Getting Started - Applications & Events
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In this guide, we'll cover basic setup instructions for your account. We'll start with the application setup, then move along to adding events, jobs, and shifts. Finally, we'll review final touches. In this section, we will cover...
Watch the video guide below, or continue reading. |
Creating an Application
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What is an "application" in VolunteerLocal? Applications are the "front door" to your volunteer program. When a volunteer completes the application, they are added as a new volunteer in your database. Volunteers only have to fill out their application once. After that, our system will "remember" who they are, so signing up for shifts on an ongoing basis is super quick! Applications are strongly recommended for organizations that have ongoing volunteer opportunities. How do I create an application? To create a new application, go to: Events > Create a New Application. Once created, you'll find the application at the bottom of the "Your Events" page. To customize it, click "Volunteer Information" (next to application). Use the question-builder at the top of the "Volunteer Information" page to create any question you'd like volunteers to answer at the time of registration. |
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Once you've clicked "Add Question," it will appear on your volunteer application. You can adjust the settings, move, or delete the question using the icons on this page. |
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Want to see your application in action?
Go to Events > Your Events. Find your application listed at the bottom of the page, and click the link on the right to open the application page. You'll see the application exactly how volunteers will see it. A little something like this... |
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Linking Your Application to Events
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Once you've created an application, link it to as many events as you like! Applications are linked to events when the events are first created. (Note: only one application can be linked per event.) Go to: Events > Create a New Event. At the top of the page, select your application from the drop-down menu. If you've enabled "statuses", adjust those settings accordingly right below the drop-down menu. |
(Optional) Enable Volunteer Status & Qualifications |
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What is an "application status" in VolunteerLocal? Application statuses give you control over who can/cannot view and sign up for events. Once created, statuses can be reviewed and changed directly in the volunteer's profile. Furthermore, you get to decide which status(es) grant volunteers access to an event. How do I create/activate statuses? Go to Events > Your Events. Next to the application, click "Volunteer Information". Use the question-builder to create a field called "Status". Under "How is the information collected?", select "List". Enter your application statuses in list form in the text box provided (eg: approved, denied, pending). Most people prefer to make this a hidden field, invisible to volunteers and only visible to other users on the account. Set the field designation to "Status". Finally, click "Add question". The status will be added as a new field on the bottom of the page. You may further edit the status list and details here. |
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Once you've created the status field, it's time to activate it!
Go to: Events > Your Events > Event Detail. Under the application settings, select which status(es) will permit a volunteer's access to the event scheduling page. Click "save" when you're done! Note: Your event must be linked to the application for this setting to appear. |
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