# Getting Started with Likwid

Likwid is a modular governance platform for distributed organizations. This guide will help you get started as a participant.

## Creating an Account

1. Navigate to your Likwid instance
2. Click **Register** in the top navigation
3. Fill in your details:
   - Username (unique identifier)
   - Email address
   - Display name (shown to others)
   - Password
4. Verify your email if required by the instance

## Exploring Without an Account

Many Likwid instances allow public browsing:
- View communities and their descriptions
- Read proposals and their discussions
- See voting results and delegation networks
- Explore moderation logs

To participate (vote, comment, create proposals), you'll need an account.

## Your First Steps

### 1. Browse Communities
Visit the **Communities** page to see available organizations. Each community has:
- A description of its purpose
- Active proposals
- Member list
- Governance settings

### 2. Join a Community
Click on a community to view its details, then click **Join** to become a member. Some communities may require approval.

### 3. Read Active Proposals
Before voting, read the full proposal text and deliberation history. Likwid encourages informed participation.

### 4. Participate
- **Comment** on proposals during the discussion phase
- **Vote** when voting opens
- **Delegate** your vote to trusted members (globally or within a community)

## Understanding the Interface

### Navigation
- **Communities** - Browse and join organizations
- **Proposals** - View all proposals across communities
- **Dashboard** - Your personalized activity feed (logged in)
- **Settings** - Account and notification preferences

### Proposal Statuses
- **Draft** - Being written, not yet published
- **Discussion** - Open for comments and deliberation
- **Voting** - Voting is active
- **Closed** - Voting complete, decision made

## Next Steps

- Learn about [Communities](communities.md)
- Understand [Voting Methods](voting.md)
- Explore [Delegation](delegation.md)