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First Steps

You've installed Changemaker Lite — here's what to do next.

1. Log In

Open the admin panel at http://localhost:3000 (or app.DOMAIN in production) and sign in with the admin email and password you configured during setup.

Login Page

Change your password

If you used the wizard's generated password, change it immediately from Settings > Organization.

2. Explore the Dashboard

The dashboard gives you an at-a-glance view of platform activity. Initially it will be empty — that's normal.

Admin Dashboard

3. Configure Settings

Visit Settings (/app/settings) to:

  • Set your organization name, logo, and tagline
  • Choose theme colors for admin and public interfaces
  • Enable feature modules (campaigns, map, media, payments, etc.)
  • Configure email delivery (MailHog for testing, production SMTP for live use)
  • Check the System tab to verify your installation and check for updates

Settings Page

4. Create Your First Campaign

Go to Campaigns (/app/campaigns) and click Create Campaign:

  1. Write a title and description
  2. Compose the email template supporters will send
  3. Select government levels to target
  4. Publish — the campaign appears at /campaigns

Campaigns Page

5. Add Locations

Go to Locations (/app/map) and add addresses:

  • Click on the map to drop a marker
  • Import a CSV of addresses
  • Use the NAR (National Address Register) import for Canadian data

Locations Page

6. Schedule a Shift

Go to Shifts (/app/map/shifts) and create your first volunteer shift:

  1. Set a date, time, and location description
  2. Optionally link it to a canvassing area
  3. Share the public shifts page (/shifts) with volunteers

Shifts Page

7. Invite Volunteers

Share the shifts page link or generate QR codes for in-person events. Volunteers sign up with just an email address.

Next Steps