Linked Attributes

Linked Attributes allow you to associate one or more attributes with another attribute. This enables you to add a single primary attribute to a contact while automatically displaying related information.

For example, you might create a Volunteer Position attribute and link it to a Volunteer Location attribute. Whenever the Volunteer Position is added to a contact, the linked location is also displayed, providing additional context without requiring users to search for related information.

Note: If you need help creating attributes, refer to the Managing Attributes article before continuing.

Example Use Cases

Linked Attributes are useful whenever related information should always be displayed together. Common examples include:

• Volunteer Position linked to a Volunteer Location.
• Committee Role linked to the relevant Committee.
• Membership Level linked to the associated Membership Benefits.
• Campaign linked to a Region or Office.
• Project linked to a Department.

Linked Attributes vs Linked Users

• Linked Attributes connect one attribute to another (e.g. Volunteer Position → Volunteer Location).
• Linked Users connect a Vega user to an attribute (e.g. Volunteer Position → Volunteer Manager).

The two features can also be used together, allowing an attribute to display both related attributes and the users responsible for them.

Configuring Linked Attributes

1. Navigate to Admin > Attributes.
2. Select the appropriate Attribute Type and Attribute.
3. Click Advanced Attribute Form.

The Advanced Attribute Form will open. In this article, we will focus on the Linked Attributes section highlighted below.

Clicking the Add Linked Attribute button will load the pop-up shown below:

Adding a Linked Attribute

Click Add Linked Attribute.

To configure the linked attribute:

1. Select the Attribute Group.
2. Select the Attribute Type.
3. Select the Attribute you want to link.

Relationship

The Relationship list is populated from the system attribute type Attribute Relationships.

You can create additional relationship values by adding new attributes to this system attribute type.

Selecting a relationship is optional. If one is not required, leave this field set to None.

In this example, we will link a Volunteer Location to a Volunteer Position.

After saving, the linked attribute will appear in the Linked Attributes section of the Advanced Attribute Form.

Editing or Removing a Linked Attribute

To edit a linked attribute, click anywhere on its row to reopen the Linked Attribute window and update the details.

Any changes made here will automatically apply to every contact using the primary attribute.

To remove a linked attribute, untick the Active checkbox and save.

The linked attribute will remain visible in the Advanced Attribute Form with Active set to False, but it will no longer be displayed on contacts using the primary attribute.

Viewing Linked Attributes on a Contact

When a primary attribute with one or more linked attributes is added to a contact, the linked information is displayed alongside the primary attribute.

The linked attribute and relationship columns will only be displayed when there is a linked attribute attached to an attribute added for this attribute group.

An attribute can have multiple linked attributes, and these will all be displayed on the contact.

The Linked Attribute and Relationship columns are only displayed when linked attributes have been configured for an attribute in that attribute group.

A single attribute can have multiple linked attributes, and all active linked attributes will be displayed on the contact.

Related: You can also associate users with an attribute using Linked Users, allowing ownership or responsibility to be displayed alongside an attribute.

“Some content in this article may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by staff.”