Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find what you're looking for on this page, please visit our Site Help and Feedback Group to post a question. Alternatively, you may fill out this form to send us a message via e-mail.

What is PulseWire?

PulseWire is a place where women and our allies can come together to transform our lives and the world. "I want to tell my story." "I need support for my vision." "I want space to collaborate." PulseWire gives us the tools.

Here we can speak for ourselves, reach out and support each other across borders—all in a heartbeat. If you want to be part of the global movement to channel resources and information into the hands of women, PulseWire is for you!

What Does It Cost For Me to Join?

Absolutely nothing. PulseWire is a free service, available to all who have interest and willingly abide by our Community Culture Guidelines and our Terms of Service.

Can My Organization Join PulseWire?

Yes! PulseWire is designed to bring organizations and individuals supporting women's empowerment together across the globe. Your organization can easily create a presence on PulseWire by bringing members online and using our Groups feature for discussion and collaboration. Upload your organization's logo and fill out a group profile to share your mission and work with our community. Members of your organization can also create their own individual profiles on PulseWire if they choose, and link to your organization's main account. What our community sees is up to you!

Is PulseWire Offered in Different Languages?

PulseWire is committed to offering top translation applications as soon as we possibly can. The most promising of these, however, are not yet available to the public. In the meantime, use Google Translate to provide an approximate translation in the most popular languages. You'll find the translate feature located next to the search bar in the top right corner of every PulseWire page.

In the near future, the entire PulseWire site will be available in Spanish and French. Right now, there are countless ways you can help us create a thriving global community that is receptive to everyone's needs. Here are just a few of our ideas... If you have one of your own to add, please post it to the Beta Community Discussion Group.

Be patient and helpful in your online communications. Show respect for the differences and difficulties that can arise due to language barriers.
Tag content in more than one language to make it available to a wider audience.
If you are multilingual, offer your expertise on ResourceExChange and translate your own content when possible.
Facilitate language learning by posting manuals and lesson plans in SharingSolutions.

Learn more about PulseWire's online culture from our Community Guidelines.

Does PulseWire Offer Grants, Micro-loans or Other Types of Funding?

PulseWire is an open forum for communication and resource sharing. We do not directly provide funding or offer grants or loans. However, our goal is for you to find what you need on our site. If you have a financial need, we encourage you to post it on our Resource ExChange board and fill out a complete member profile. Remember, the more information you provide about yourself and your needs, the more likely you are to receive a supportive response from within the community.

What is PulseWire's Privacy Policy?

Our team is committed to protecting your need for privacy. We will not provide or sell information about you to any outside partners. To learn more about World Pulse's Privacy policy, go to:

http://www.worldpulse.com/about/privacy

Though we encourage transparency in online interactions, we understand that some users will want to keep their identity private. For this reason, we've created a flexible member profile that allows you to choose how much personal information you share with the community. You can use the site anonymously, of course, but be aware that the community is much more likely to respond to the needs of members who are known and trusted. If your privacy needs prevent you from finding what you need on Resource ExChange, you may contact us to find out how we can help.

Learn more about managing your profile for maximum security.

How Do I Send Feedback/Ask Questions?

Do you have ideas about new ways to network and share information on PulseWire? Contact us!

How Do I Join PulseWire?

Click on "Join Now" (orange button)
Enter a username
- Choose a name that represents you. This name will identify you to the PulseWire community. It can be your full name, first name or any nickname you prefer. Do not use punctuation, except for periods, hyphens and underscores.
Enter your email address. Enter the e-mail address you want to associate with this account. This email address will be used by the PulseWire system to send notifications of account activity and occasional updates about PulseWire’s development. Don’t have an email address? Sign up here for a free Gmail account from Google.
Enter a password.

Create a password you will remember. Use a combination of letters and numbers to make it difficult for others to guess.
Write down your user name and password, and keep them in a safe place.

For your security and protection, re-enter the same password.
Choose the country that you feel best represents you.
Tell us how you heard about us.
Upload a photo or image, if you have one. We encourage you to choose a photo that shows your face.
Click on "Create New Account".

Once you’ve submitted the required information, an email will be sent to the address you provided.

When you return to PulseWire after registering, access your account by selecting “Login” at the top right. You’ll then be prompted to re-enter your username and private password.

