Text messages

What the program is

The HRKHL Alumni Network is a free, volunteer-run, private association of former attorneys and staff of the firm, about 200 people, who keep in touch through an invitation-only website at www.hrkhlalumni.org. Members may choose to receive some of the group's messages by text as well as by email.

Texts are informational only:

• announcements sent to the group by fellow members — gatherings and reunions, news, and notices when a former colleague has died; and
• for the members of the volunteer Committee who run the site, short alerts that something is waiting for their review.

There is no marketing, no fundraising, no third-party content and nothing for sale. Texting is optional and is never required to use the site.

How members opt in

Only signed-in members can opt in, on their own profile page, and only by an action of their own:

1. Sign in and open My profile.
2. Enter a mobile number.
3. Under Messages you receive, tick Text beside each topic wanted.
4. Tick the consent box, which is never ticked in advance, and press Save.

The consent box reads:

I agree to receive text messages from HRKHL Alumni Network at [my mobile number] for the topics I've ticked. Message frequency varies, typically 2–4 per month. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Texting is optional. See the text message terms and privacy statement.

The moment consent is given is recorded. A confirmation text is sent straight away:

HRKHL Alumni Network: You're signed up for texts. Msg frequency varies, about 2-4/mo. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.

What the texts look like

Every text begins with the program's name and ends with “Reply STOP to opt out.” For example:

HRKHL Alumni Network: Fall lunch at St. Elmo on Sun, Nov 8 at noon. A few seats left. Details and RSVP: https://www.hrkhlalumni.org/messages/41 Reply STOP to opt out.

HRKHL Alumni Network: With sadness we share that a former colleague died last week. Their remembrance page: https://www.hrkhlalumni.org/messages/38 Reply STOP to opt out.

How often

Message frequency varies, typically 2-4 per month. The site allows each member to send at most one group text a day.

Cost

The HRKHL Alumni Network never charges for texts. Message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply.

Help, and stopping texts

For help, reply HELP (or INFO) to any text, email [email protected], or use the contact form. The reply to HELP is:

HRKHL Alumni Network: For help, email [email protected]. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.

To stop, reply STOP to any text. STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END and QUIT also work. You will receive one last message confirming it, and no more texts after that:

HRKHL Alumni Network: You're unsubscribed and will get no more texts. Reply START to resubscribe.

You can also untick the consent box on your profile at any time. To start again, reply START to the same number, or tick the box again:

HRKHL Alumni Network: You're resubscribed to texts. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.

Stopping texts changes nothing else. You remain a member and keep receiving email as you have chosen.

Your mobile number and privacy

Your mobile number is used only to send the texts you have chosen. Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text-message opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties. Numbers are never sold or rented.

Texts are delivered through Twilio, which handles the number only to deliver the message. Whether other members can see your mobile number is a separate choice on your profile.

The full privacy statement explains what the site holds, who can see it, and how to have it corrected or deleted.