Many of you may not have had a chance yet to explore the "Groups" feature of Twoshirts yet, so in this week's "Quick Tip" we cover how groups work and what you can use them for.

Basically, groups are simply a blog or message board that any number of Twoshirts users can subscribe to. This creates an opportunity for all kinds of cool things.

1. You and some of your friends can create a group around a cause or purpose.
Let's say some of your friends are into helping out at a local men's shelter, or you like to plant trees as a way to renew the environment. You could create a Twoshirts group called "Columbus Men's Shelter Vols" or "Tree Huggers" (why not?). Then use your group site to communicate and plan your outings and projects. Post pictures, and even a link to your website. Have discussions about your gatherings. Everyone who is subscribed to the group can comment and will receive e-mail updates on all your posts.

2. Churches and other non-profits can create a group for rallying around projects and outreaches.
Twoshirts should be a natural fit for any church or non-profit that is interested in alleviating poverty. Our whole mission is about cultivating generosity and equality among people, so why not use Twoshirts as a way to rally your non-profit organization around outreaches and projects that your members can participate in? That's exactly what we're doing in the GCVineyard group. Blog about your events on your group site, post pictures, and even a link to your website in order to promote your organization to other Twoshirts members. It's a great way to rally and organize your people.

One of the really cool features of groups is that every time one of your group subscribers posts a "need," it is listed on your group page and automatically e-mailed out to everyone in your group. This is a great way to make sure the people in your church are meeting each others needs, which is one of the most important functions of any community.

3. People can rally around common interests or hobby's.
One person has already started a "Coupons" group! What a great reflection of the spirit of the Twoshirts community! What are you in to? Coupons, organic living, simplicity, international justice efforts, conscientious consumerism? Whatever it is, there are probably other Twoshirts members who are into that as well. Use your group page to organize meet-ups and gatherings around your common cause, hobby, or interest.

The beauty of Twoshirts.org is that it is grass-roots, meaning any member can start a group for any reason whatsoever. You don't need approval or permission. Just start a group, and get to work organizing, promoting, or rallying people around whatever cause or purpose it is you're interested in.

Get one started now!