Forum Software Recommendations

I will be creating a web-based forum for teachers and students who belong to a non-profit organization to chat in an organized manner. It would be great if they can also share photos and videos too (more than just links, if possible). Since it will only be available to those belonging to this group, we'll want the area to require a login to view and participate.

On the administrative side, I will want everyone to be able to monitor everything (delete inappropriate posts if needed) and assist as needed (answer questions, reset forgotten passwords, etc.) I would also like to have the conversations be organized (probably by topic as they're created by the users) and archived.

I think that this forum through Major Geeks is a great example of usage and organization. I think we might be able to get away with something even simpler.

Anyway, I'd appreciate input on websites offering web-based software where I can go to get started on this new project. Also, please remember it's for a non-profit, so we're also looking for free or low cost, if at all possible. Thank you!

 

Correction to paragraph #2: "On the administrative side, I want to be able to monitor everything . . ." not "I want everyone be able to monitor everything . . ."

 

Does this non-profit organization have a website? If so, would a forum attached to that website be acceptable? Do you have administrative access to the hosting service of the non-profit's website? If not, would the administrator of the website be willing to install a forum via the hosting service and make you administrator of the forum? Many hosting services off a free forum installation; they usually provide one of several popular forum software packages, perhaps even vBulletin which is used by MajorGeeks.com. But, any of the forum packages provided by web hosting services would probably be adequate for your needs.