In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake this weekend, it’s been great to see grassroots movements spring up from within some of New Zealand’s largest organisations.

Telecom NZ has set up Support Messages for Telecom Staff, and the IRD has set up Inland Revenue’s Earthquake Response.

What’s really interesting about this is that these are internal staff communities. They just happen to be available to the public – partly because it’s convenient, but also because it shows some of the humanity of two organisations which (let’s face it) don’t have a whole bunch of fans.

What’s also interesting is that Facebook allowed staff a quick and easy way to set up a communications infrastructure that just about everyone is already part of. When servers are offline or possibly destroyed, it’s hugely important.

Organisations that already have a page have an advantage. Lincoln University have been using their page to keep students, staff and anyone else updated about the damage, as well as when school resumes.

Seen any other examples of social media for emergency support? Please add them in the comments below.

(Also immensely awesome: this display of grassroots support from students)

Too much information? Sign up for our fortnightly email newsletters and reduce the clutter.

Josie Campbell, Communications Manager at The EDGE Performing Arts Venue, tells us how she uses social media to build buzz and hold conversations with her customers.

Follow Josie on Twitter. And let us know what you think? How do you use social media for more than just one-way announcements?

Too much information? Sign up for our fortnightly email newsletters and reduce the clutter.