(Protect your privacy! Always log out when you are finished using PulseWire, especially if you are accessing PulseWire from a public or shared computer.)

Now that your account has been created, you can fully complete your profile. The more complete your profile, the more other community members will find ways to connect with you, support your work, and share resources. People often feel cautious when they do not have a lot of information about someone.

What If I Have Forgotten My Password?

Forgotten your password?

How Do I Create a Public Profile?

Your user profile displays a living, breathing record of your online identity to the entire community. A generous profile will contribute greatly to your personal networking and community building efforts. We recommend that you include as much information on your profile as you are comfortable sharing. Paint an authentic “character sketch” of yourself including vivid, honest descriptions of your passions, home, work, family and dreams.

Access your account by selecting “Login” at the top right. You’ll then be prompted to re-enter your username and private password. (If you have just created your account, you will automatically be taken to the "Edit Profile" page.)
Click on "Edit Your Public Profile"
Enter your Real Name.
- For privacy reasons, you may choose not to have your real name show up on your public profile.
- You can choose this option further down the page. (see What is PulseWire's Privacy Policy?)
Enter the name of your Organization.
Enter your Title.
Select your Primary Language.
Choose the Country that you feel best represents you.
Select your Secondary Language.
Select your City.
Read PulseWire’s user policies and then check the box next to "I agree to the PulseWire Terms of Service and Privacy Policy".
Enter your mobile (cell) phone number.
- Your mobile phone will be hidden from other members. Entering your mobile number, will allow you to instantly send text messages to your personal journal. Click here to learn how. Please include your country code (for U.S. numbers, include +1).
Enter your Journal title.
- Your journal title appears to our community. Be creative — this is your space to let your voice and unique perspective shine!
Enter your Journal subtitle.
- Many PulseWire members use this space to share a favorite quote or inspirational statement.
Write a short introductory paragraph about yourself.
My Passions.
- Share your passions with our community.
My Challenges.
- What challenges you? Access to information? Having small children? Too many ideas, not enough time? Funding? Resources?
My Vision for the Future.
- What is your vision for the future? What are you working toward? This is your personal statement to the world.
My Areas of Expertise.
Other sites I like:
- Does your organization have its own website?
- Are there other sites you visit regularly?
- Share them here!
Privacy settings: This an important section because it allows you to decide what information about yourself to share with the PulseWire. Click on the box next to the setting you desire.
Click the "Preview" button to view what your profile will look like, and when satisfied, click "Submit" to complete your profile.

We suggest you begin your tour of PulseWire with a quick overview of the features offered. Move your mouse over the navigation bar at the top of the page to begin exploring PulseWire’s offerings. These quick-links will appear throughout the site when you are logged in, giving you easy access to our programs and services.

How Do I Make Changes to My Profile?

You can return to your profile at any time to change your email address or password, select your time zone, update your profile photo, and create a personal signature that will appear at the end of all of your posts!
Access your account by selecting “Login” at the top right. You’ll then be prompted to re-enter your username and private password.
Click on the "Edit Account" tab.
From there, you can edit your account, upload a photo, edit your profile, edit your notification settings or edit your friend requests.

How Do I Add a Photo to My Profile?

Your photo will appear next to your posts and comments, as well as on your public profile. Photos are so important when you are meeting new people! They add a personal dimension to your writing and help people identify you when they want to add you to their community! If you don't have a photo or cannot upload one right now, you will still be able to add one later.

Access your account by selecting “Login” at the top right. You’ll then be prompted to re-enter your username and private password.
Under Pulsewire Tools on the right hand side, click on "My Voice". Under that, click on "Edit Your Member Photo". This will take you to a page that reads "Edit Account/Upload Photo".
In the "Picture" box halfway down the page, you can choose a photo on your computer by clicking on the "Browse" button.
Click on "Submit" at the bottom of the page. This will upload your photo and update any new information.

If you want to change your photo later, you can find this page by clicking on "My Voice" and pulling down the menu to "Edit Your Member Photo". Click on the box next to "Delete picture" and click on "Browse" to add a new photo!

If you do not have a digital image of yourself or feel uncomfortable having your picture in a public forum, we encourage you to find an image that represents the essence of you and/or your journal.

How to download an image from the Internet using a PC:

Hold your mouse over the image.
Right-click on the image.
Select "Save Image As..."
Save the image to your computer.

