What is a Notification?
A notification is an alert about activity in Communicate—campaign/communication changes, assignments, comments, @mentions, and reminders. You see them in the top-nav bell (Notifications, Beta) and optionally by email. Preferences live in User settings → Notifications. Full guide: Notifications.
Plan: Core campaign/communication alerts on Essentials and Plus. Assignment, comment activity, and @mentions events need Plus (preference rows may still show on Essentials).
Roles: Every signed-in role can open the bell and User settings notifications (including Viewers).
Why Do Notifications Matter for Church Communications?
They surface assignments, questions, and schedule changes without camping on the Calendar—so the right people act sooner and miss fewer deadlines.
How Do Notifications Work in Communicate?
Preferences (User settings → Notifications): sections Communications, Campaigns, Mentions (each Beta). Per type: In-app and Email toggles (autosave).
| Section | Types (labels) |
|---|---|
| Communications | New communications; Communications rescheduled; Communication status updates; Draft due soon (2 days); Assignments on communications (Plus events); New comments on communications (Plus) |
| Campaigns | New campaigns; Campaigns rescheduled; Campaign status updates; Campaign starting soon (7 days); Campaign ending soon (3 days); Assignments on campaigns (Plus); New comments on campaigns (Plus) |
| Mentions | Mentions in comments (Plus) |
Defaults: In-app generally on. Email on for assignments, new comments (campaign/communication), and mentions; other email types off.
Bell: Newest first; unread badge (e.g. 9+). Empty: You're all caught up! Actions: click to open related work, Mark read, Clear, or Dismiss (×) one item. Comment activity often groups under a COMMENTS summary; @mentions also appear on their own.
Email: Title, snippet, View details, preferences link (Update settings / manage preferences wording in the body).
When Should You Use Notifications?
Turn on types that match your job (especially assignments and mentions on Plus). Turn off noise. Check the bell regularly during busy seasons.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I control what I get?
A: Yes—User settings → Notifications; toggle In-app and Email per type.
Q: Email too?
A: Enable Email on each type. In-app stays in the bell either way.
Q: If I turn a type off?
A: You stop getting that alert; you can still open Calendar/Campaigns. Re-enable anytime.
Q: Notifications for everything in the org?
A: Preferences decide. Some types are broader (e.g. new campaigns); assignments notify the assignee; mentions notify the mentioned person.
Q: How long do they stay?
A: Until you Dismiss, Clear, or Mark read / archive via clear—use the bell actions, not an unlimited archive browser.
Q: Do I get alerts for my own actions?
A: Usually not (e.g. assigning yourself). Alerts are mostly others’ activity or system reminders.