MoT #3: Fellowship, Variety, & Communication

3.3. Telegram Setup

What's Telegram?

Telegram is an instant messaging application that's free and secure. It can be tremendously useful to aid meeting planning and general communication. You can also use it to create groups for your club - it's recommended you have an "All Members" group and an officers group at minimum. This can help cut down on e-mail traffic, but you must be proactive about making sure your members join and use the service.

Mobile Client (iOS, Android, Windows Phone) Install

It's recommended you start here. 

1. Visit the app store appropriate for your device, or visit the Telegram website and choose the client appropriate to your device.
   
2. Search for Telegram. You should see an icon that looks like this:  You may also see "Telegram X" - this is an experimental version. It's usable and may have different features, but if you are a tech novice, stick to regular Telegram.
   
3. Install Telegram.
   
4. Open Telegram once it's installed.
5. Follow the directions to complete the Telegram setup. If you are asked for permissions, you should allow access to the phone; you do not have to allow access to contacts.
6. If your club has a contact person to reach out to, use the search function to find them by their user name, and ask them to 

Desktop Client (PC/Mac) Install

NOTE: If you plan to use Telegram on your mobile, install and configure that first so Telegram is set to use your mobile number. 

1. Visit the Telegram website and download the client appropriate for your computer.
2. Navigate to the location you downloaded the client install and run the installer. 
3. Step through the install wizard (change options as needed).
4. Run the client once done. If you've already installed and configured the mobile version, use the same phone number you used for that. Telegram will send a message to your mobile client, so have that ready.

Creating a Group (Admin)

Creating a group will let people post notices, pose questions, etc. for everyone in the group. The intended administrator for the group should create the group, though others can be made admins. You will need at least one other person to create the group.

On mobile, you'll do this:

1. Select the blue & white pencil icon to start a new message
2. On the new message screen, select New Group
3. Add at least one person (you may need to search in the Add people... field)
4. Name the group.

You can set the group's icon from options.

For desktop, do this:

1. Select the "Hamburger" (triple line) button at the top left of the client
2. Select New Group
3. Name the group, then select Next
4. Add members, then select Create

Adding People to a Group (Admin)

To add additional people to a group after starting it (Android, but should be similar for other platforms):

1. Have the person message you at least once.
2. Enter the group you want to add the person to.
3. Select the group icon to open options.
4. Select Add Member.
5. Use the magnifying glass to search for the person's name, then select the name.

Setting Administrators for the Group (Admin)

To set additional administrators after starting a group (Android, but should be similar for other platforms):

1. Open the group.
2. Tap the triple dot button in the top right.
3. Select Set Admins.
4. Turn off All Members are Admins. 
5. Select the checkboxes for those you want to make administrators.
6. Use the left arrow button at the top left to go back and save changes. Use it again to return to messaging.

Joining a Group

If you're not an admin for the group, the easiest way to join a group is to find your group's admin via search and send them a message, asking them to add you to the group.

1. In Telegram, use the search function (magnifying glass) to search for people.
2. Type in the username of your group admin, then tap the correct result.
3. You should then be able to send them a message (just like an SMS text). Say hello and ask to be added to your club's group(s).
4. The admin will have to invite you to the group; once they do, you should be able to participate.

Messaging Someone Directly

1. In the group, there should be an icon for the group. Select this.
2. Details for the group, including members, should appear.
3. Select the person you want to message directly (you may need to scroll the list).
4. Enter and send your message.