Core Docs - Engagement - Configure Connection Types

Rock Version: v20.0
Last Modified: 2026-06-02 12:41 PM

Out of the box Rock ships with a single connection type for Involvement. But that's just a starting point for all the options within connections. Let's walk through the configuration capabilities of the connections features to see what's possible.

The first step is to see a listing of all the connection types that have been configured in the system. You can see this screen by clicking the ti ti-settings from the Connections page under People > Connections.

Selecting a connection type from the list pictured above will display the details for the type as well as a list of all the connection opportunities that have been defined.

Let's start by looking at the configuration options available for a connection type.

After setting up a connection type, you can duplicate it to create additional types. To duplicate an entire connection type, click the ti ti-copy button on the Connection Type Detail screen.

Once copied, the duplicated connection type is displayed in the Connection Types screen. From there you can edit its settings in the Connection Type Detail screen. Note, if you need to delete the duplicated connection type, you'll need to first delete all of the Connection Opportunities listed in its Connection Type Detail screen.

Statuses

Defining clear statuses helps your staff members track exactly where each person is in the connection process so no one gets left behind.

Automating Status Changes

As noted above, the Connection Type is where you define the Statuses that are available for connection requests. For instance, you might have statuses like "In Progress" or "Pending Interview" to track different stages as the connection request moves through your process. Statuses can be manually assigned by editing a request, but in many cases, you might find it's more efficient to automatically move a connection request from one status to another.

To set up rules for automating status changes, edit the Connection Type and access the Statuses section. By either updating a status or adding a new one, you can access the list of status automations. Click the ti ti-circle-plus icon to add a new automation, or the ti ti-pencil icon to edit an existing automation.

The automations you configure will be performed after saving a connection request, or when the Connection Requests Automation job is run.

Keep in mind that the automations are performed in the order that they're listed. If you need to change the order, click the ti ti-menu-2 icon and drag the automation to the desired location. Once an automation criterion is matched, no further automations will be processed for that status.

Highlight Color is Essential
While the Highlight Color may seem like a minor aesthetic choice, these colors are vital visual cues for your team. Using indistinct or non-intuitive colors can make the connection process more difficult. For clarity, stick to standard conventions: use green for positive or "healthy" statuses and red for negative or "dropped" statuses. Choosing a green highlight for a negative status is just confusing for connectors.  

Sequential Status Mode

Sequential Status Mode enforces a strict, linear workflow for your connection requests. When this setting is enabled, staff members must move through statuses in the exact order they are configured in the connection type. This prevents "skipping ahead" and ensures every step of your established process is followed consistently. For example, in this mode, you cannot drag a request on the Connection Board ahead two statuses, only one at a time.

Any Request currently on its final status will be marked as Complete when you mark its Status as "Complete".

So, there is the Connection Type. Next let's look at creating and editing Connection Opportunities within this Connection Type.