How to download an image from the Internet using a Mac:

Hold down the Option key and click on the image.
Select "Save Image As..."
Save the image to your computer.

Please ensure that any image you choose from the internet is royalty-free and not copyrighted. Here are some websites that offer digital images for free:

How Do I Create a Journal Entry?

PulseWire journals function very much like “blogs” do, giving users a quick, free and flexible venue for online publishing. In terms of functionality, there’s not much difference between standard blogs and your PulseWire journal. Anyone who has blogged will feel right at home with this feature. Like any new software, however, online publishing can by daunting to learn on your own. But with just a bit of practice and advice, it quickly feels familiar, comfortable and even fun!

Start meeting others on PulseWire by first introducing yourself to the community with a journal entry! You’ll find your personal journal located on your User Profile page. This is a great way to start conversations about current projects, respond to news stories, and voice your concerns, passions and hopes for the future. Share what's going on in your life with the PulseWire community! We also encourage you to visit other user’s profiles to access their journal entries. To view a particular entry, simply click on the title to open.

Click on "Post to Your Journal."
Under "Title", type in a name for your journal entry. We suggest a brief title that accurately describes either you or the main subject matter you will address. You may also want to include a description or subtitle that helps others know what to expect from your journal entries. Your title will appear in the top frame of your journal, visible to anyone who visits your profile or journal page. You may change the title of your journal at any time. Simply revisit the “Edit your public profile” page, and click on the "Journal" tab. Click on the title you wish to change, and then click on the "Edit" tab at the top. Change your title and click the "submit" button.
In the "Tags" box, you can add words that are associated with the journal entry to help people find your posts. Examples include water, education, micro-finance, HIV/AIDS.
Under "Journal Entry" type your entry.
Any website or e-mail address in your post will appear as a web link so that others can directly connect to the website or send you an e-mail.
To attatch a photo or article from your computer, click on "Browse" under "Attach new file" and select the file.
Click the "Preview" button to view what your journal entry will look like and when you’re satisfied, click "Submit" to add your journal entry!

There are other ways you can add to and view your journal:

On the PulseWire homepage: Under "Voices Rising" click on "Post to your Journal".
Anywhere on the PulseWire site:
Click on "MyVoice" under "PulseWire Tools" on the right side of the screen and pull down to "Edit your public profile" and click on "Journal" tab. Then, click on "Post to Your Journal".
On your profile page:
Click on the "Journal" tab. Then, click on "Post to Your Journal".

You may edit your own journal entries at any time. Simply click the "Edit" tab above the journal title. This will take you to a page that allows you to change what you wrote. To save your changes, choose "Submit" at the bottom of the page. To delete or erase a post entirely, select "delete" from the publishing options at the bottom of the page.

View a list of your most recent journal activities right on your user profile page. Click any title for quick, easy access to that post. Journal entries appear in the order they are published. The first entry you see is the most recent entry.

How Do I View Other Member's Journals?

To view someone else’s personal journal, click on their username, which will take you to their profile page. If they use their journal, recent activity will be displayed underneath the "Journal" tab. Click on the title to read more.

How Do I Comment On Other Member's Journals?

Your username is attached to every comment you make. Positive, helpful comments are a powerful way to encourage others and to find out more information about a particular topic. Supportive comments will also help you make personal connections within the PulseWire community.

You can leave a comment on any PulseWire journal entry. The number of comments on any journal entry is visible to the right of the title, underneath the user's photo. Read existing comments by clicking the link that displays the number of comments.

To leave a comment, you will see a box labelled "Post your comment" where you can add your thoughts at the end of their journal entry .
Type in a brief title in the "Subject" box that accurately describes either you or the main subject matter you will address.
Write your comment.
Click the "Preview" button to view what your comment will look like and when you’re satisfied, click "Submit" to add your comment to the journal entry!

I Have Read a Journal Entry that I Find Threatening, Offensive or Harmful. What Should I do?

All PulseWire content can be "flagged" and forwarded with an email alert to PulseWire's administrators, who will determine the appropriate course of action. Examples of inappropriate content are commercial advertising, threats, offensive language or "spam".

Note: Copyright violations fall outside the "inappropriate" category and should not be flagged for administrators. Instead, gently point out the mistake in a comment or email so that the user has the opportunity to revise the issue.

