Getting Started

 

JwContacts (JwC) is readily usable by any single Elder.

However JwC is designed to act, if a Body of Elders agrees, as the primary or secondary means of maintaining the Congregation's Contacts data.

(A feature comparison with KHS is available for discussion.)

 

Likely then a Body would wish to discuss:

 

1. If there are any questions whether JwC is an appropriate mobile application for storing data regarding our activities, investigate and come to agreement.

2. Does a majority of the Body have supported devices?

3. Which JwC features are to be utilized; which should not be. Some may object to storing on mobile devices some of the JwC optional data.

4. Which elder will act as master data editor?

5. What device will keep the master JwC data? (A secure Windows 10 computer might be best, if available.)

 

Once a master data editor (a brother using JwC on his own or maintaining data in behalf of the Body) is available, he will want to:

 

1. Read this User Guide thoroughly.

 

2. Install JwC onto the master data device. (Optional data encryption is available (via Settings | Data) and, if legal in your governmental jurisdiction, you MAY wish to use that.)

 

3. If any recent version of Microsoft Excel is available on the master device: From JwC send himself a copy of the Initial Data Excel Workbook.

 

4. Collect all the minimum data:

  •   Names, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts, and family relationships of all persons associating with the Congregation. See also With KHS or TSWIN
  •   Service group addresses, times, memberships, group overseers and group assistants.
  •   Email addresses of all elders who will be receiving JwC data updates (DO NOT use jwpub.org addresses!)

 

5. Additional optional information (can be collected over time and used gradually to update an Excel backup of current data):

  •   Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, descriptions, operating hours of all local medical, emergency, and governmental facilities desired to be included. This is shareable among neighboring Congregations as Primary Light data.
  •   Probably using a mobile device, obtain geolocations of every address. (This can be a LENGTHY chore!)
  •   Additional personal information on publisher status as Body has agreed would be appropriate. (Observe carefully all privacy laws and individual preferences!)

 

6. Enter the beginning set of the above into the Initial Data Workbook and Import it into the master JwC installation, or else make each entry one at a time.

 

7. After signing in to JwC, in Settings select those Elders who will be receiving data updates via email. See Settings | Email Recipients.

 

8. Then and from time to time as data is updated, send all Elders their copies of the data or make such available as shared links in your own online data store (Dropbox, etc.). See Sharing Data.

 

9. Keep backup copies of the most recent data.