HSTA uses a private text-messaging app to connect with members

HSTA leaders are using an application called Hustle to text members while keeping all phone numbers private. Member engagement involving critical, time-sensitive information sometimes requires HSTA to spread the word through means other than email, social media, or hard-copy flyers.

If you receive a text message, it’s okay to respond! We want to make sure you know about all the resources and support available to you.

The text will look something like this:

Hi [Name]! This is [Name] @ HSTA. We’re launching a leadership cohort for new HSTA educators to collaborate on improvements to our education system ($200 stipend included 💵). Interested?

In the past, members have reached out to us with concerns that they were getting fraudulent messages, however HSTA confirms these texts are sent by individual member leaders who are trained to follow up with more information whenever a response is received. HSTA makes every effort to keep communication in this fashion short and informative, and for important, time-sensitive reasons.

In September 2019, for example, the HIDOE announced listening tours by a consultant conducting a salary study on teacher compensation. To alert members, HSTA had leaders communicate directly with members via text message using Hustle.

Hustle allows individual member leaders to text fellow members while keeping the information of the sender and the recipient private and secure. No member phone numbers are provided or are visible to volunteers who send the messages, and the phone numbers listed on the text conversations are not the personal phone numbers of the volunteer senders. The setup is similar to Uber, where a driver and passenger can communicate electronically without learning each others’ phone numbers.

If a recipient does not wish to receive further communication, they can say so and their phone number will no longer be in service by Hustle.

Rest assured that your information is kept private and secure.

Click here for more information on Hustle.

This story was originally posted on Sept. 26, 2019, and has since been updated.