Who might want to pilot an SC technology module?
If you’re a grassroots organization working on any facet of protection, prosecution, prevention or partnership efforts on human trafficking and slavery issues, then there may be a fit for you! Any organization facing the defining challenges in the field of anti-tip such as distance, vulnerabilities, lack of access to information, structural support etc. Depending on the module, these programs may also save you money in communication and transportation costs, reach new communities, gather data and evidence for investigations, and other for SMS and mapping tools might give you what you need to connect to individuals and fill in the gaps and shortcomings in existing anti trafficking efforts.
What benefits will we obtain?
Again, the answer is different from module to module. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased Victim Identification
- Greater ability to distribute of information
- Better coordinated victim services, referral and protection efforts
- Mobile based status updates
- Support groups
- Campaigns
- Collect information about hotspots
What technology will you need?
You wont need much surprisingly! The most you’ll need for any of these projects is a good web hosting service, a laptop, mobile phone (or GSM modem), SIM card and mobile plan. Our team can work with you to define the right equipment!
Do I need Internet connection?
Nope (unless you’re integrating a map component). Al that you need is a cellular network signal on your modem or phone.
How expensive will this be?
The cost of your project will depend on the scale and scope (for example number of phones you need for your network partners, or volume of text messages processed per day). This is why we advocate for “small implementation” and "vertical growth" so that costs are reduced, and efforts can be concentrated and locally owned/operated.
How much staff training is required?
There is no major technical expertise required for implementing or sustaining an SMS project. Based on our training kits, you can teach yourself or have a training done by Survivors Connect. Within a week’s time, you should be up and running and be able to send/receive messages, create contact groups, create keywords and alerts and everything else you need!
Where can I buy mobile phones, or have some donated?
It is always best to purchase mobile phones locally – its cheaper, you usually wont have any compatibility issues and it supports the local economy. However, we have launched the Phones4Freedom campaign to support groups in their fundraising and technology needs!