Join a group

Groups on CollectionStation are communities where collectors share posts, photos, and messages around a topic. You can browse public groups and join instantly, or join private groups when a group organizer or member invites you.

Join a public group

To join a public group:

1. Sign in to CollectionStation.
2. Open Groups from the site header.
3. Use Search or browse the directory to find the group you want.
4. Open the group page.
5. Click Join Group.

You can also click Join Group on a group card in the Groups directory without opening the full group page first.

After you join, you become a member and can usually see the group feed, photos, and member list, depending on the group's settings.

Private and hidden groups

Some groups are private. Only members can see who is in the group and most group content. If you are not a member, the group page shows Private instead of Join Group.

To join a private group:

• Ask a group organizer or member to invite you, or
• Accept a group invitation sent to your collector account.

Hidden groups do not appear in the public Groups directory or search results unless you are already a member. You usually need a direct link or an invitation to find them.

What happens after you join

When you join a public group:

• You become a member right away — no organizer approval is required.
• Other members can see that you joined, depending on the group's privacy settings.
• You can post, comment, and participate according to the group's member permissions.

If you receive an invitation to a private group, follow the invitation instructions in your email or notifications to complete joining.

Leave a group

To leave a group you belong to:

1. Open the group page.
2. Hover over your Member or Organizer badge in the group header.
3. Click Leave Group.
4. Confirm when prompted.

If you are the only organizer, CollectionStation may block you from leaving until another organizer is added.

If you cannot join

You may not be able to join when:

• You are not signed in.
• The group is private or hidden and you have not been invited.
• You are already a member or organizer (the button shows Member or Organizer instead).

For concerns about a group you belong to, see Report a group you are a member of.

Need help? Click the chat icon in the lower-right corner of CollectionStation (you must be signed in).