LivingTree was hard at work this summer making enhancements and releasing new features. We’re excited to announce the Directory and an update to Volunteer Management. You can now fully utilize LivingTree as your online directory. In the web application, you will see that Contacts has turned into Directory. If you click on directory, you will see the fully organized view of your network. Please note that personal information (phone, email, street address) is always private unless a LivingTree user explicitly allows it to be shared.

Managing volunteering is now easier than ever on LivingTree. Due to popular demand, group/class owners and event creators can assign volunteers to tasks or slots as needed. It’s as simple as clicking into the event, selecting ‘Manage’, and assigning volunteers. Volunteers are notified of their assignment and automatically reminded per the selected event reminders.

Please read below for more FAQs and information about these new features. Have a wonderful school year!

Directory FAQ:

What is the LivingTree Directory?

LivingTree Directory replaces ‘Contacts’ in the LivingTree application. It is an automatic online directory representation of your private network including class and grade level view if you are a school network.

Do we pay extra to use LivingTree Directory?

No! LivingTree Directory is automatically part of your private network. There are no fees associated with directory.

Is my information shown automatically?

No. You must explicitly allow for your personal information to show in the directory. You have the option to share your e-mail address, phone number, and street address in the directory. If you do not select which (if any items) you choose to share, only your name will be shown.

Can anyone outside my network see my information?

No. Only the people you’re connected to on LivingTree have access to your directory information. You are never searchable or viewable to anyone else.

How do I update my information or make it visible?

You can update your personal information by going to Options > My Profile > Update Preferences on the web. Make sure to ‘Save’ your preferences once you have make updates and selections.

What if I want to include additional information beyond address and e-mail?

There’s an open text field in your family information. To update information there, you can go to ‘My Network’ (leaf icon in upper middle of web application). Filter to your family by clicking your family name on the left side of the application. You will see an edit pencil icon in the upper right of your family name box. Click on edit. You can update your family name and add information here.

What if my spouse, nanny, or other emergency contact is not on LivingTree but I want them to show in the directory?

There’s an open text field in your family information. To update information there, you can go to ‘My Network’ (leaf icon in upper middle of web application). Filter to your family by clicking your family name on the left side of the application. You will see an edit pencil icon in the upper right of your family name box. Click on edit. You can update your family name and add information here.

I’ve realized that I need to add my spouse to my family, how do I do that?

On the web application, you can click the envelope icon next to your family name. This will allow you to invite your spouse or other caregiver via e-mail. They will have the same view of family information on LivingTree that you do once they accept your invitation. Their profile information will also show on your family card.

I want to update my spouse’s profile. How do I do that?

Only the individual account owner can update their personal profile information or make it public. You can, however, add information to the open text field on your family card if you need to. To update information there, you can go to ‘My Network’ (leaf icon in upper middle of web application). Filter to your family by clicking your family name on the left side of the application. You will see an edit pencil icon in the upper right of your family name box. Click on edit. You can update your family name and add information here.

Is the directory available on mobile?

The directory will be available within the mobile app in late fall. Until then, you can login to LivingTree on your mobile using a browser. LivingTree is a responsive site meaning that it will adjust to the screen size of your phone and allow you to easily navigate the online directory as needed.

Are parents able to message students from the directory?

No! We do not allow parent accounts to message student accounts on LivingTree.

Volunteer Management FAQ:

What is volunteer assignment?

Due to popular demand, LivingTree now allows for event creators to assign members of their group to tasks or times within the LivingTree Sign Up feature. To assign volunteers, simply create the event and click into event detail once the event has been created. You can get to event detail from conversations or calendar. If you created the event or own the class/group, you will see the option to ‘Manage’ sign ups. This allows you to assign and remove volunteers as needed!

Who can assign volunteers?

The person who creates the event or the person(s) who own the class/group.

Who can I assign?

You can assign anyone from the class(es) or group(s) the sign up event has been shared with on LivingTree. If someone is not in the class(es) or group(s) you’ve shared with, they will not show up as an option for assignment.

Will the person I assign be notified?

Yes. If you assign someone to a task or slot, they will receive an e-mail notification and a mobile push notification if they use the mobile application.

How will reminders work if I’ve selected reminders for the event?

Only those who have signed up or been assigned will be reminded of the event.

What if I want to remove someone?

If you own the event or the class/group, you can open up the event detail by clicking on the event from conversations or calendar. You will see the option to ‘Manage sign ups.’ Click on ‘Manage’ and you will have the option to remove any person from a task or slot. Simply hit the ‘x’ by their name and confirm.

What if I want to remove myself after someone has assigned me?

You can remove yourself at any time. Just open up the event detail from conversations or calendar. Click ‘Remove.’ You’ll be removed from the task or slot.

What if I don’t see the option to “Manage sign ups?”

If you did not create the event or do not own the class/group, you will not have the option to manage sign ups.

I didn’t know LivingTree had sign up capability. Where can I learn more?

Written guide: http://support.livingtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Sign-Ups-101.pdf

Help video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rErIHgu7Gk