Many teens have indicated that they prefer to receive text message program reminders... and here is how to do it!

First, you must create a Yahoo Account (www.yahoo.com)

•     Name it something identifiable, like TCteens
•     Once your account is set up, click the MAIL icon 
•    Once you are in MAIL, look for the NEW icon on the top left  

•   Click NEW, you’ll get a drop down menu, and select TEXT MESSAGE

To Send Text Messages:

• After you select new text message from the drop down menu you will see a big empy screen with a place to put the cell phone number and a space to type a message.

• Enter mobile number near the top, including area code, but with no dashes.
• Type your message at the bottom of the page.  You are limited to 140 characters, which is what will fit in one text message.  Once you click send, the message will appear in the big white space in the middle of the screen.  If the teen replies, their message will appear there as well.

**For an instruction sheet with picture diagrams, look on the intranet under Dept Docs, Teen Services**

Text Messaging FAQs:

Do we have to text message teens?

• No, but I encourage you to see if your teens prefer this type of communication.  Once you set up your account, it is easy to do.

Does this cost teens money?

• It depends on how their individual cell phone plan works.  If they are electing to receive text messages from you, then they either have unlimited texting (likely), or they don’t mind whatever fee it would incur.  Either way, I suggest you only send a few texts a month with important reminders.

Why do we have to use Yahoo?

• Currently, this is the only easy and free way to text teens without using your personal cell phone (which we definitely DON’T want to do!).  In the future we might be able to do this from WorldClient, which is why I ask you to collect the name of their cell provider on the text message sign-in sheet.

Why do we ask for their cell provider on the sign-in sheet?  Do we need it for Yahoo?

•    (See above answer).  No.  But if we need it in the future, we will have the information already available!