How to make a database of volunteers

[Cetamega]

I am looking at volunteering some time to a local organization. What they want is a database that is searchable by the type of volunteer work a person is willing to donate. For example, one person may be willing to donate time helping with writing grants, but not for putting in new drywall.

This is admitedly not my strong suit, but I am willing to volunteer the time to figure it out.

Is this something I can do in MS Access? I have been looking for an excuse to try it out for years. And is there an easy way to make it web based. It isn't something they asked for, but the wow factor would be nice.

*Side note: I am posting this on someone elses computer in IE. It has shown me how reliant I am on Firefox's spell check.

 

[krutoi]

I did some digging around, and discovered that there is a *huge* world of resources aimed at non-profit and volunteer activities. There are of course plenty of paid programs for organizing people, but there are some interesting free & open source offerings as well.

Here is exactly what you said you needed - a database program for volunteers that is customizable, searchable, and can be used online. Looks like it will install in pretty much any linux/apache/mysql/php environment. I had a look at the demo and it seems like just the thing. Son of Service

On a whole different level there is CiviCRM. This is also open source and runs either standalone or on top of Joomla or Drupal. Way more than you would probably need, but certainly good to know about.

 

[usacvlr]

http://www.personaldatabasecreator.com

I am looking at volunteering some time to a local organization. What they want is a database that is searchable by the type of volunteer work a person is willing to donate. For example, one person may be willing to donate time helping with writing grants, but not for putting in new drywall.

This is admitedly not my strong suit, but I am willing to volunteer the time to figure it out.

Is this something I can do in MS Access? I have been looking for an excuse to try it out for years. And is there an easy way to make it web based. It isn't something they asked for, but the wow factor would be nice.

*Side note: I am posting this on someone elses computer in IE. It has shown me how reliant I am on Firefox's spell check.

 

[iptech]

Great idea Cetamega doing small voluntary jobs is a great way to raise your profile and demonstrate a community spirit that goes down well with customers.

I'm not a database expert myself, but I'm sure there will be may members on here that will actively help you with this project.

When I was looking to branch off into a full-time IT career back in the early nineties I found that lack of industry experience as a barrier to getting paid work. Doing voluntary work for local good causes is a great way to build up your CV. Even the more experienced tech can benefit from doing some voluntary work, it's a good way to extend your contact base and is also good for your own spirit!

Good stuff! Let us know how it goes.

 

[LunchBox]

http://www.personaldatabasecreator.com

You can do it with this program or you can use excel or even MS Access.

Knowing Access may help you probably more since you will have to learn making forms, queries and even some programming. I know a few people that make okay living from just making databases using MS Access.

 

[Cetamega]

I did some digging around, and discovered that there is a *huge* world of resources aimed at non-profit and volunteer activities. There are of course plenty of paid programs for organizing people, but there are some interesting free & open source offerings as well.

Here is exactly what you said you needed - a database program for volunteers that is customizable, searchable, and can be used online. Looks like it will install in pretty much any linux/apache/mysql/php environment. I had a look at the demo and it seems like just the thing. Son of Service

On a whole different level there is CiviCRM. This is also open source and runs either standalone or on top of Joomla or Drupal. Way more than you would probably need, but certainly good to know about.

After looking at the demo, I went with Son of Service. I have it installed online and ready to go. The lady that asked about it will be surprised when she gets back from out of town on monday. I might be doing some more regular volunteer work in exchange for some office space.

 

[usacvlr]

PDC has a layout designer in it and an expression editor.

You can do it with this program or you can use excel or even MS Access.

Knowing Access may help you probably more since you will have to learn making forms, queries and even some programming. I know a few people that make okay living from just making databases using MS Access.

 

[krutoi]

After looking at the demo, I went with Son of Service. I have it installed online and ready to go.

Happy to hear it worked out