World Wide Open Help and FAQ Section

Looking for some help. You’re in the right place. Click on the categories below to quickly find answers to most questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for–please click here and fill out the contact form.

About Us: Who are we?; Is World Wide Open free? (quick answer: YES!)
Password: Can't remember your password?; Want to change your password?; Tips to creaing a safe password
Screen Name: Want to change your screen name?; Tips for creating a safe screen name
Getting Started - Creating an Account: How do I create an account?; What information do I need to get started?; What are the different types of accounts on World Wide Open?; Can I create 2 accounts on World Wide Open?; What happens after I submit my registration?; Why hasn't my registration been confirmed?
My Account: What features are available in My Account?; How do I cancel my account?
User Actions: How can I interact with users on the site?
Invites: How do I invite someone else to join World Wide Open?
Search: What can I search for on the site?
Security: Is World Wide Open safe?; Can I make my account information private?; What does World Wide Open do with my information?; How do I let World Wide Open know about inapproprate content?; What if someone is harassing me on the site?; What sort of users are on World Wide Open?; Is it safe to connect with people on World Wide Open?
Contact Us: Want to contact us?

About Us

Who are we?

World Wide Open is an online community that connects and empowers Christians, churches and organizations around the world to impact their local and global communities. Capitalizing on the power, speed and efficiency of the internet, World Wide Open links the Christian community, including individuals, churches (and their leaders), and organizations with resources that are important to their own spiritual development, ministry goals and everyday needs. The website also brings together thousands of people in both service and fellowship with the information and programs offered by churches and faith-based organizations throughout the world. World Wide Open enables the Christian community to connect around passions, interests and missions, be empowered in spiritual growth by receiving resources that are relevant and impact their city through service opportunities and community-wide events.

World Wide Open has three goals:

CONNECT - To promote Greater connectivity between individuals, churches and non-profits seeking to make an impact in local and global communities

EMPOWER - To enable the Body of Christ to collaboratively share and build knowledge and expertise around important biblical and social issues

IMPACT - To advance a more effective outpouring of Christian service by matching available resources with identified needs for a greater level of impact

Is World Wide Open free? (quick answer: YES!)

That’s right–we are completely free–no advertising and no fees. There is a group of diverse Christians, unaffiliated with any denomination, who funded the startup of this project….so you’ll pay nothing!

Password

Can’t Remember your Password?

It’s ok–we forgive you. Just click here and enter your email address (the one you registered with) and we’ll send you email instructions to change it.

Want to Change your Password?

Change is good. Just go to “My Account” and click on “Account Settings”.

Tips to Creating a Safe Password

Choose a combination of letters and numbers.
Don’t choose words that can be found in the dictionary (people use computer programs that reference the dictionary to steal passwords).
Don’t ever put any personally identifiable information in your password (phone number, social security number, bank account number)
Don’t tell anyone your password

Screen Name

Want to change your Screen Name?

World Wide Open is big on accountability, so we don’t allow users to change their screen names without a good reason. Click here and fill out the contact form to request a screen name change. Sorry if this is a headache but it’s the best way to ensure that people are accountable for what they say and do on the site.

Tips for Creating a Safe Screen Name

1. Don’t use your name (first or last) in your screen name
2. Don’t ever put any personally identifiable information in your screen name (phone number, social security number, bank account number)

Getting Started–Creating an Account

How do I create an account?

Good question. Just click here or go to the home page and click on the “Sign Up” link in the top right portion of the screen

What information do I need to get started?

You’ll need to create a screen name and password and enter your birthday, country, state/province, city and valid email address. If you don’t have an email address, you can get one for free from Yahoo! (www.Yahoo.com), Microsoft (www.Mail.Live.com) or Google (www.Gmail.com). If you’re new to this whole online profile thing, click here for some tips on creating a safe screen name and password.

After entering the basic info, you can enter in additional details in order for World Wide Open to deliver more personalized content to you, including resources and opportunities to serve. We really encourage you to enter the additional details because this is what makes the site tick and allows us to connect your passions and interests with other users, resources and opportunities to make an impact!

What are the different types of accounts on World Wide Open?

There are three types of accounts on World Wide Open. The first type is an individual account–these are for….you guessed it….individuals. An Individual can do everything on the site except post service opportunities and events. The second type is a Partner account–these are for churches and Christian faith-based organizations. A Partner account has full privileges on the site, including the ability to post service opportunities. The third type is an Affiliate account–these are for non Christian faith-based organizations. An Affiliate account has full privileges on the site and any service opportunity posted by an Affiliate is denoted with a unique symbol.

