The new Volunteer System has an extensive email communication capabilities built in to facilitate managing coordinators and volunteers. It automatically sends emails to coordinators and volunteers that are added manually. It also provides a mechanism for the volunteer manager and coordinators to send emails. Here is a quick video that shows the major portions of the system:
The first capability is when you set a coordinator for a specific Task or Category. That coordinator receives an email with a link to the task or category. If they have a RunSignUp account, they sign in for secure access to the system with a limited view of just that task(s) or category(ies). If they do not have an account, they are directed to register so the system maintains security. The coordinators have the ability to add volunteers, see the volunteer list, and do email via the system as described below to their volunteers (not all).
The main communications capability is a simple and flexible email system that RunSignUp sends on your behalf with your race logo embedded in the email and your own Reply To Address. The first feature of the email system is setting who will receive the email. You can select any combination of volunteers and coordinators from any task or category. In addition, you can add specific people to the email.
The second thing to notice in the volunteer email system is the ability to add special tags. This gives you the ability to customize and personalize the email. You need to enter the tags into the email draft and it will be replaced. Here is an example of what you would type into the email:
This is just a test, %FIRST_NAME% for the %TASKS%.
The %FIRST_NAME% is replaced by each recipient’s first name and the %TASKS% is replaced by the task or tasks that the person is assigned to. The received message will look like:
This is just a test, Bob for the Water Stops.
Note that manual email addresses added above can have a %TASKS% variable set – so they will see whatever is entered after the email address in place of the tag.
The next part of the system is actually creating the email. You can set a Subject line (which can contain the special tags). You can also set a Reply-To email address – for example volunteers@myrace.com.
The email editing tool allows you to create a simple email with the added tags. See the example on the right for another example of how the special tags can be used to personalize the email.
All emails are archived and can be reviewed and copied as well.
Finally, you can manage notifications. For example, a coordinator can turn on our off when new volunteers sign up for their tasks.
Emails can include your race logo placed in the upper right corner of your email automatically for you.
In summary, we have provided a secure, simple and flexible system to help your race better manage your volunteers.
