> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.earthcoop.ir/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get Started with EarthCoop: Your First Five Minutes

> Create your EarthCoop account, complete your profile, join a cooperative group, and start collaborating — all in under five minutes.

Getting started with EarthCoop is straightforward. In just a few steps you will have a verified account, a complete profile, and access to cooperative groups that match your profession and location. Follow the steps below to go from sign-up to active collaboration as quickly as possible.

<Note>
  EarthCoop is fully available in both **English** and **Persian (Farsi)**. You can switch your language preference at any point during or after registration. Persian users also have the option to use the **Jalali (Solar Hijri)** calendar throughout the platform.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account">
    Go to the EarthCoop sign-up page and enter your **email address** and a secure **password**. Alternatively, select **Continue with Google** to register instantly using your existing Google account.

    After submitting, EarthCoop sends a **verification code** to your email address. Enter that code on the verification screen to activate your account and move to the next step.

    <Info>
      The verification email typically arrives within a minute. If you do not see it, check your spam or junk folder. You can request a new code directly from the verification screen.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your personal details">
    Once your email is verified, complete your personal profile. Fill in your **first and last name**, **date of birth**, **gender**, **nationality**, **national ID**, and **phone number**. If you registered with Google and did not set a password yet, you can create one here.

    <Tip>
      All fields on this screen are required. Accurate personal details help build trust with other group members and ensure the platform can verify your identity for financial features.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your profession and expertise">
    Select your **occupational field** and **area of expertise** from the platform's category tree. You can choose more than one field if your work spans multiple disciplines.

    <Tip>
      Be as specific as possible when selecting your specialty. EarthCoop uses this information to intelligently recommend the most relevant groups and projects for you.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your location">
    Define your geographic presence by choosing your **continent**, **country**, **province**, **county**, **district**, **city or rural area**, **region**, and **neighborhood**. Street and alley details are optional.

    Your location determines which local, regional, and national cooperative groups are recommended to you. You can participate in groups at multiple geographic levels simultaneously — from your own neighborhood all the way to global communities.

    <Tip>
      Be as precise as possible with your neighborhood selection. Location accuracy directly improves the quality of your local group matches and makes it easier for nearby members to find and connect with you.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Join or create a group">
    With your profile complete, you are automatically added to cooperative groups that match your profession and location. You can also browse additional groups and send a join request, or start a new group yourself.

    * **Join an existing group:** Browse groups filtered by your profession, specialty, or location. Review a group's purpose, member count, and active projects, then send a join request or enter directly if the group is open.
    * **Create a new group:** If no existing group fits your goals, start one. Give it a clear name, description, and geographic scope. Set your membership policy (open or approval-based) and invite colleagues or community members.

    <Tip>
      Start by engaging in one or two established groups before creating your own. This helps you understand how active groups operate and what makes a cooperative community thrive on the platform.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start collaborating">
    You are now a full member of a cooperative group. Here are the three most impactful things you can do right away.

    * **Chat in real time:** Open the group channel to introduce yourself, ask questions, and engage with ongoing discussions. Use polls to gauge member opinion on a topic or call a group election when a formal decision is needed.
    * **Submit a project:** Have an idea that your group could help bring to life? Go to the Projects tab and submit a proposal. Describe the objective, timeline, and funding requirements so members can evaluate and invest.
    * **Invest in a project:** Browse open project proposals in your group and commit funds through the NajmBahar financial system. Your investment is tracked transparently, and you receive updates as the project progresses.
  </Step>
</Steps>