Posted: November 7, 2007

That’s right. The latest trend in SMS is using the immediacy and reach of the technology to help improve our world. Here are just four examples of the power of text-messaging to encourage positive change.

1) US marine conservation group Blue Ocean Institute has launched a cell phone-based service to send you text messages with the information you need to make smart seafood choices.

Next time you’re at the seafood counter or in a restaurant and can’t recall whether farmed catfish is managed in an environmentally sustainable fashion, send a text message and within seconds you’ll have the institute’s take on it.

The service covers more than 90 species, and suggests alternatives to options that pose environmental concerns.

2) The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is responding to the need for farmers to keep up to date on the latest Foot and Mouth and Bluetongue outbreaks using text messaging. The NFU is encouraging its members to register their mobile phone number to ensure they receive the latest news alerts.

Currently, the NFU is sending over 12,000 text messages at a time. The text alerts cover areas such as changes to exclusion zones and news from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

3) Disability charity Scope has rolled out an SMS service to provide information and support to disabled people and their families.

Interested parties will be able to get advice on conditions such as cerebral palsy, as well as other disability-related issues.

Texts will be answered for free by members of the Scope Response team, a guidance service offering support. Information will either be texted back or a contact will be sent for those needing a fuller reply.

Steve Cairns, head of Scope Response, said, “Our Scope Response service is a lifeline to people, particularly to parents of children who have been newly diagnosed with CP, and we wanted to be able to support them in any way we could.

“The addition of a text-based service means we have another way of providing free and confidential advice to disabled people and their families.”

4) Amrita TV, an Indian television network, has launched a public service initiative ‘Send an SMS. Save a Child’ to help underprivileged children.

The entire SMS revenue garnered by the viewer’s votes on the reality shows of the channel will be donated for the education, shelter and health care of underprivileged children, stated an official release.

To showcase the campaign, the channel has produced a Public Service Announcement, directed by film director, Shyamaprasad. He is also president for programs at Amrita TV.

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