Along with our partners at Freedom Connect, we launched a text-messaging reference line in Guatemala called Texting Peace (Mensajes de Paz) in November 2011. The service was an accompanying tool to our leadership development training and community screening tour.
We used FrontlineSMS, an open source platform, to blast out mass text messages to the participants in our workshops who signed up to receive the service. The users of our texting service could also text our operators directly to make inquires on local services and laws. The most common questions were how to request child support from an ex-partner, and how to leave an abusive relationship.
In February 2012, we launched a mini-campaign via Texting Peace where we sent out information tailored men, encouraging them to become active advocates of women’s rights. In April 2012 we scaled our services back, due to funding restrictions. The system continues to be a way for our users to request for operators to advocate for their cases on a one-by-one basis. To help us relaunch our full services, make a donation here.
We have a text messaging toolkit available for organizations who want to run their own community-based text-messaging awareness campaign. Check out our PDF introduction to our toolkit, and contact us to obtain the entire guide to launch your own campaign.