Can I create 2 accounts on World Wide Open?

You’re only allowed to have one World Wide Open Individual account. But if you are the leader of a church or organization (or are the representative), you can also sign up your church or organization with a Partner or Affiliate account.

What happens after I submit my registration?

We’ll send you a confirmation email to the address you registered during sign-up. All you’ve got to do is click the link in the email to activate your account and get started.

Why hasn’t my registration been confirmed?

Don’t worry–your confirmation email is probably in your spam or junk mail folder. If it isn’t there–please get in touch with us by clicking here and filling out the form. Please include the email address you signed up with in your message.

My Account

What features are available in My Account?

Great question–there are tons of features available. Let’s do a quick run down:

My Story–Tell the world about yourself. Do you have an incredible testimony. Do you have some wisdom to share. This is your spot to let the community know.
My Connections–Connect with your friends, family, pastor, colleagues, neighbors, anyone. Its like a big room full of your favorite people.
Service Portfolio–Where have you served? What did you do. What did you learn. What could you offer someone else who is serving in that same capacity? Fill out your service experience so the Body can start to leverage each other’s experience.
My Contributions–We’re not talking about contributing money here. This feature keeps track of all the content you have contributed to the site–news, resources, and blogs. Share what is going on in your community by posting news. Share your knowledge and wisdom by posting resources. Share your thoughts through the blog. If you are new to blogs–click here for a great explanation.
Reach Map–Now this is sweet. We measure your activity on the site by plotting out your friends, where your content views have come from and where you have served around the world. The more you connect, empower and impact, the more colorful your map will become!
My Favorites–This is like a big filing cabinet for all the great stuff you find on the site. Cool article. Great video. Insightful blog. Put them all in your favorites. It’s a good way to promote the valuable information you find on the site.
My Church–This is pretty self-explanatory–you can add the church you attend regularly. If you don’t have a church, use the church locator (link to church locator page) to find one.
My Groups–This feature lists all the groups you are involved in on the site.

How do I cancel my account?

Tell us it isn’t true?!. You want to quit World Wide Open. We’re hurt, seriously. If you must cancel your account, please click here (Cancel Account) and fill out the form. In the subject line of the form, put “Cancel my Account”. In the body of the email, put your username and your password (so we can verify you aren’t trying to cancel somebody’s account without their permission!). Your account will be deleted within 48 hours.

User Actions

How can I interact with users on the site?

Great question–there are tons of features available. Let’s do a quick run down:

‘Add To Connections’–Once you click “Add To Connections”, a message gets sent to that user that prompts them to verify. When verified, this opens up communication between you and the other user as well as puts them into your friends area.
‘Send a Message’–This features allows you to write a quick note to anyone one the site. For security purposes, you may not contact another member through the site until you have added the user to your friends and they have verified.
‘Flag as Inappropriate’–This feature allows you to let us know when you think there is inappropriate content on the site. Click this link, tell us why the content shouldn’t be on World Wide Open and we’ll take a look at it immediately. If the content doesn’t line up with the community rules, it will be removed.
‘Email a Friend’–This lets you share (via email) any content on the site with your friends (or family, colleagues, etc… - we’re not picky). Whenever you see something really interesting, useful, helpful, inspirational or flat out awesome, click ‘Email a Friend’ and let them know about it.
‘Recommend It’–Click this link save the content you are viewing in your Recommendations area on the site. It’s a good way for you to feature content you like!
‘Share With My Group’–This allows you to share any interesting information with a group that you belong with on the site.

Invites

How do I invite someone else to join World Wide Open?

If you really like the site and think there is someone else (person, church or organization) that should create an account on World Wide Open, you can click here. Then, just enter their email address and a little note and they’ll get an invitation message from you. You can also invite friends from the people page or if you click on “My Account” and look under “My Friends”.

Search

What can I search for on the site?

Anything. People, churches, organizations, articles, audio, expertise, video, etc…You can search by one keyword or multiple keywords (just separate your keywords with commas). Also, don’t forget that you can search other people’s favorites–it’s like getting a personal recommendation.

Security

Is World Wide Open safe?

Absolutely. We use both technology and a clear set of community rules to ensure World Wide Open is a good place to spend time online.

