What is TCPA?

TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is a federal law requiring express written consent to broadcast SMS messages.‍

No matter where you obtained a phone number, such as from a form,  you must provide express written consent so that your supporters understand they are opting-in to receiving messages from your organization.

How do I make sure my organization’s SMS messages are TCPA compliant?

1. Only message supporters who have opted-in to receive messages from your organization. Supporters can opt-in by texting in a keyword or filling out a form.*You cannot message supporters on Strive that have not opted-in.
2. Always provided supporters with express written consent immediately after they trigger an opt-in flow. Expressed written consent can be provided in the form of a confirmation text.
3. Always include your organization’s name and “Reply STOP to quit” in each new broadcast to your list.
4. Only send messages between the hours of 8AM and 9PM in the supporter’s time zone.
5. Always keep record documentation of expressed written consent for each supporter

How do I provide express written consent?

For new supporters who opt-in you can provide express written consent in the form of a follow-up confirmation text.

TCPA guidelines require your express written consent message to include:

• Your organization’s name
• Message frequency
• “ Reply STOP to quit, HELP for info"‍
• “ Msg&DataRatesMayApply"

Example: Thanks for joining {{organizationName}}! We'll keep you posted on upcoming actions and updates on this number. Msg frequency varies, Reply STOP 2 quit, HELP 4 info. Msg&DataRatesMayApply

If you import a list of supporters that have already opted-in, such as a list from another SMS platform, you must include express written consent in your first broadcast on Strive.

TCPA guidelines require your express written consent broadcast include:

• Your organization’s name
• Message frequency‍
• “ Reply STOP to quit, HELP for info" ‍
• “ Msg&DataRatesMayApply"

Example: Hi {{firstName}}, this is {{organizationName}} new text line! We'll be sending you periodic updates and action alerts here. Msg frequency varies, Reply STOP 2 quit, HELP 4 info. Msg&DataRatesMayApply.

‍Do I need to include TCPA language in my simple broadcasts and automated flows after supporters have opted-in and received expressed written consent?

Yes. When you want to send a new broadcast to your list, always make sure the first message includes:

• Your organization’s name
• “ Reply STOP to quit"

Note: If you create a flow, your subsequent auto replies do not need to include “Reply STOP” language, just the first message of that flow.  Likewise, individual follow-ups sent through the inbox don't have to include “Reply STOP" language.

How do I make sure my web forms and petitions are TCPA compliant?

In order to ensure your opt-in forms are TCPA compliant, you must include an opt-in checkbox disclaimer at the end of your form that must be checked by the supporter before they hit submit.

Example: [check box] Receive mobile alerts from {{campaign name}}. Message and data rates may apply. Frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.