Getting Started with ZenServe

1. Create Your Zendo Account

To get started, visit zenserve.co and click "Get Started" or "Start Your Free Trial".

You'll need to provide:

• Zendo name - The name of your meditation center
• Your name and email - You'll be the first administrator
• Password - At least 8 characters
• Location - Your primary practice location
• Timezone - Used for all event scheduling

Alternatively, you can sign up with your Google account for faster access.

2. Set Up Your Location

During registration, you'll add your primary location. This is where most of your events will take place.

You can add multiple locations later from Settings. For example:

• Main Zendo
• Retreat center
• Outdoor meditation space

Each event can be assigned to a specific location, making it easy for members to know where to go.

3. Configure Your Timezone

Your Zendo's timezone determines how all event times are displayed. This is set during registration but can be changed in Settings.

All event times are stored in UTC and automatically converted to your Zendo's timezone for display. This means Daylight Saving Time transitions are handled automatically.

4. Create Positions

Positions are the service roles members can sign up for. Go to Positions in the navigation menu and click "New Position".

Common Zendo positions include:

• Doan - Rings the bells
• Jisha - Attendant to the teacher
• Jikido - Timekeeper
• Tenken - Monitors the meditation hall
• Tenzo - Head cook
• Fukuten - Serves meals

For each position, you can specify:

• Name and description - What the role involves
• Capacity - How many people can fill this position per event
• Open to all - Whether anyone can sign up, or only assigned members

See the Positions guide for more details on position types.

5. Invite Your First Members

Go to Members and click "Invite Members". Enter the email addresses of people you want to invite.

For each invitation, you can:

• Choose their role (Administrator, Coordinator, or Member)
• Optionally assign positions during the invitation
• Add a personal message

Invitations expire after 7 days, but you can resend them from the Invitations tab.

6. Assign Members to Positions

Before members can sign up for a position, they typically need to be assigned to it. This ensures only trained members serve in each role.

To assign members:

1. Go to Members and click on a member's name
2. Click "Manage Position Assignments"
3. Check the positions they're qualified for
4. Set their qualification level (Trainee or Qualified)

Tip: Use "Open to all" positions for roles that don't require training, like "Greeter" or "Setup Helper".

7. Schedule Your First Event

Go to Events and click "New Event". Fill in the event details:

• Name - e.g., "Sunday Morning Zazen"
• Date and time - When the event starts and ends
• Location - Where it takes place
• Description - Any additional information

Then add the positions needed for this event and set the capacity for each. For example, you might need 2 Jikidos and 1 Doan.

For recurring events: Check "This event repeats" and choose your recurrence pattern (daily, weekly, or monthly).

When you're ready, click "Publish" to make the event visible to members. They'll receive a notification if they have that preference enabled.

8. Understanding the Dashboard

The dashboard is the home screen for all users. It shows:

• Upcoming Events - Events with positions available for signup
• My Schedule - Positions you've signed up for
• My Positions - Positions you're assigned to

From the dashboard, members can click on any event to view details and sign up for available positions.