robertsv1 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:03 am
No, we are just getting a list from the ward music contact then we are emailing each member with the details. It is up to each member to decide if they want to participate. There is no pressure exerted.
To ask each ward music contact to get permission from the member will slow down the process to the point that we won't get half the names that we are experiencing - and that's not currently a majority of the names.
General Handbook, 33.8, addresses confidentiality of records and 38.8.13 the policies and guidelines for directories. The limit of the authorization to access member record information is limited to both the callings of the leaders and the permissions granted by the members. The
General Handbook governs the availability of member contact information within the units of the Church, more specifically wards and stakes. The distribution of contact information is under the control of the member and parents/guardians of minors. Ward members with music callings do not have authority to release/distribute contact information.
robertsv1 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:03 amBut here is the bigger issue I have. When a member put's their email on the ward/stake roster they are giving tacit permission to use that email address for church communication. Anyone in the ward or the stake can use the address for church-related emails.
This is not in accordance with Church policy a procedure as outlined in General Handbook, 33.8 and 38.8.13. The contact information is strictly protected from any general access. While members provide contact information for their membership records, that information is restricted as to who may have access to it. Members may further restrict the visibility of that contact information by setting visibility limits. "Stake and ward leaders should respect the privacy settings that members select."
robertsv1 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:03 am The ward Exec Sec can send out an email blast to all members for a ward-related announcement. The Stake Exec Sec can do the same for whole stake. Why does this tacit permission end at the stake level?
The ability to communicate as described is a responsibility of those leadership callings. But note that while those leaders can send out a mass communication, that message may not go to all members because not all members have provided an email address in their record or the member may have reduced the visibility limit and "leaders should respect the privacy settings that members select." Member contact information in directories is not provided outside local units, in this case outside the stake.
The bottom line is that while you may have an assignment to fulfill, this does not warrant circumventing the right to member privacy. If the contact information is needed then it can be provided with the approval of the members involved. Once it is provided it can only be used for the purpose of the assignment and then that information must be destroyed and not used for any other purpose.