FAVE RESOURCE: The @RedCross and @Dell launch Social Operations Center and digital volunteer program

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The American Red Cross and Dell today launched a new Digital Operations Center, the first social media-based operation devoted to humanitarian relief, demonstrating the growing importance of social media in emergency situations.

Modeled after Dell’s Social Media Listening Command Center, the Red Cross Digital Operations Center will be staffed when the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center is activated during major disasters, but social data visualizations will be updated and visible around the clock, allowing for engagement at any time. The American Red Cross responds to more than 200 disasters on an average day, from house fires to major events. That’s pretty overwhelming. I, for one, am glad to see a more streamlined approach to social during times of need.



So, what does it do? It will help:

  • Source additional information from affected areas during emergencies to better serve those who need help;
  • Spot trends and better anticipate the public’s needs; and
  • Connect people with the resources they need, like food, water, shelter or even emotional support.

 

How can people like you and I help? Glad you asked.

Also announced today is the digital volunteer program. Digital volunteers from across the country will be trained to respond online to questions from the public, distribute critical information and provide comfort and reassurance during emergencies.

The digital volunteers will play a critical role in working to verify and curate an incredible volume of data during disasters, notifying Digital Operations Center staff of online trends and situational information that can inform disaster-response efforts Equally important, they will engage with people affected by disasters, providing them with critical safety information, resources and comforting messages.

How can you become one? A spokesperson from the Red Cross told me you can contact socialmedia@redcross.org as they are in the process of finalizing the certification process.

 

Here’s what it looks like in action:

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