customize your dashboard by clicking "Customize" in the top right corner
## Step 4: Joining Your First Discussion
The Member Forum is where cooperative discussions happen:
1. From the Member Dashboard, click "Forum" in the sidebar
2. Browse the available discussion categories
3. Select a topic that interests you
4. Read existing posts to understand the conversation
5. Click "Reply" to add your thoughts
6. Compose your message using the text editor
7. Click "Post Reply" to share your contribution
## Step 5: Reserving a Cooperative Resource
Many cooperative resources can be reserved online:
1. From the Member Dashboard, click "Resources" in the sidebar
2. Browse the resource categories or use the search function
3. Select a resource you'd like to use
4. Check the availability calendar
5. Select your desired date and time
6. Click "Reserve"
7. Fill out the reservation form with:
- Purpose of use
- Duration needed
- Number of people (if applicable)
8. Review the resource usage guidelines
9. Click "Confirm Reservation"
10. Check your email for reservation confirmation
## Step 6: Registering for an Event
Cooperative events are a great way to get involved:
1. From the Member Dashboard, click "Events" in the sidebar
2. Browse upcoming events or filter by category
3. Click on an event that interests you
4. Read the event details, including:
- Date and time
- Location
- Description
- Requirements or prerequisites
5. Click "Register" if you'd like to attend
6. Complete any event-specific registration questions
7. Click "Complete Registration"
8. Add the event to your calendar using the provided link
9. Check your email for registration confirmation
## Step 7: Setting Up Notifications
Stay informed about cooperative activities:
1. From the Member Dashboard, click on your username in the top right
2. Select "Notification Settings" from the dropdown menu
3. Choose which types of notifications you want to receive:
- Email notifications
- Browser notifications
- SMS notifications (if available)
4. Set the frequency of digest emails
5. Select which activities trigger notifications
6. Click "Save Preferences"
## Step 8: Finding Help When You Need It
If you encounter any issues or have questions:
1. Check the FAQ section by clicking "Help" in the footer
2. Use the search function to find specific topics
3. Post in the "Technical Support" forum for community assistance
4. Contact support directly using the "Contact Support" link
5. Attend a monthly "Tech Help" session (check the Events calendar)
## Next Steps
Now that you're set up, consider these next steps:
1. **Join a Committee**: Explore the "Committees" section to find groups that match your interests
2. **Volunteer**: Check the "Volunteer Opportunities" section for ways to contribute
3. **Attend an Orientation**: Register for an upcoming "New Member Orientation" session
4. **Explore Learning Resources**: Visit the "Learning Center" for tutorials and guides
5. **Connect with Members**: Use the Member Directory to find others with similar interests
## Related Documentation
- [MCoop User Guide](/Documentation/roles/normal/mcoop_user_guide.md)
- [Account Management](/Documentation/roles/normal/account_management.md)
- [MCoop Site Guide](/Documentation/sites/mcoop/site_guide.md)