Volunteer Management Software? 24
ewilts asks: "I've been actively looking for volunteer management software but am consistently coming up empty. The vast majority (by far) is Windows desktop based and typically layered on top of a Windows database engine like Access or FileMaker. I'm specifically after something web-based (Linux/Apache) since there is no centralized volunteer office and the volunteers have systems including Windows 95, Macintosh, Linux, and everything in between. So far, eBase seems to be best solution, being open-source but it's Windows-centric, not web-centric. Any pointers to low-cost or free software to help manage a couple of hundred volunteers would be greatly appreciated."
Easy solution (Score:2)
Also, this site [linas.org] may be helpful. Someone has already done a LOT of research and typing.
Specifications (Score:1)
slashcode / scoop / phpbb / snitz / webwizard / invision - board could help, some have mods e.t.c for timesharing and calendar scheduling.
Re:Specifications (Score:1)
I'd like to be able to generate paper-labels for volunteers that don't have e-mail, and send out e-mails to those that do.
We need to record all the hours that a volunteer worked, and then generate reports from those.
We need to track both incoming (both financial and non-financial such as raw goods) and outgoing donations (usually finished goods).
We need a place to centralize documents such as forms, inventories, etc.
I've certainly thought about writing it myself, but it's a *lot* of work. The user interface has to be super friendly since many of the volunteers have almost no computer background - way too many AOL users to feel comfortable around :-).
Certainly if anything does need to be written, the only way I'd relaase it would be via an open license. We simply can't afford to buy or contract out because we have no excess cash. The web server we're running on and even the domain name fees are donated - by me!
A discussion forum is part of the solution, but they're pretty common. I have to migrate away from wwwboard because of the spam we're getting, but it's just a matter of time before I find a suitable replacement.
Thanks again!
Re:Heavens... (Score:1)
If you want to claim that it's not that hard then go and work for a volunteer org for a few months.
Blah, blah, blah. (Score:2)
No. Screw off. I like my horse.
The poster is looking for an existing solution
You think? I had no idea that's what he might be doing.
If you want to claim that it's not that hard then go and work for a volunteer org for a few months.
Volunteer work is hard - I've done my share. This isn't about some "I don't like volunteers" thing. Hell. I was just making a couple points:
1. There is not always going to be a free solution already made perfectly to solve your problem. If you can't find anything on Google, good chance it's because it's not there.
2. Often, a more generic tool makes a good solution to a problem. If I was personally advising the poster, I'd tell him to get a generic web database tool.
Why don't you write it? (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Why don't you write it? (Score:3, Interesting)
Because for a lot of people, that is the chief benefit of Free/Open Source software. The vast majority of folks do not choose software based mostly on an abstract idea of morality, but on some other factors, depending on the situation. When it's a group with little money, a package which costs no money to use seems pretty logical. For others, a package which provides the most efficient working environment as possible (no matter how Free, Open, or expensive it is) is the most important thing.
The whole point of free software is to share and give something back to the community.
What makes the post's organization not part of the community? Why are they outside of it, not deserving to benefit from the sharing?
I don't know about you, but I largely write my open software because I enjoy a) programming and b) using the end product. I don't do it because I expect someone else to write some software for me down the line in return. Likewise, there are plenty of folks who don't know how to code- or cannot/willnot learn- or simply don't have the time. The rather suboptimal software development systems which are the norm on the available popular platforms today do not encourage people new to programming to take it up to try making a few tweaks or a small script here or there.
What kind of "Free Software" attitude is:
"You say you want a program that does x, y, and z? Write it your self! Sure, a couple such packages exist already, but you gotta pay to play, buddy!"
One more option to consider is to (Score:1)
There are terminal services clients available for Mac [microsoft.com] and windows
Also read this article for details about making Terminal Services secure [microsoft.com] if you decide to go by this route.
I could probably make such a system (Score:1)
(No, seriously, I don't think I can afford to do that for karma. (That's why I post to Slashdot already.))
Wiki (Score:1)
Re:To answer that question (Score:1)
I've defined most of those above - at least enough to get me started.
volunteers for what purpose?
The organization, Bundles Of Love [bundlesoflove.org]is a registered non-profit that makes and distributes clothes and supplies to neeedy babies and their families. Most of the goods get delivered to hospitals where the social workers determine need and distribute them to the families. The goods include burial garments for those babies that don't survive (you don't want to hear the stories).
Quick/Easy/Free (Score:1)
Maybe Tutos? (Score:4, Informative)
Since my only knowledge of "Volunteer Management Systems" is what I just read on your eBase link, I won't make any guarantees, but it's possible that TUTOS [tutos.org] will be reasonable match. It's a fairly generic CRM system, and while its terminology may not be an exact match for what your people use, it can do most of the stuff that eBase claims. The only thing that I noticed specific about eBase was it's Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of campaigns as you move donors and volunteers up the "ladder of engagement"; if that's simply marketing speak for "match donations to the mailout that provoked them", I suspect a little wrangling with the TUTOS projects, installations, and invoices could provide a similar report. Try asking more specifically about your needs on the TUTOS mailling list.
Of course, TUTOS is just one of the many OS CRM systems, maybe another would be better starting point. Trying googling for "Linux CRM" rather than "Volunteer Management".
Re:Maybe Tutos? (Score:1)
Thanks for the pointer!
VolunteerMatch.org (Score:2, Interesting)
Maybe try PHProjekt (Score:1)
Hire a student.. (Score:1)
Now I'm aware there are even more programs in place at other schools that will fund even more than this so you would probably be able to get away with paying aprox. 3000 to have a computer engineering student working on a solution customized specificaly for you. My advice is to check with your local universitys engineering program or CS program and attempt to hire an intern. They will be able to program you something really good in 4-6 months I'm sure.
Re:Hire a student.. (Score:1)
Dear Slashdot... (Score:1)
I keep hearing about this site called freshmeat.net. Does anybody know what this is or where I could find it? What have your experiences been with it?
Thanks in advance!
Whether You Build Or Buy .. (Score:1)