Working with Volunteers
Understanding LocallyGrown's basic volunteer features and how to coordinate volunteer help for your market operations.
LocallyGrown Volunteer Features
Important: LocallyGrown does not provide a comprehensive volunteer management system. The platform has basic volunteer features, but volunteer coordination must be managed manually by market administrators.
What LocallyGrown Provides
- Volunteer User Role: Mark users as volunteers in the system
- Order Fulfillment Access: Volunteers can help with order check-in/checkout when enabled
- Communication: Volunteers can send messages to market managers
- Welcome Messages: Custom welcome message for volunteers in their admin panel
What You Need to Manage Yourself
- Volunteer recruitment and screening
- Training and onboarding
- Scheduling and shift management
- Recognition and retention programs
- Performance tracking and feedback
Setting Up Volunteers in LocallyGrown
Adding Volunteer Access
To give someone volunteer access in LocallyGrown:
- Go to the customer management page
- Find the volunteer's account (they need to create an account first)
- Mark them as a volunteer using the checkbox or toggle
Volunteer Features Available
Order Fulfillment (When Enabled)
- Check in grower deliveries
- Help customers check out their orders
- View unclaimed orders
- Access to these features only when market ordering is closed
Communication
- Send messages to market managers through the volunteer panel
- View welcome messages from market management
Basic Market Access
- Browse market products
- View market schedule and information
- Access help documentation
Note: Volunteer order fulfillment access must be enabled by LocallyGrown and is only available when the market is closed to new orders. Contact support to configure this feature.
Customizing the Volunteer Experience
Welcome Message for Volunteers
Market managers can create a custom welcome message that volunteers see when they access their volunteer panel:
- Go to your market admin panel
- Access the Manager Panel
- Look for volunteers in the user lists
- Use the volunteer welcome message editor (if available in your admin interface)
The welcome message supports Markdown formatting and can include:
- Market-specific volunteer instructions
- Contact information for volunteer coordination
- Schedule information and important dates
- Links to external resources or training materials
Tip: Keep the welcome message updated with current information since volunteers will see this each time they access their panel.
Managing Volunteers Outside LocallyGrown
Since LocallyGrown only provides basic volunteer role marking, you'll need to handle most volunteer coordination using external tools and systems.
Essential Tools You'll Need
- Communication: Email lists, group texts, or messaging apps
- Scheduling: SignUpGenius, Google Sheets, or simple calendars
- Training Materials: Written guides, videos, or in-person orientation
- Recognition: Your own system for tracking and appreciating volunteers
Typical Volunteer Roles at Markets
Order Fulfillment (Available in LocallyGrown)
- Help check in grower deliveries when market is closed
- Assist customers during order pickup
- Handle unclaimed orders
- Requires volunteer access in LocallyGrown system
Market Day Support (Manual Coordination)
- Set up market displays and signage
- Direct traffic and parking
- Answer customer questions
- Help with cleanup and breakdown
Administrative Support (Manual Coordination)
- Social media management
- Event planning and coordination
- Grower outreach and support
- Community engagement activities
Getting Started with Volunteers
Setting Up Someone as a Volunteer in LocallyGrown
- Ensure the person has a LocallyGrown account for your market
- Go to the customer management page
- Find their account and mark them as a volunteer
- They'll automatically have access to help with order fulfillment
Managing Volunteers Outside the System
For all other volunteer coordination, you'll need to:
- Create your own recruitment and application process
- Develop training materials and orientation procedures
- Set up scheduling systems using external tools
- Manage communication through email, text, or messaging apps
- Track volunteer hours and contributions manually
- Create your own recognition and appreciation programs
Tip: Start simple with just one or two volunteers and basic tools. You can expand your volunteer program as you learn what works best for your market.
Getting Help
For questions about volunteer access in LocallyGrown, contact LocallyGrown support. For broader volunteer management needs, consider:
- Local volunteer coordinator training programs
- Other farmers market associations for best practices
- Nonprofit volunteer management resources
- Community organizing workshops
Remember: LocallyGrown provides basic volunteer role functionality, but comprehensive volunteer management requires your own coordination systems and tools.