Abstract: A system and method for connecting users and organizations using an internet-based communication platform having a database and a user interface. The method includes storing information regarding a plurality of organizations into the database and receiving through the user interface information relating to a particular user. The method further includes receiving through the user interface search criteria from the user, then generating and displaying on the user interface a list of search results based on the search criteria from the user and the information relating to the plurality of organizations stored in the database. A request is received through the user interface from the user to join a particular organization and a one-way notification is sent to a group of users who have joined that particular organization.