WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

Discussions about the Ward Directory and Map tool on churchofjesuschrist.org.
Post Reply
kristaanncook
New Member
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 5:37 pm

WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#1

Post by kristaanncook »

I just discovered the WhatsApp enabling feature on my Directory listing.

Is there any guidance on how it works, who can use it, how, and so forth?
caillines
Member
Posts: 312
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2008 6:09 pm
Location: Australia

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#2

Post by caillines »

Interesting. I haven't seen that option before. No idea what it will be used for unfortunately.

For those following along, you can see the option at https://account.churchofjesuschrist.org ... nformation under the contact phone number fields.
kristaanncook
New Member
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2012 5:37 pm

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#3

Post by kristaanncook »

I did have an interchange with a Church programmer last March 2023 about bulk text messaging. (I had waited for the Church to start bulk text messaging but it never did.) He said it wasn't possible for the Church. It's too expensive and complex to send out bulk text messaging, especially with international carriers involved. In addition, carriers cut off bulk text messaging at about 10 recipients. He told me the Church had a pilot project with WhatsApp going. So, when I saw that button on the Directory, I assumed it is the result of that pilot project but I know no more than that. There is no instruction, guidance, announcements, or anything about it that I can find. That is why I'm asking.
BrianEdwards
Senior Member
Posts: 1231
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2016 10:42 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#4

Post by BrianEdwards »

Interesting indeed. I checked and discovered my contact phone number didn't have anything checked, so I toggled on the "can receive text messages", "can receive phone calls", and "this is my whatsapp phone #". I'll be interested to see where this goes. As mentioned elsewhere, the worldwide church is so disparate in what tech is used and who uses it, that anything they try and do, will assuredly run into roadblocks where many members will be left out. But at least it seems they're trying, which is better than not trying at all!

As for guidance, this is not the first time (and won't be the last), that implementation has preceded documentation. And the question always is: will the documentation actually arrive? I'd give it a 50/50 chance of having a structured rollout, with an official communication that contains links to Help Center faqs.
User avatar
sbradshaw
Community Moderators
Posts: 6395
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:42 pm
Location: Utah
Contact:

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#5

Post by sbradshaw »

I don't know for sure, but I'd assume that if you have WhatsApp installed, and someone in your ward has checked the box for WhatsApp, if you go to the member's profile page in Member Tools you would see a WhatsApp button that behaves similar to the text and email buttons (it would open WhatsApp so you can start a conversation with that person).
Samuel Bradshaw • If you desire to serve God, you are called to the work.
linktowhatsapp
New Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2024 8:20 pm

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#6

Post by linktowhatsapp »

WhatsApp for bulk messaging can be expensive. You should just use it for inbound communications and donations.
thomass10
New Member
Posts: 0
Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:36 am

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#7

Post by thomass10 »

In a person's thinking, enabling WhatsApp on the Ward Directory could enhance communication among members by providing a convenient platform for instant messaging and updates. It could facilitate easier coordination of events, sharing of information, and fostering a sense of community within the ward.
pabloh007
New Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:59 pm
Location: Lawndale, CA

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#8

Post by pabloh007 »

Hello all I have been for the past 2 weeks working on a whatsapp integration for broadcasting messages. My experience has been using twilio for text messaging which we use in our ward. But with more restrictions it seemed better to migrate to use whatsapp. Still through twilio but more cost effective. If you are interested to use the whatsapp broadcast, please take a look at the application https://ward-notification-pager.io this application was used and built around my ward needs but glad to share it with other wards that want to use it. https://ward-notification-pager.io/contact
pabloh007
New Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:59 pm
Location: Lawndale, CA

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#9

Post by pabloh007 »

kristaanncook wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 5:38 pm I did have an interchange with a Church programmer last March 2023 about bulk text messaging. (I had waited for the Church to start bulk text messaging but it never did.) He said it wasn't possible for the Church. It's too expensive and complex to send out bulk text messaging, especially with international carriers involved. In addition, carriers cut off bulk text messaging at about 10 recipients. He told me the Church had a pilot project with WhatsApp going. So, when I saw that button on the Directory, I assumed it is the result of that pilot project but I know no more than that. There is no instruction, guidance, announcements, or anything about it that I can find. That is why I'm asking.
Indeed bulk text messaging is more complex whatsapp also has its challenges, I'm about 90% broadcasting messages is a bit more complex than text messages. Hopefully I can share soon with you guys the progress I'm making on my own application
pabloh007
New Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:59 pm
Location: Lawndale, CA

Re: WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

#10

Post by pabloh007 »

Hello everyone just wanted to let you know I just finished implementing whatsapp integration through twilio. Twilio makes pretty easy to get started with whatsapp and communication is cheaper than sms. I'm starting to try it on my ward. So far is looking promising.
Post Reply

Return to “Ward Directory and Map”