On the technology front, we use the latest encryption, firewalls and other security procedures to help protect the accuracy and security of your personal information and prevent unauthorized access or improper use. For example, you will note that while using some features of the World Wide Open web site and online services, you may need to submit a password or some other type of authenticating information.

World Wide Open may use e-mail addresses you provide us online on our sites to send you content of interest, such as news, resources or opportunities that align with your passions and interests. We only do this if you have indicated you wish to receive the information. If at any time, you would prefer not to receive further e-mail communications at that e-mail address, please click here, fill out the form and we’ll stop sending you communication.

In regards to community rules, World Wide Open is a safe, community-based website, which means that we will be able to collaborate, contribute, learn and work together. It also means we are all responsible for taking care of the community. The internet can be a great place for users of all ages as long as they are safe and exercise a bit of common sense.

We, as the community, do not allow content of any form (text, audio, video, photo) that is hateful, pornographic, libelous, slandering or commercial in nature. The full list of what’s not OK is here (reference Terms of Use page where list is stored). We use the latest filtering technologies to prohibit inappropriate language, pictures and content and we have an editorial staff that responds quickly to community issues. But technology can only do so much–the real power lies in the community’s ability to police itself and create a safe space for connections, discussion and collaboration. If you happen to see something offensive on the site:

Take action. On each page of the website there will be a button called “Mark as Inappropriate” (insert picture of button), click that button, and we’ll review it in light of the community rules and, if necessary, remove it immediately.
Take ownership of the site. Respond to the inappropriate content by posting a comment and letting the author know that the community doesn’t approve.

If you ever have an issue with the safety or privacy of this community, please click here and fill out the contact form.

Can I make my account information private?

Yes. When you log into your account, go to “Settings” and ****************

What does World Wide Open do with my information? (quick answer: nothing!)

We don’t sell, rent, lease, or give-away any of your information. The only thing we do is use it to send you information (news, resources and opportunities) that you have requested. We have one of the best privacy policies on the web.

How do I let World Wide Open know about inappropriate content?

If you happen to see something offensive on the site:

Take action. On each page of the website there will be a button called “Mark as Inappropriate”, click that button, and we’ll review it in light of the community rules and, if necessary, remove it immediately.
Take ownership of the site. Respond to the inappropriate content by posting a comment and letting the author know that the community doesn’t approve.

If you ever have an issue with the safety or privacy of this community, please click here and fill out the contact form.

What if someone is harassing me on the site?

First, send them a message requesting that they stop. If they don’t stop it and/or if they are involved in illegal activity (hate crimes, threats to your safety, harassment, etc…) contact your local police and click here to fill out the contact form. We’ll work with the police to the full extent of the law. We’ll also remove their account from the site and ban their IP address.

If you suspect you’ve encountered a sexual predator on the site, immediately contact your local police department and then contact us by and clicking here to fill out the contact form. You can also report Internet sexual predators at the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children’s cyber tipline (www.cybertipline).

What sort of users are on World Wide Open?

You name it. There are people, churches and non-profit organizations. As far as the folks go, there are all ages, races, genders, denominations, etc…There are a diverse and beautiful group of churches and we are always looking for more to join. The same is true for non-profit organizations–we’ve got everything on the site. That’s one of the beautiful things about World Wide Open–it is a place for the whole Body of Christ. If there is a person, church or organization you know who should be on World Wide Open but isn’t, you can send them an invitation to join here (email form to invite friends.)

Is it safe to connect with people on World Wide Open?

In short, YES–but you need to exercise some caution. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, YOU NEED YOUR PARENT’S PERMISSION TO CONTACT ANYONE ON WORLD WIDE OPEN. Here’s a couple more tips:

If you have any doubts about the person–don’t get in contact with them.
Always contact the person via email first. This is the safest way to get in touch with someone initially.
Always tell a family member or friend if you are going to meet someone from online. Tell them the time and place you’ll be meeting and, if necessary, have them come along.
Immediately report anyone on the site who is using a false identity, harassing other members or jeopardizing the security of the World Wide Open community. To let us know, click here and fill out the contact form.

Contact Us

Want to contact us?

If you’ve got any questions, concerns, ideas or just want to chat (we prefer the latter), please get in touch by clicking here and filling out the contact form. If you can find a pen and paper and want to write us a letter, you can send it to:

World Wide Open
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 325
Sacramento, CA 95814

You are on the World Wide Open Network

World Wide Open