---
title: First Steps
description: Log in, explore the dashboard, and set up your first campaign and volunteer shift.
icon: material/shoe-print
tags:
  - tutorial
  - getting-started
  - admin
search:
  boost: 2
---

# 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](../../assets/images/screenshots/getting-started/login.png){ loading=lazy }

!!! warning "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](../../assets/images/screenshots/getting-started/dashboard.png){ loading=lazy }

---

## 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](../../assets/images/screenshots/getting-started/settings-organization.png){ loading=lazy }

---

## 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](../../assets/images/screenshots/getting-started/campaigns.png){ loading=lazy }

---

## 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](../../assets/images/screenshots/getting-started/locations.png){ loading=lazy }

---

## 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](../../assets/images/screenshots/getting-started/shifts.png){ loading=lazy }

---

## 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

- [Services Overview](services.md) — complete catalog of all 30+ Docker services
- [Updates & Upgrades](upgrades.md) — keep your installation current
- [Features at a Glance](features.md) — visual overview of every module
- [Admin Guide](../admin/index.md) — full administration reference
- [Deployment](../deployment/index.md) — production setup with tunneling and SSL