The Playgroups USA Interactive Calendar is a new tool that helps each playgroup stay together and stay organized.
The Interactive Calendar tool will allow members to schedule events, provide details for each event and communicate
this information with all group members with one click! Playgroups USA and its affiliated partners wish success for every
playgroup and are happy to provide this free service to all members. With the Interactive Calendar, you also have the option
to schedule private events that only you can see. Therefore, we encourage you to use the tool for all of your family
events!
Some of the Event Calendar functions include:
1. View a monthly schedule of playgroups and events
2. View detailed information about the playgroup or event
3. RSVP to all members attending events
4. Confirm events you have committed to attending
5. Messages for the Group: your playgroup community and way to get to know each
member of the playgroup
6. Messages from Playgroups USA: Periodically, Playgroups USA may message each member important tips and playgroup
information
7. Special notification of exclusive discounts or promotions identified or arranged by
Playgroups USA for its members
8. Add playgroup photos
How to use the Playgroups USA Interactive Calendar:
1. Access your Interactive Calendar by clicking on the calendar icon on your "My Account" Page once you log into Playgroups
USA. Remember, once you join or start a playgroup, you are automatically given access to the Interactive Calendar for every
playgroup you are a part of. Each Interactive Calendar is unique to a single playgroup and its members can post public or
private events.
2. To view a playgroup or event posted on the calendar simply click on the event on the calendar and an "event description" box will open up. This box will provide a brief description of the event. For each event, you can see the location, time, theme, who posted it, description, directions and more.
3. How to RSVP: Open up the event by double-clicking on the event on the calendar itself. The "event description box" will open up and give you an opportunity to RSVP for the activity. Communication is key and the calendar tool provides an easy way for you to let the group know if you will be attending, might be attending, or you will not be attending a play date or event.
4. RSVP Confirmations will show your commitment to events. You can keep track of how you've RSVP'd for each event and
which events you have committed to. Here you can also change your reply by clicking on the "change your reply".
5. By clicking on 'Add an Event' you can schedule your own event or take your turn in hosting a playgroup (if you have joined
a standard playgroup you may be asked to host a playgroup). You can also schedule additional events, like weekend events,
birthdays, etc. and invite everyone in the group or keep them private.
Once you create an event, you can select to 'email all members' or 'personal event.' If you choose to
'email all members', everyone in the group will see the event you added. If you select 'personal event',
only you will be able to see the event in your calendar. Make sure to e-mail all members if you are posting an event
for the group to see so they can RSVP and plan accordingly. Once an event is added for the group, an e-mail will
automatically generate prompting members to check the calendar to get details about the event.
6. The 'Messages for the Group' field is a group bulletin board. To add a message, click on 'Add a Message'. Here you
can chat with the group. You can post a message, ask for advice, share a story or make introductions.
The bulletin board is a great way to get to know your group a little before your first play date.
7. The 'Playgroup Description' field is used by the Group Leader to provide more detail about the playgroup. The Group
Leader may describe the groups' structure, guidelines, agenda, expectations, etc. Also, the Group Leader will often make
their introduction to the group so you will know a little about the Group Leader.
8. The 'Message from Playgroups USA' area is space designated to Playgroups USA for sending out monthly tips,
playgroup suggestions, event information, updates, member discounts and more.
9. Ads or Banners can appear on the calendar for times when Playgroups USA arranges special family information seminars or
other activities that are happening in your area that we think that you would like to know about.
Also, offers exclusive to Playgroups USA members can appear here so you know when a special promotion starts and when
it ends. You may click on the ad to link to more information about the event or more information about a discount or
promotional offer.
