The originator of this message was trying to find help for Ward no. 4’s villagers via social media. Facebook statistics show that their average user has 350 contacts. If the average user has 350 followers, this means this one message is delivered to approximately 350,000 Facebook users.  But over a week before, this case had already been posted on quakemap.org, a crisis-mapping database built by online volunteers and managed by Kathmandu Living Labs. On May 7, humanitarian group Helping Hands is notified, and by May 11, Ward no. 4 has already received much-needed food and shelter. Ward no. 4 was assisted by a coordinated crisis mapping effort. In crisis mapping, people submit their info on disaster hotspots to an online report database. These reports show aid agencies on the ground where the affected area is, and what sort of relief the people need (food/water/shelter, medical aid, etc.)  Dedicated volunteers filter that information for accuracy. Taken together, these reports form a map of the disaster zone, showing aid agencies where the greatest needs are concentrated, and what locations need the most help.

1. Verify before sharing

3. On May 11 this message was
still being shared, it had been
shared over 1,000 times

4. 1,000
It went viral, it reached over 338,000
viewers within 48 hours

5. 1,000 Shares = 338,000 views
Think about the impact you are having when you share a request
For aid in social media.

6. Kathmandu
Living Labs was
operating
24/7 and
had already
verified that
this request
was solved
24 hours
After it had
Been issued.

7. Sharing content
On your
Facebook
Can help
Shine the light
On urgent
Needs.
However,
Its vital that
You research
To determine
If the need
Is still true.
Diverting aid
To the wrong
place can cost
Lives.

8. Be a good citizen journalist
1. Verify before sharing, is it true,
2. Is the need current or is it solved?
3. If it’s verified, take the time to report it to the right aid agency

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