How to enable Texting / SMS for Volunteers

Text messaging allows you to send important updates, reminders, and communications directly to volunteers’ mobile phones. Text messaging can be activated in your account at any time, however, we recommend enabling it early in your setup process or before beginning volunteer recruitment.

Please note the Texting/SMS feature is currently for US & Canada numbers only

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Enable Texting on an Application Form or Event / Program

1. Navigate to Events & Programs > Applications or Events & Programs

2. Scroll to the Application or Event/Program, click Registration Form
   
   If a phone number field does not already exist, you must create one.

Create or Update the Phone Number Field

1. Navigate to Events & Programs > Applications or Events & Programs

2. Scroll to the Application or Event/Program, click Registration Form

   Within the Volunteer Information section:

3. Create a new field (or edit an existing one) titled:

   • “Mobile Phone Number” or similar

   • Text field (single line)

   • Field designation: Mobile phone
     

   • Click Save

4. Scroll to the New or Existing field and make the following updates:

   1. Field designation: Mobile phone

   2. Format as (US) 123-456-7890

   3. Click the checkbox Validate mobile phone for text messaging
      

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Volunteer Opt-In Process

Volunteers must complete a two-step opt-in process before you can send them SMS messages.

Step 1: Volunteer Selects Opt-In During Registration

At the time of registration, the volunteer selects the Opt-In option.

Step 2: Volunteer Confirms by Text

After registration is submitted, an automated confirmation text is sent to the volunteer.

The volunteer must reply “OK” to complete the opt-in process.

Only after both steps are completed will you be able to send SMS/text messages to that volunteer.

If a Volunteer Does Not Confirm

If the volunteer does not reply to the initial confirmation text:

• They can return to their Volunteer Profile

• Re-check the opt-in box to trigger a new confirmation text

• Reply “OK” to activate text messaging.

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Opt-in method after registration and/or for imported volunteers

Volunteers can manage their opt-in or opt-out preferences at any time from their Volunteer Profile.

If you have imported volunteers or would like to encourage existing volunteers to opt in, you can send an email using the Broadcast Communication tool with the {volunteer profile link} smart tag.

Recommended template

Subject: Help Us Stay in Touch!

Email Body:

Hi {first name},
We’d like to stay in touch via text, but first we need your permission. Please click the link below to access your volunteer profile and follow the steps to opt in:

{volunteer profile link}

Once you're in your profile, click "Your Profile" 

Then scroll to the "SMS (text) Messaging" dropdown. Select the first option:

Look out for a confirmation text. You’ll need to reply “OK” to that message.

Thank you!

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Volunteer Opt-Out Options

Volunteers can opt out of text messaging in two ways:

• Option A: Update their preferences in their Volunteer Profile.

• Option B: Reply STOP to any text message they receive.

Important: If a volunteer replies STOP, they must later send START or RESUME to your organization’s SMS number to begin receiving messages again — even if their profile shows opt-in selected.