Channels (groups of members with similar interests)
The mobile app is built around "channels". Once set up on the app, members have options on their Profile to manage the channels available to them.
Selecting Channels
In the image on the right, you will see three types of Channels
Automatic Channels: These are channels you cannot opt out of, but you may use the pencil icon to hide the channel and uncheck Chat notifications.
Optional Channels: These are channels you have opted into. To opt-out, click on the power button icon to remove them. They will still appear but will be in Available channels, if you change your mind. The pencil icon gives the option to hide channel and allow or not allow notifications.
Available Channels: These are channels that are available to you. To access them, tap the power button icon, and they will move up to your optional channels where you can use the pencil to allow notifications.
Channel privacy is strictly enforced. Members will only see the channels that they have access to. A club could have a hundred channels, but if a member only has access to five, they won't know the others exist. Channel data is not available to non-members.
Using the APP
Your default channel will appear at the top of your screen. Click on the hamburger menu to access the chat for that channel.
To change channels, use the Channels icon at the bottom of the screen.
Other functions like direct messaging are available through the hamburger menu
Channel-based Features
Once members login, they select a channel from a popup list, and then they have access to five special functions that are channel-based:
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Chat - This is a live chat function similar to those provided by Facebook, WhatsApp, Slack and other platforms, but limited to the members of a specific channel. Chat displays messages posted by channel members. Messages include the member's Name, avatar or initials and the date/time posted. Messages are up to 500 characters plus an image, external link, or links to an event or poll. Members get notifications whenever new messages are posted to a channel chat.
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Directory - Shows a list of channel members, allowing members to look each other up. This function respects the visibility settings defined on the website. It also integrates with email, texting, and calling on the user's mobile device.
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Events - This is a calendar specific to the channel. It also allows members to create Quick-Events to share with other channel members.
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Polls - This allows channel members to create their simple Polls to share with other channel members.
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Meets -We have not activated this feature
Direct Messaging and Notifications
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Direct Messaging - Once members have opted in to receive direct messages, members can message each other through the app. They can also create ad hoc groups and message multiple people. Members can opt in and opt out of a group, report inappropriate messages, and block people from whom they don't want to receive messages.
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In-App Notifications - Through the website, administrators can send mobile Notifications directly to members using the app. This is similar to emailing and text messaging.Members will also automatically receive device notifications when new direct messages have been received or when they have missed messages in chat channels.
Notification Centre - The member notification centre allows members to view their full history of notifications. Members receive notifications for direct messaging requests, unread messages, general club notifications, and unread chat messages.
Event Hosts
Event hosts with admin privileges can use the app to send out notifications about events to selected groups, similar to what they do when sending event emails.
An event specific chat can also be set up for registrants of an event with only a few clicks of a mouse through the Event basic information screen.
Other in App Notifications can be sent as well using the Control Panel, Communications tab.