SMS Communications Policy

Americans 4 Equality (A4E) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. We use SMS (text messaging) to keep you informed about programs, events, class schedules, reminders, and other relevant opportunities. This policy explains how we use SMS, your rights as a recipient, and how to get help or opt out.

Also see: Privacy Policy | Data Retention Policy | Terms of Use

1. Consent to Receive SMS

You must provide clear and affirmative consent before receiving text messages from A4E. Consent is typically collected via a checkbox on a registration form, a keyword opt-in, or a similar mechanism at enrollment. Consent applies solely to communications related to A4E's educational, workforce, and community programs.

Providing your phone number and opting in to SMS is optional and is never a condition of program participation.

2. No Third-Party Marketing Use

Your phone number and consent to receive SMS will never be sold, shared, or disclosed to third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. A4E limits SMS use strictly to operational and informational communications — such as program updates, reminders, scheduling notices, and account status messages — initiated by A4E staff.

3. Message Frequency

Message frequency may vary depending on your program and communication preferences. You may receive up to 3–5 SMS messages per week related to program follow-ups, reminders, or account status updates. We will not send unsolicited promotional messages.

4. Opt-Out & Opt-In Options

You can manage your SMS preferences at any time:

●       Reply STOP — to opt out of all SMS communications from A4E. You will receive a final confirmation message and no further texts unless you re-enroll by providing new consent.

●       Reply HELP — to receive assistance information or to reach our support team. You may also contact us at support@americans4equality.org or call 1 (800) 916-0368.

●       Opt back in — after opting out, contact us directly or re-submit your consent through a program registration form.

SMS is optional and is never a condition of program participation.

5. Message and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan. A4E is not responsible for any charges incurred through your mobile service provider as a result of receiving SMS messages from us.

6. Data Privacy and Security

Phone numbers and related personal data are handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Data Retention Policy. All data is stored using industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest.

We retain SMS opt-in records and message logs for the periods described in our Data Retention Policy. We do not retain message content beyond what is operationally necessary.

7. Participants Under 18

A4E's Warp 1 program accepts participants between the ages of 13 and 17 with verifiable written consent from a parent or legal guardian. If a minor is enrolled in an A4E program, SMS communications will be sent to the phone number provided during enrollment — which may be a parent or guardian's number, depending on the consent form submitted.

We do not knowingly send SMS messages to participants under the age of 13. If you believe a minor under 13 has been added to our SMS list in error, please contact us immediately at support@americans4equality.org.

We do not use SMS to send marketing content to participants under 18.

8. Supported Carriers

Our SMS service is compatible with all major U.S. mobile carriers. Carrier support may vary. If you experience delivery issues, please contact us at support@americans4equality.org.

Contact Us

Americans 4 Equality | The MLK Gandhi Empowerment Initiative

Address: 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 500, Bellevue, WA 98005

Email: support@americans4equality.org

Phone: 1 (800) 916-0368

Website: www.americans4equality.org