Why Timecounts offers different event formats.
At Timecounts, we understand that volunteer opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're organizing a one-time event, managing recurring shifts, or coordinating a large campaign, we offer different event formats to suit your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of each format, along with tips on when to use them:
Events.
Events are designed for one-time volunteer opportunities on a single day, at a specific location, and at a set time. In these events, volunteers sign up to help in a general capacity — no specific roles or responsibilities are listed, so everyone is there to assist as needed.
Use Events for:
Recruiting and promoting individual opportunities
Hosting orientations or training sessions
Organizing thank-you events for volunteers or supporters
Because these events are straightforward, they’re perfect for situations where you need a group of volunteers to show up at the same time and place without specific tasks assigned.
Repeating events.
Repeating Events are similar to regular Events but allow you to set up multiple signup dates and times for the same opportunity. This makes managing recurring events, like weekly programs or monthly meetups, easier in one central place. Volunteers can choose from a list of available dates, simplifying the signup process.
Use Repeating Events for:
Ongoing, recurring opportunities (e.g., every Monday, every third Thursday of the month)
Volunteer opportunities that repeat over a defined period, like seasonal campaigns
Keeping volunteer signups organized for events that happen regularly but at different times
With Repeating Events, you don’t need to create a new event each time — just list the dates volunteers can sign up for and manage them in one place. (Note: All dates for a repeating event must be at the same location.)
Events with shifts.
Events with Shifts allows you to create a single event that spans multiple days or offers different volunteer positions and locations. This format is ideal for festivals, large campaigns, or multi-day conferences when you need more structure and flexibility.
With this event type, you can assign different roles, locations, and times, making it easier for volunteers to choose where and when they want to help. Events with Shifts are especially useful when you have several roles to fill but want all of your event details—positions, times, and locations—in one place.
Use Events with Shifts for:
Large, multi-day events where volunteers can sign up for specific roles or shifts
Campaigns or festivals that need different volunteer positions across various locations
Events with a clear start and end date, typically within a six-week window (e.g., week-long festivals or specific campaigns)
This format is perfect for complex events where managing shifts, roles, and locations all in one place is essential. However, it’s not meant to replace more flexible scheduling options. So, if your event spans a longer period or requires more customized scheduling, you might consider other formats, like Schedules.
Choosing the right event type.
Each of these event formats serves a unique purpose, and the right choice depends on the complexity and frequency of your volunteer opportunities.
Use a simple Event if you’re hosting a one-time event with volunteers who don’t need specific roles.
A Repeating Event will keep things organized for recurring volunteer opportunities (e.g., weekly or monthly events).
An Event with Shifts provides the flexibility and structure you need when managing an event with multiple days, roles, or locations.
No matter which event format you choose, Timecounts helps streamline the process of organizing, recruiting, and managing volunteers so you can focus on making a bigger impact.