USCCB - (MRS) - Instructions for Joining the Unity in Diversity Yahoo-based Discussion Group

MRS > Migration Policy and Public Affair Office > Instructions for Joining the Unity in Diversity Yahoo-based Discussion Group

How Do I Join the Discussion Group?
You may join the Unity in Diversity Yahoo-based discussion group in one of two ways:

The first way is to go to the website for the group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uidgroup/ and click “Join now.”
1. If you have a Yahoo ID and password, enter it at the prompts. If you don’t already have a Yahoo ID and password, you must create one. (Follow instructions below in order to do this).
2. Once you have registered for Yahoo, go back to the webpage and click “Join Now” and enter your new Yahoo ID and password.
3. The UID group moderator must approve your membership. Yahoo will send your membership request to the moderator and send you a confirmation when the moderator has approved the request. [Skip down now if you need help registering for Yahoo].
You may also join the group if you receive via a special invitation sent by the from the PCMR group moderator. Once you receive this email, click on the link that says “JOIN NOW” in the invitation email (or cut and paste the link into your internet browser).
1. You will then see a screen that allows you to “Learn about this Group” and then further down the page, it will ask “Would you like to join UID Group?” If you do, you will have two options:
  - The first option “join the group” is recommended. This option gives you access to all the tools available in YahooGroups including the ability to post documents, pictures, etc. to the group’s website.
  - If you choose the second option “join mailing list,” you will receive emails only (you will not be able to use the web-based functions).
2. If you choose option 1 “join the group” – you will then be prompted to a screen to enter or create a Yahoo ID. If you already have a Yahoo ID and password, enter it now, otherwise continue following instructions below to create a Yahoo ID.
How Do I Register for Yahoo and Create a Yahoo ID and Password?
1. You must register for Yahoo in order to “join the group.” (This does not mean you have to register for Yahoo email or subscriptions to Yahoo services. You only have to create a user name, password and basic profile). On the left side of the screen click the link that says “Sign Up Now to Enjoy Yahoo! Groups”.
2. You will be prompted to a screen to create a username and password. Fill out the form that appears in order to set-up your username and password. Enter your first and last name. Create a Yahoo ID that you will remember and create your own password.
3. You will have the option to create a Yahoo Email address. (It is not necessary to create a Yahoo email address in order to join the group). However, if you do create a Yahoo email address, you may choose to send your group messages to this email address.
4. In the “security section”, you will need to choose a security question, type in your answer and also supply your birthday. (This is in case you forget your login name or your password).
5. You will also be asked to supply an “alternate email address.” You may use the email address that the invite was sent to, or you can use an alternate address. Once you are registered, you will be given the option to change the email address to which the “Unity in Diversity” list serve messages are sent to. If you want your Unity in Diversity email messages to go to a different email address than the one used for your invitation, please enter the new email address as your “alternate” email. Later you can change your “alternate” email address to your primary email address.
6. You will then be prompted to provide your “industry, title and specialization.” This is Yahoo’s “reward” for providing a “free service.” They can share marketing information about their clientele to potential advertisers. You cannot sign-up for Yahoo without filling out this section. And there are no choices in this section related to charity work, ministry, … so “choose anything” – just make it up. Your choices in this section won’t affect our discussion group in any way. Also, make sure you uncheck the button that asks if you want to receive offers and promotions from Yahoo. Unless you want email advertising sent to you - definitely uncheck this box.
7. Lastly enter the word verification code exactly as it appears in the box. This is to prevent automated registrations and fraud. Then click “submit.”
8. The next screen you see will prompt you to return to your email in-box to confirm your email address in order to join. If you do not verify your email address, your Yahoo registration will not be activated and you will not be able to join the Unity in Diversity group. If you wish to change your marketing preferences, follow step 10 below, otherwise skip to 11.
9. IMPORTANT, at the bottom of the screen prompting you to go to your email box, there is a link to “Marketing Preferences.” Click on this link and go through the page answering “no” to every question concerning “offers from Yahoo.” This will prevent you from receiving “spam” from Yahoo. Also, check the boxes that say, “do not contact me via postal address or telephone.” Click “submit.” On the next page hit “continue.” If you went through and changed your marketing preferences, it should bring you to a screen that says, “verify your email address.” Click on the “verify” button.
10. You should now see a screen that says, Yahoo! Account Information: Email Verification. Minimize the Yahoo webpage, and (as you were instructed by Yahoo) go to your email inbox for the address which you are associating with the creation of your Yahoo account. There should be a message from Yahoo asking you to verify your email address by clicking on the attached link. (There may be two messages if you changed your marketing preferences. Either one will work). Once you click on the link in the body of the email, it should bring you to a page to asking you to use your newly created Yahoo name and password to sign-in. You will then be asked again to provide your Yahoo password. Once you have followed these steps to verify your email, it should prompt you automatically to complete your registration for the Unity in Diversity Group.
11. It will give you the option to receive all messages to the site as they are posted, to receive a daily digest, or to check messages via the Web. Mark your preferences and click all the prompts to complete your membership.
12. After you verify your email address, if for some reason you do not receive a prompt to activate your membership to Yahoo, go back to the original invitation or webpage to join and again click “Join Now.” Sign in with your newly created Yahoo ID and password and follow prompts to complete membership. Click on link to take you to the Unity in Diversity Discussion Group Home Page.
If you get stuck along the way, please contact:
Amy E. Newlon
Education and Development Coordinator
Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees
Migration and Refugee Services
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017-1194
Direct Line: 202-541-5408
Fax: 202-541-3351
anewlon@usccb.org
http://www.usccb.org/mrs/welcome.shtml