Distribute updates for events, causes, and crisises

I was asked by family to help setup a way to communicate information updates and co-ordinating support for my Aunt. At first, I thought twitter was the answer, however it didn't cover all the needs. The basic issue is most people use Facebook, and any solution that didn't involve facebook seemed less fluid and practicle. I will make a post about why this is a better alternative to caringbridge.org.

The solution was a combination of Twitter and Facebook, it seems to be the sweetspot for the communication needs.

Information Flow
The solution was to allow my cousin to upate instantly by simply texting updates from her cell phone to 40404. (USA twitter number) The message is posted immediately on twitter, and people with cell phones can get instant updates, with email immediately sent to those who subscribe.
My cousin created a facebook page for updates for my aunt, and those on facebook can like the page for updates for immediate information.  Facebook also provides an outlet for family and friends to post pictures, videos, and co-ordinate support.

What it lacks
The downside to the system is everyone gets the same news at the same speed, immediately.  There may be need to distribute information to two levels, very close family and friends and public.   People on cell phones and emails must go to facebook for community support organization.

How to setup

Facebook Page
Login to facebook and on the right hand side of your home page click create a page. Follow on screen directions, click here for more information.
Name the page something unique and easy to find, like "Supporting First LastName".  Invite at first only couple of close people to test out.



Connecting Twitter

Create a twitter account following these steps (click). In the upper right hand corner of twitter click the gear icon and click edit profile.  On the profile page, click the facebook icon at bottom of page.
You may be prompted to log into facebook, and you will be asked by facebook to allow twitter to repost tweets to facebook.  Click agree.

You will be brought back to the edit profile page.  To redirect posts ONLY to your facebook page (not your personal wall) be sure to UNCHECK post to my facebook profile and CHECK post to my facebook page.  Use drop down to select the facebook page.  Follow directions to save/exit edit profile.

Issue a tweet and confirm its working!

Connecting the Community
Facebook, email, and/or call to get the word out about the new social support system.   Recommend first tweets be how to connect cell phones and connect email to make sure its readily available to everyone.

For email, here is a sample set of directions, requires personalization.

Hello everyone,

We have setup a facebook page for [name], to  help everyone keep updated on latest information.

Updates to Facebook, follow these steps.

1) log into facebook

2) search for [pagename]

3) click like

Updates to your cell phone, follow these steps.

1) Send a text message "START" to 40404. (USA)

2) Twitter will text back, send text of your full name.

3) Twitter will text back your twitter username 

4) Send text "Follow [twittername]" to 40404. (USA)

Update from email, follow these steps.

1) Login to twitter (follow signup directions if new user)

2) Go to http://Twitter.com/[twittername]

3) Find the follow button on right side and click to follow.

4) Click on the gear icon in upper right hand corner

5) Select settings from drop down menu

6) Click on Email Notifications on left hand side.

7) Check notification boxes to reflect your email preferences.

8) Click Save changes.

Closing Thoughts

It is important for communication as much for family and friends to have an outlet, as it is for the person who needs support.  Same approach above could also be done for event, crisis, and cause co-ordination.

I was somewhat uncomfortable creating this post, due to the personal circumstances.  To figure out the right combination to ensure it is easy for people to communicate and share was sadly very difficult using the services I could find on the internet.  My hope is this post will make it easier for others.

I still don't like how complex the email connecting is for non-twitter users.  It is possible to setup a gmail account and have emails from twitter hit that acccount, and have a gmail rule to forward to a personal distribution list.  Then the person issuing tweets can manage those who get automated emails and not requiring people to do work.