To flag a journal entry, simply click on the "Flag" tab above the journal title, enter your message (or use the automatic message if it addresses the problem), then click the "Submit" button.

How Do I Add Friends?

Don't be shy! Ask a member who has commented on your journal entry or whose offer, need, event, or alert has sparked your interest to be a part of your community.

Find a member whom you wish to add to your "Friends" listing.
Click on their username.
You will be taken to their profile page. Under their photo, click on the "Add to my community" button.
Write a personal message inviting them to be your friend and click "Submit". Your message will appear at the top of their pending friends list.
They will receive an email, at which point they’ll either “accept” or “deny” the new connection. To check the status of your friend invitations, click on "MyVoice" under "PulseWire Tools" on the right side of the screen and pull down to "Edit your public profile". Click on the "Edit friends" tab where you can view the friend requests you have received, the friend requests you have sent and a listing of your current friends. Click on a friend’s photo for quick access to their profile and journal.

How Do I Invite My Friends to Join PulseWire?

On your profile page, hold the mouse over the "Share this profile" link which appears under your profile photo.
A window will appear which gives you a variety of ways to share your PulseWire page with your friends.
Click on the option that represents how you would like to share your profile and fill out the form.

How Do I Text Message PulseWire Via Mobile Phone?

Computers aren't the only way to access PulseWire! You can also use your cell phone to post up-to-the-minute entries on your journal. If you need help finding the country code for texting to PulseWire, check out the Country Codes website at:

http://www.countrycodes.com/

First, enter your mobile phone number in your member profile.

Then, send your text message to this number:

+44 762.480.5709^***

^***This is a UK number. Standard text messaging rates to the United Kingdom apply. PulseWire does not charge an additional service fee.

How Do I Find a Group?

There are two ways to find groups:

From the menu at the top of all PulseWire pages, click on the "PulseWire" tab and pull down the menu to "Groups".
Under the PulseWire Tools menu on the right side of all PulseWire pages, hold your mouse over "Sharing Solutions." The menu will open up. Click on "Find a Group."

Browse through all the pages of groups by clicking First, Previous, Next, Last, or the page numbers. You can also enter a word into the box next to "Search" to help you find groups quickly. When you click on a group title, the profile page will open with information about the group, its journal entries and a list of all the members. If you want to join, click the "Join this group" button under the group picture and get started! There are already a number of groups dedicated to women's empowerment, current events, literature, health, medicine and media. If your interest/topic isn't covered, create your own group and start a new dialogue!

How Do I Create a Group?

Under the PulseWire Tools menu on the right side of all PulseWire pages, hold your mouse over "Sharing Solutions." The menu will open up. Click on "Create a Group."
Enter the Group name.
Briefly, write the purpose for the group. This statement is what will bring together a new network of people!
Tags: Enter words that are associated with the group to help people find your posts. Examples include water, education, micro-finance, HIV/AIDS.
If you want to set up a website connected to the group or already have a website you would like to bring into the community, enter the web address here.
Enter a description of the group. Write about your expectations for the group and dare to be enthusiastic! These are your passions and interests that you want people to gravitate toward to create new visions and new connections.
Membership Settings:
- You, as the administrator, can decide who can join or how they can join. Select the mode of privacy you prefer: OPEN, MODERATED, INVITE ONLY, or CLOSED.
If you want to add a logo or photograph to help build an identity for the group, click on "Browse" then choose the file/photo you would like to add from your computer. Click "Attach".
Click the "Preview" button to view what your group entry will look like and when you’re satisfied, click "Submit".

How Do I Share a Solution?

Finding and sharing solutions drives us to continue PulseWire. It gives us hope and helps us find new ways of living and working day-to-day. What kinds of ideas, methods, tools, strategies and technologies are working in your community? Do you have a success story, or are looking for a solution? Contribute your own models, blueprints, manuals and best practices to PulseWire's Sharing Solutions library of ideas and expertise; or discover innovative solutions to daily challenges.

There are two ways to Share a Solution:

From the menu at the top of all PulseWire pages, click on the "PulseWire" tab and pull down the menu to "Sharing Solutions".
Under the PulseWire Tools menu on the right side of all PulseWire pages, hold your mouse over "Sharing Solutions." The menu will open up. Click on "Share a Solution."

