Fortunately, you can easily adapt WordPress, the world’s most popular way to build a website, to create your own affordable, personalized volunteer management system.<\/p>\n
In this post, we’ll discuss the purpose and standard features of a quality volunteer management system. Then we’ll walk you through how to create your own using WordPress. Let’s get right to it!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
An introduction to volunteer management systems<\/h2>\n
When we use the term ‘volunteer management system’, we’re referring to an online platform that helps you execute key tasks related to keeping track of the people who donate their time to your organization. This can help you stay coordinated, staff your events, and monitor each person’s contribution.<\/p>\n
Some features of a well-rounded system include:<\/p>\n
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- A database of all your volunteers and their skills.<\/li>\n
- Signup functionality for events and other opportunities to help out.<\/li>\n
- A way for volunteers to stay informed about upcoming events.<\/li>\n
- Tracking capabilities for monitoring volunteer participation.<\/li>\n
- Access to key documents containing rules, regulations, and safety information.<\/li>\n
- Content restriction to protect private organization materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With these elements at your fingertips, you can find the best volunteers for specific tasks and ensure crucial events are staffed. You’ll also be able to provide verification of volunteer hours and improve the safety of your volunteers when they’re ‘on the beat.’<\/p>\n
How to create a volunteer management system with WordPress (in 6 steps)<\/h2>\n
Now, let’s discuss how you can use WordPress to bring together these features and launch a full-fledged system of your own.<\/p>\n
1. Set up your WordPress website<\/h3>\n
Of course, to start building one of these systems, you’ll need a WordPress site. We recommend going with self-hosted WordPress<\/a> so that you have access to all of WordPress’ extensive customization options, overall functionality, themes, and plugins:<\/p>\n
![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/wordpress-download-page.png\")
<\/p>\nThis means you’ll need a domain name and web host. You’ll also need to install WordPress<\/a> unless you choose a hosting provider who will do it for you.<\/p>\n
Here are two posts to get you up and running with your basic WordPress site:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The best WordPress hosting<\/a> \ud83d\udc48 we recommend Bluehost<\/a> to beginners because it’s easy to use and includes a free domain name.<\/li>\n
- How to make a WordPress website<\/a> \ud83d\udc48 this post will show you how to install WordPress and get the basics up and running.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Choose an appropriate theme<\/h3>\n
Once you have your basic WordPress site, you’ll want to choose a WordPress theme<\/a>, which controls the design of your site. WordPress applies a default theme automatically, but you can make your system more visually appealing and functional by switching to a specialized theme.<\/p>\n
There are several options available that may fit the bill. For starters, you could check out our free multi-purpose theme, Neve<\/a>.<\/p>\n
It includes access to several demos you can use to adapt it to specific purposes. Neve Charity<\/a> is ideal for non-profit organizations supported by volunteers:<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/neve-charity-demo.png\")
<\/p>\nCharitize<\/a> is another free theme available in the WordPress Theme Directory. With extensive customization features and plugin compatibility, this is a second solid choice for those building on a budget.<\/p>\n
However, if you’re able to throw a little money at your setup, you can also look into premium themes. Forward<\/a> is a high-quality theme designed with non-profits in mind:<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/forward-theme.png\")
<\/p>\nIt features extensive customization of branding, fonts, and other visual elements. Forward is also compatible with the WooCommerce Campaign Extension<\/a>, which you can use to raise money on your WordPress site. You’ll also find several unique widgets and built-in staff and sponsor directories to introduce your key supporters. Licenses start at $45.<\/p>\n
- How to make a WordPress website<\/a> \ud83d\udc48 this post will show you how to install WordPress and get the basics up and running.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The best WordPress hosting<\/a> \ud83d\udc48 we recommend Bluehost<\/a> to beginners because it’s easy to use and includes a free domain name.<\/li>\n