* Every week, Red Cross Tech Talk looks at different technology or social media tools that pertain to the work we do at the Red Cross. Have an idea? Please let us know!
When Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake two years ago, Paul Conneally – a former journalist turned aid worker - was one of the first members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on the ground providing support.
While helping to respond, Paul noticed the beginning of a fundamental shift in how people are using technology to communicate and interact during a disaster. Late last year, he shared his findings at TEDxRC² on how social media, text messaging and smart phones are turning the “traditional cry for help” upside down and the impacts on how aid is delivered.
You can watch his entire talk in the above video.
Paul recently left the IFRC and is currently the head of communications and partnership with the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, Switzerland.