> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gainforest.earth/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gainforest.earth/for-nature-stewards/for-organizations/user-permissions.md).

# User Permissions

Permissions help an organization work as a team without giving every member the same level of access.

When you create an organization, you can invite people to help manage Projects, updates, evidence, and organization information on GainForest.app.

{% hint style="success" %}
Use permissions to keep your organization secure while still allowing trusted team members to contribute.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/uKl4spzNTmtCB7xEoz1T" alt="Organization members list showing invite field, owner, admin, member, and Data Council options"><figcaption><p>The Members tab shows who belongs to the organization, their role, and whether they are part of the Data Council.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Invite team members

From the organization **Members** tab, you can invite people by email or Bluesky handle.

Only one organization profile should exist for the same group. If someone already created your organization, ask them to invite you instead of creating a duplicate organization page.

## Team roles

| Role   | What they can do                                                                                                        |
| ------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Owner  | Manage the organization, change user roles, invite or remove members, and make high-level changes.                      |
| Admin  | Help manage organization work, including Projects, updates, evidence, and regular members.                              |
| Member | Belong to the organization and view or contribute where allowed. Some editing or management actions may be unavailable. |

## Choosing the right role

Use **Owner** for people who are responsible for the organization account and should have full control.

Use **Admin** for trusted team members who help manage Projects, updates, evidence, or day-to-day organization activity.

Use **Member** for people who should be connected to the organization but do not need management access.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Avoid giving Owner access to everyone. Owner roles should be limited to people who are responsible for managing the organization account.
{% endhint %}

## Data Council members

Some organization members can also be assigned to the **Data Council**.

This is separate from the Owner/Admin/Member role. A Data Council helps an organization decide what data should be published, shared, or kept private.

{% content-ref url="/pages/9VHwakjT1MdHK7AroSOm" %}
[Data Council](/for-nature-stewards/for-organizations/gainforest-data-council.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}