Google Helps Find Families With “Person Finder”

As a student with a passion for marketing, from time to time I will be blogging about newsworthy marketing topics - this week with Japan top of mind, I look to this topic and the marketing giant Google's involvement in the relief effort.

In an age where the world is run by technology- we still remain vulnerable to the conflicts and tragedies that damage our society.  This is why as marketers we must remember we are people and in times of hardship we must remain responsible for the well-being of our international society.  In these times of misfortune our true industry leaders have the opportunity to demonstrate their social responsibility and talent in innovation.  Google a leader in both technology and innovation is at the forefront of these movements launching support resources like “Google Person Finder” in times of crisis.  This is a prime example of how a successful organization can use its competencies to make a difference through its non-profit sector.  From time-to-time we will take the opportunity to profile various organizations and their use of new and interesting marketing approaches!  If you haven’t seen it yet- check it out @ http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html#personfinder.

On the day of March 11, 2011- A part of my history changed when Japan fell victim to a colossal tsunami, the result of a record-breaking 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the North-East coast.  The devastation has been catastrophic as just over a week later the anxiety continues as thousands are missing and the death toll rises.  Fortunately any “known” family of mine living in the Tokyo region have survived and are doing well- but there are still many who remain curious and are concerned for their families. 

Google Person Finder originated after the earthquake crisis in Haiti and was launched just 2 hours after the disaster in Japan.  The user-friendly application gives both individuals and NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) the option to search for someone or provide information on them.  The application is using advancements in digital communications to create an effective tool that is available in multiple languages.  The Person Finder software was developed after the Haiti crisis 2010 and took roughly 12 hours to create- the same technology has since been used for tragedies in Christchurch, Chile and now Japan.  As Google is a leader in the search engine market- they have placed a convenient link on the Google site under “Resources” that directs you to the page. 

The online person finder works with shelters on the ground across the nation to help spread the information on its site.  Google receives photographs of written letters via email from shelters showing thousands of people that are being housed as space is filling up.  Those who are interested can see detailed lists @ https://picasaweb.google.com/tohoku.anpi and see the many families that are homeless, hungry and need help.  I encourage everyone to do their part to make a difference- please stay up to date with our Facebook Page and see how you can get involved!