Joining the NATCA Discord

The NATCA Discord server is where our community comes together for real-time discussions, support, and camaraderie. This guide will help you join and get started.

What is Discord?

Discord is a communication platform that allows text, voice, and video chat. Our NATCA Discord server provides:

• Real-time chat with members across the country
• Facility-specific channels for your workplace discussions
• Training and education channels for professional development
• Social spaces for off-duty conversations
• Official announcements and updates

Before You Start

Requirements

• Verified MyNATCA account (complete your member verification first)
• Discord account (free to create at discord.com (opens in a new tab))
• Email access for verification steps

Recommended Setup

• Desktop/mobile app (better than web browser)
• Headset or headphones for voice channels
• Stable internet connection

Step 1: Create a Discord Account

If you don't already have Discord:

1. Go to discord.com (opens in a new tab)
2. Click "Register"
3. Choose a username (you can change this later)
4. Use an email address you check regularly
5. Create a strong password
6. Verify your email address when prompted

Username Tips:

• Use your real name or something professional
• Avoid numbers or special characters if possible
• Remember: this represents you in the NATCA community

Step 2: Get the Discord Invite

From MyNATCA Dashboard

1. Log into your MyNATCA account
2. Look for the "Join Discord" button on your dashboard
3. Click to get your personalized invite link
4. This link is tied to your verified account

Direct Invite (for verified members)

If you're already verified, you can also:

• Ask another member for an invite
• Use the link shared in NATCA communications
• Contact support for a direct invite

Step 3: Join the NATCA Server

1. Click the invite link from your dashboard
2. Accept the invitation when Discord opens
3. Complete Discord's verification (may include phone/email verification)
4. Agree to server rules when prompted

First-time Discord users: The app may ask for permissions like microphone access. You can allow or deny these - you can change them later.

Step 4: Complete NATCA Discord Verification

This is separate from your MyNATCA verification:

Automatic Verification (Preferred)

1. Your MyNATCA account should automatically link to Discord
2. Wait 1-2 minutes for the bot to process your membership
3. You'll receive a welcome message with your roles
4. Additional channels will become visible

Manual Verification (If Needed)

If automatic verification doesn't work:

1. Find the #verification channel
2. Follow the bot prompts to link your accounts
3. Use the /register command and follow instructions
4. Wait for manual review if automated verification fails

Step 5: Set Up Your Profile

Discord Profile

1. Click your profile picture in the bottom left
2. Edit your profile:
   • Add your real name (first name minimum)
   • Upload a professional profile picture
   • Add your facility in your "About Me"

Server Nickname

1. Right-click on your name in the member list
2. Select "Edit Server Profile"
3. Set your nickname to your real name and facility (e.g., "John Smith - ZAU")

Understanding Discord Channels

General Channels (All Members)

• #announcements - Official NATCA updates
• #general-chat - Open discussions
• #introductions - Introduce yourself here first
• #tech-support - Help with Discord or MyNATCA

Member-Only Channels

After verification, you'll see:

• #members-general - Verified member discussions
• #facility-specific - Channels for your facility
• #training-discussion - Professional development
• #contract-updates - Contract and negotiation news

Voice Channels

• General Voice - Open voice chat
• Facility Voice Rooms - Private facility discussions
• Study Groups - Training and exam prep
• Social Hangout - Casual conversations

Discord Etiquette

Basic Rules

1. Be respectful - Professional conduct always
2. Use appropriate channels - Keep discussions on-topic
3. No personal attacks - Disagreements are fine, insults are not
4. Follow NATCA values - Represent the union well

Channel Guidelines

• Read channel descriptions before posting
• Search previous messages before asking common questions
• Use threads for long discussions to keep channels clean
• React with emojis to show agreement instead of short messages

Voice Channel Etiquette

• Mute when not speaking to reduce background noise
• Use push-to-talk in busy channels
• Be mindful of others - don't dominate conversations
• Check your audio quality before joining important discussions

Getting Started Activities

Your First Day

1. Introduce yourself in #introductions
2. Find your facility channels and say hello
3. Read recent announcements to catch up
4. Explore different channels to see what interests you

Customize Your Experience

1. Notification settings - Right-click server name → Notification Settings
2. Mute channels you're not interested in
3. Set status to show your availability
4. Join voice channels when comfortable

Common Discord Features

Text Features

• @mention users with @username
• @mention roles like @Controllers or @your-facility
• Use emojis to react to messages
• Create threads for detailed discussions
• Share files by dragging and dropping

Voice Features

• Join voice channels by clicking on them
• Mute/unmute with the microphone button
• Deafen to not hear others (headphone button)
• Screen share in voice channels
• Use push-to-talk in settings

Mobile App

• Download the mobile app for notifications on the go
• Enable push notifications for important channels
• Use compact mode for easier mobile reading

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I can't see member channels"

• Wait 5-10 minutes after joining for verification to complete
• Check that you completed MyNATCA verification first
• Contact #tech-support if still having issues

"I can't join voice channels"

• Check your microphone permissions in Discord settings
• Try rejoining the voice channel
• Restart Discord if audio isn't working

"I'm not getting notifications"

• Check notification settings for the server
• Enable notifications for channels you want updates from
• Check your phone/computer notification settings

"Someone is being inappropriate"

• Use the report feature (right-click → Report)
• Contact a moderator via direct message
• Don't engage - let moderators handle it

Getting Help

Discord Help Resources

• #tech-support channel - Community help with Discord issues
• Discord Help Center - support.discord.com (opens in a new tab)
• NATCA Discord moderators - Available for server-specific help

MyNATCA Integration Help

• Support ticket through your MyNATCA dashboard
• Email support at discord@mynatca.org
• FAQ section for common questions

Advanced Discord Tips

Productivity Features

• Pin important messages for easy reference
• Use Discord search to find old conversations
• Set up keyword notifications for topics that interest you
• Organize channels into categories you care about

Mobile Optimization

• Enable compact mode for smaller screens
• Set notification schedules to avoid disruptions
• Use voice channels for hands-free communication
• Save important messages for later reference

Welcome to the NATCA Discord community! Don't hesitate to ask questions in #tech-support if you need help getting started.