CAS WhatsApp Community
In 2026 we are testing a new member-to-member communication method using WhatsApp. Click here to skip down to the instructions on how to join!
Photo: Yuri Samoilov via Flickr
What is a WhatsApp Community?
WhatsApp is a chat application for mobile phones and desktop, similar to text messaging. You register using your phone number. WhatsApp supports both one-to-one chats as well as chat groups. A "Community" is a group of groups.
Why Join the CAS WhatsApp Community?
CAS members can use this resource for purposes like:
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share about news items,
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find someone who can help with an artwork drop-off or pick-up to address scheduling conflicts,
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get tech advice on paintings ("help I am not sure if I ruined it!"),
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arrange rideshares to member meetings and receptions,
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and more.
How is the WhatsApp Community Organized?
Note: Anyone can join the Community, but the "CAS Members" group within the community is exclusive to current members.
The Community currently consists of the following groups:
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Announcements: When you join the Community you are automatically added to this group. Only admins can post to this group.
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CAS Members: The main group within the Community. Only current CAS members are admitted.
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CAS Board: Current and emeritus members of the CAS Board
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CAS Tech Support: Public group for help if you are having trouble joining the members group.
STEPS TO JOIN THE CAS WHATSAPP COMMUNITY
Tip: Open this page on your computer while you follow the steps on your phone.
Step 1. Download WhatsApp from your phone's app store and set up your WhatsApp account. Make sure you are getting the official app from WhatsApp, Inc.
NOTE: You do not need to grant WhatsApp access to your address book (i.e. "sync your contacts," or give it "full contact access") if you don't want to. It is not required in order to participate in the CAS community.
Step 2. After you are registered, scan this QR code with your phone's camera.
If you are following these steps on mobile, then tap this link instead.
Step 3. You should see a screen like the one shown here. Tap "Join Community."
Step 4. Next, tap "View Community."
Step 5. You should now see a list of groups in the Community, as pictured here. This screen shows that you were automatically added to Announcements, and there are three other groups you could join.
Tap "CAS Members" in order to join that group. (In the screenshot, the purple arrow is pointing where you should tap.)
Step 6. A card for the "CAS Members" group should appear. Tap the "Request to join" button.
Step 7. You should now see this screen, showing that your request is pending.
Please allow some time for a board member to approve your join request. If you used a different phone number for your WhatsApp account than you used on your membership application, then the approving board member may not be able to verify you from the roster, and may therefore contact you through WhatsApp to get more information.
Step 8. Once you are added to CAS Members, post a message to introduce yourself!
You may also find it convenient to set up WhatsApp on your computer using the desktop app or web version in your browser.
STEPS TO GET TECH HELP (OPTIONAL)
If you have been waiting a long time for approval, or if you are having trouble with adding yourself to the CAS Members group, you can follow these steps to join the public group and ask for help.
Step 9. Navigate to Chats (tap where magenta arrow is pointing) and then tap on Creative Arts Society in the list (orange arrow).
Step 10. You should see a group listing appear. Tap on "CAS Tech Support", and this will pop up a card like the one shown here. Tap "Join group".
Step 11. This time, your join request is auto-approved as it's a public group. Tap "View group"
Step 12. You will see a chat screen appear. Post your question or issue in the small box at the bottom, and press enter. Admins are part of the group and will be able to respond in this channel.