Enter a title that briefly describes the solution you are sharing.
Tags: Enter words that are associated with the solution to help people find your posts. Examples include water, education, micro-finance, HIV/AIDS.
Tell us about your experiences. What was the problem, or what wasn't working in your community? How did you make changes? What have been the results? Do you have ideas for furthering your successes? This statement is what will bring together a new network of people!
If your solution is on another web site or if there is a website that helped you, enter the title.
Enter the web address.
Include pictures, photos, and anything else that you think might help illustrate your solution(s) for other communities. Click "Browse," then choose your file from your computer. Click "Attach."
Click the "Preview" button to view what your solutions entry will look like and when you’re satisfied, click "Submit".

How Do I Post a Need on Resource ExChange?

There are two ways to post a need on Resource ExChange:

From the menu at the top of all PulseWire pages, click on the "PulseWire" tab and pull down the menu to "Resource ExChange".
Under the PulseWire Tools menu on the right side of all PulseWire pages, hold your mouse over "Resource ExChange." The menu will open up. Click on "Post a Need or Offer."

On the Resource ExChange page, click on the "Make a Post" button.
Enter a title that briefly describes your need.
Use the drop-down menu to select "Need".
Tags: Enter words that are associated with your need to help people find your posts. Examples include computers, laptops, clothing, volunteers.
Describe your project or organization and let the PulseWire community know what it needs to be successful.
- Training? Tools? Supplies? Volunteers? Be as specific as you can be to help others answer your needs.
If your need is listed on another website or if there is a website that helped you, enter the title.
Enter the web address.
Include pictures, photos, and anything else that you think might help illustrate your need(s) for other communities. Click "Browse," then choose your file from your computer. Click "Attach."
Click the "Preview" button to view what your Resource ExChange entry will look like and when you’re satisfied, click "Submit".

How Do I Post an Offer on Resource ExChange?

So often we are overwhelmed by what we need for our project or organization that we forget how much we have to offer! What can you give? Space? Technology? Information? Supplies? What opportunities can you offer others to participate in your change-making?

There are two ways to post an offer on Resource ExChange:

From the menu at the top of all PulseWire pages, click on the "PulseWire" tab and pull down the menu to "Resource ExChange".
Under the PulseWire Tools menu on the right side of all PulseWire pages, hold your mouse over "Resource ExChange." The menu will open up. Click on "Post a Need or Offer."

On the Resource ExChange page, click on the "Make a Post" button.
Enter a title that briefly describes your offer.
Use the drop-down menu to select "Offer".
Tags: Enter words that are associated with your offer to help people find your posts. Examples include computers, laptops, clothing, volunteers.
Describe your project or organization and what you can provide to the PulseWire community.
- Training? Tools? Supplies? Be as specific as you can be to help others answer your needs.
If your offer is listed on another website or if there is a website that helped you, enter the title.
Enter the web address.
Include pictures, photos, and anything else that you think might help illustrate your offer(s) for other communities. Click "Browse," then choose your file from your computer. Click "Attach."
Click the "Preview" button to view what your Resource ExChange entry will look like and when you’re satisfied, click "Submit".

How Do I Donate?

Become a financial contributor to PulseWire and encourage the growth of women's voices as citizen journalists! We are here to make possible the sharing of visions and solutions by women around the world. Come help us with whatever you can give! Donations will support our outreach, community building and technology efforts.

From the menu at the top of all PulseWire pages, click on the "Support" tab and pull down the menu to "Donate". Fill out the form and follow the instructions to complete your donation. Thank you for your generous support in creating a space where women can speak for themselves to the world!

How Do I Become a Partner?

At World Pulse, we believe that forging innovative alliances with leading businesses, institutions and NGOs is one of the most exciting ways to strengthen the work of grassroots women's groups who are working tirelessly to solve local and global problems on the ground. We see tremendous opportunities to channel resources and expertise where these groups are telling us it is needed most. We are now forming consulting partnerships with over 30 top organizations serving or advocating for grassroots women’s networks to make relevant, and up-to-the minute editorial recommendations to our editorial desk. Join us in this pioneering partnership opportunity!

To discuss partnership opportunities, call (503) 331-3900 or email us at partners@worldpulse.com

Featured Partners

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Women's Funding Network

WFN represents over 150 organizations that fund women's solutions across the globe. Read More »

http://womensfundingnetwork.org/

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