Getting Started for Captains & Vice-Captains
Getting started as a Captain or Vice-Captain on SupporterBase
As a Captain or Vice-Captain, you're the local face of your group. You create events, communicate with supporters, and help organise activities. Follow these steps to get up and running.
Understand your role
Different access levels define what you can do. Knowing your limits helps avoid confusion.
| Role | Permissions |
|---|---|
| Captain | Create events, send communications, manage group settings |
| Vice-Captain | Draft events and communications for Captains/Admins to approve |
Always check with your Admin if you're unsure about your permissions.
Vice-Captains
Use the draft stage as a chance to learn and build confidence before requesting full Captain access.
Full reference: Access Levels
Get to know your group page
Your group page is your public hub, where supporters find your events, updates, and FAQs.
Review your public page
Go to your group's public page to see how it looks to supporters. Check that events display correctly and the page feels welcoming.
Update the group description
Add or edit your group description and any relevant FAQs or resources. Keep it short, friendly, and action-oriented. Think: "Who are we, and what do we do together?"
Full reference: Group Management
Create and share your first event
Events bring people together and keep energy high.
Create the event
Go to Events > Create New Event and fill in the key details: time, date, location, and contact person.
Customise the RSVP email
Scroll to the RSVP Email section and customise the confirmation message supporters will receive when they RSVP.
Share the event
Once live, share the event link with your group via email or SMS blast.
Tip
Use consistent naming conventions (e.g. "Group Name - Event Type - Date") so events are easy to track later.
Tutorial: Build your first event
Communicate with supporters
Staying in touch keeps your group connected and active.
Send a message
Use the Email or SMS buttons on supporter lists to contact your group. Segment supporters using tags if you want to send targeted messages.
Check for issues
If communication buttons are greyed out, talk to your Admin about supporter data validation. This usually means phone numbers or email addresses need correcting.
Tip
Send short, clear messages with one main call to action (RSVP, share, attend, donate).
Tutorials: Contact an individual | Blast Email & SMS
Keep supporter data clean
Accurate data ensures your messages reach the right people.
- Update supporter details when you notice errors (especially phone numbers).
- Flag duplicate records or missing details to your Admin.
- Respect opt-outs: don't re-add unsubscribed supporters.
Mobile numbers
Always save mobile numbers in the mobile field, not home or work fields. This ensures SMS works correctly.
Secure your account with 2FA
Protecting supporter data is part of your responsibility as a group leader.
Enable two-factor authentication
Go to Account > Enable Two-Factor Authentication and verify via SMS, QR code, or an authenticator app.
Save your backup codes
Store your backup codes somewhere safe. You'll need these if you lose access to your verification method.
Onboarding tip
Make 2FA part of your group's onboarding checklist so everyone leading is covered.
How-to guide: Set up 2FA