The purpose of onboarding.
In Timecounts, onboarding refers to the process new volunteers go through when registration is open on your Hub. When they press the call-to-action button, they’ll be directed to complete the form you’ve selected.
Think of your Hub as a house. Onboarding acts as the front door. Selecting Yes to restrict volunteers ensures all new volunteers enter through the front door and complete the same onboarding experience. If you choose No, they can come through the front door or the window, giving them more freedom to engage.
How do I know which onboarding pathway is best for my organization?
When setting up your organization on Timecounts, one of the first questions you’ll encounter is:
Do you require that all volunteers complete a general form and/or corresponding checklist (such as waivers, training, or interviews) before they can apply or sign up for opportunities?
If the answer is Yes:
Go to Settings / Preferences and ensure the toggle for Restricting Volunteers is set to Yes.
This setting will prompt volunteers to complete the onboarding form you’ve selected on the Hub Editor / Details page before they can view or apply for opportunities, even if those opportunities are set to Public.
Benefits:
Collect Critical Information: Ensure you gather essential details from volunteers before they engage.
Clear Expectations: Volunteers understand what’s required before signing up, which can enhance their commitment.
Streamlined Process: All new volunteers follow the same onboarding path, creating a consistent experience.
If the answer is No:
Update your preference to No. This means volunteers can still go through the new onboarding flow, but it will be treated as a general form.
Benefits:
Accessibility: Interested individuals can express their interest in volunteering without barriers, which is crucial since not everyone knows exactly what they want to do or is ready to jump into opportunities.
Flexibility: Anyone can sign up for public events, applications, and shifts immediately, providing greater spontaneity in volunteer engagement.
Keep in Mind: Even if you select No, you can still add a form to activities and set permissions to 'To Review,' meaning volunteers won’t be confirmed until you approve them. This way, you can still gather necessary information while allowing a more open sign-up process.