last updated August 31, 2003
If an organization decides to communicate through email lists, it can be helpful to use the "bcc" or "blind carbon copy" function of the email program. If the list of email addresses is included in the "to" or the "cc" fields, this list of addresses will appear in the beginning of the email received. The recipient may be frustrated by having to scroll down past this list to reach the body of the email, or may not want their email address distributed to others on the list. Typing recipients' addresses into the "bcc" field of the email program will hide these addresses. Energize provides useful tips on how to establish a "bcc" email list.
In addition, when using email to solicit financial contributions, it is important to include the request for financial support early in the body of the message so that it is not missed. The email should be clearly identified as coming from the organization. While it can be useful to try to ask as many people as possible, organizations should not borrow email lists from other organizations. Organizations can, however, make it easy for the recipient to send the message on to other people (some messages include a "tell a friend" feature, which forwards the message with a click of a button).
Use of email to communicate with constituents and, in particular, to solicit financial contributions, may be regulated by both national and European law. | 