Here is some basic information about what is in the GLI site and how to find it together with some FAQs about GLI.

If you find anything on the site that is not working as it should, or if you have any questions about the site please email Libby Brayshaw.

How do I know what to look for on the GLI site?
The green bar at the top of every page is the where you will find the links to the main sections of the GLI site. If you are new to the site, the best thing to do is to have a quick look around by clicking on each of the words in the navigation bar - this is what you will find where:-

Site Structure
Home - the main home page of each of the different language sites - a general introduction to GLI and a selection of the latest stories, news items, or information available

News - GLI News, global social sector News, Networkers' News, the latest News Mail (GLI's bi-monthly email newsletter) and News Mail archive in date order. Click on the News heading to the left of the page to return to the first News introductory page (the heading operates as a back button).

Get Involved - the place to Register to become a GLI Networker and to recieve News Mail, where to find details of people and projects who have registered as GLI Networkers - the GLI Network Community! - how to get involved with GLI including finding out about volunteering opportunities

Inspire - this is the heart of the GLI site - it is where you will find the inspiring, real life, 'learning by doing' stories from people all around the world who have decided to make a difference in the communities in which they live and/or work. Click on the Inspire heading to the left of the page to return to the first Inspire introductory page (the heading operates as a back button).

Share - information and 'knowledge bank' material from around the world relating to the social sector e.g. articles and reports on legislative changes, specific issues, research etc. This is where you will find Food for Thought, Links to other interesting websites, a Library, Just for Fun!, and sections on Globalisation, Leadership, Legislation and Statistics and Working with Corporates, Social Entrepreneurship and ICT Opportunities - for articles on social entrepreneurship/social enterprise and the use of ICT in the voluntary sector. In Library you will find our What's New Listing - a quick way to catch up on what has been added to the website since your last visit. News stories, articles, and information are listed in date order - the most recent at the top of the list - with clickable links to take you straight to what you want to read.

About Us - all about GLI - aims, objectives, personnel, history plus  NEW INFORMATION about Partners & Supporters

Site Search - We have provided a site search facility so that you can find stories or information by Country or by Category of project by using the drop down search criteria and clicking on the category or country you are interested in and then clicking 'go' or you can simply type a keyword into search box and click 'go'.

Site Map - If you want a quick over view of the site content click on Site Map in the green navigation bar at the top of each page - this lists the site structure and each story, news item or article contained within each area of the site.  

As a general rule, within the site, words which appear in green are links to email addresses, websites or to other pages within the site. Links and Global Links are commonly listed to the right of stories or articles and are links to other GLI web pages (Links) and to external websites (Global Links) - these should open in a separate window. 

How can I find what has been added to the website recently - the most up to date information?
Take a look at the What's New Lisiting in Library in the Share area - a quick way to catch up on what has been added to the website since your last visit. News stories, articles, and information are listed in date order - the most recent at the top of the list - with clickable links to take you straight to what you want to read.

How can I change the size of the text on the site so I can read it more easily?
In the Internet browser tool bar, usually at the very top of your screen, click on View and then Text Size and then select a smaller or larger text size. You can always change this again in the same way when you view text in other websites or programmes.   

How much does it cost to become a GLI Networker?
Registering as a GLI Networker is free to all. To register click on Register in the green navigation bar at the top of each page.It only takes a couple of minutes to complete and submit the simple registration form. If you want to know more about becoming a GLI Networker first, click on Get Involved and then Register. Once you have registered, and we have accepted you as a Networker, we will send you a welcome email. If you choose to, you will be added to the mailing list for our bi-monthly email newsletter - News Mail. 

What words or format should I use for my password when I register as  Networker?
You can use any words or numbers you like for your password. It should obviously be something you will remember and ideally, for good security, you should use a combination of upper and lower case letters with some numbers and the password should be 7 or 8 letters/digits long. 

What are the criteria for acceptance as a GLI Networker?
GLI Networker status is open to anyone interested in sharing practical ideas and experiences and learning about the not-for-profit sector - what works; what doesn't; and why. Global Links Initiative seeks to promote exchange and cross- fertilization of success stories and innovation to inspire, encourage, promote and support social action. GLI Networkers can be social entrepreneurs, NGO/NPO leaders, volunteers, funding bodies, businesses, governments and private individuals - just as long as you are interested in helping the social sector to grow and develop through sharing and exchanging practical know-how. 

What is a Social Entrepreneur?
We refer to 'social entrepreneurs' and 'social entrepreneurship' often on the GLI site. Community Action Network - which was set up in the UK by social entrepreneurs to support social entrepreneurs - has a useful description of what social entrepreneurs are and what they do. Click here to find out more - Social Entrepreneur description

I am not from China, Japan or UK. Can I join in?
Please do. In the beginning we decided to test our ideas in parts of the world - UK, Japan and China - where the initial founding Team members had particularly strong contacts, experience and knowledge of local conditions. We have now proved we are meeting a need and do encourage you, wherever your social sector interests or home may be, to join Global Links Initiative and broaden the knowledge base and scope for helping others.

Who set up GLI?
In About Us you will find information about the founder, the current GLI team of Trustees, Directors, staff and volunteers. In Network you can see who has registered as a Networker, where they are based and brief details of the projects or initiatives they are running.

What are GLI's aims and objectives?
In About Us you will find information about GLI, when, how and why it started and details of the kinds of activities GLI initiates and gets involved with. In News you will find a section of the site called GLI News which will give you an idea of what we have been doing and what we have achieved so far.  

What languages are used on the GLI site?
Currently the site is available in English, Chinese and Japanese - click on the appropriate flag button on the initial 'splash' or welcome page of the site or, once you are inside one of the country specific site areas, click on the Change Language link in the green navigation bar at the very top of each page to select another language. You will need to have the relevant character sets available on your pc to read the site in the language you have selected.   

How can I help?
Global Links Initiative is a network of people who want to make the world a better place for everyone to live in - the best way you can help is to join in! Start by registering on the site - it is FREE to do so. Click on Get Involved or Register in the green navigation bar at the top of the page and fill in your details on the simple registration form.

I would like to recieve your email news letter - News Mail - how do I get onto your mailing list?
Simply Register as a GLI Networker - click on Register in the green navigation bar at the very top of each page - or to find out more about being a Networker click first on Get Involved - registration is FREE - and the simple form only takes a couple of minutes to complete.

I no longer wish to receive News Mail - how do I 'unsubscribe'?
If you would like to unsubscribe to News Mail, please send an email to News Mail (by clicking on the underlined word) giving your name and the message 'unsubscribe'.