The following templates are suitable for use with communicating with volunteers, donors and consumers in relation to changes to operating hours, service availability, calls to action, and temporary closures - as well as staff communications
You can add an additional Opt-out message by clicking on "Opt-out" in the message content field in the web portal once you have pasted the template content in to the message field. This is recommended if your message falls under the category of Marketing/Promotion.
1. Seeking volunteers / expressions of interest
Purpose:
This template can be used to contact a database of volunteers or members, offering volunteer work (template 1) or requesting expressions of interest (template 2).
These templates should be used in conjunction with automations to add respondents to a dedicated contact list based on their responses, to allow you to send further messages to them.
Field references:
- "firstname" - the first name of your recipient
Variable fields:
- <keyword> - the word or phrase you wish to trigger the automation to add respondents to a contact group
- <insert signature> - add a signature to your message including a clear identifier
Template 1 (requesting volunteers):
Hi #firstname# During this trying time, we need volunteers to help us provide supplies and support to those in need. If you are available to make house visits to deliver essentials and provide moral support to the disadvantaged, please respond <keyword> to this message. Own transport essential. Thank you for your support. <insert signature> Reply STOP to Opt Out
Template 2 (requesting expressions of interest):
Hi #firstname# We are seeking expressions of interest for volunteers to assist with our outreach project, providing support and supplies to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Own transport is essential. To register your interest, reply <keyword> to this message, with your name and availability. Thank you for your support. <insert signature> Reply STOP to Opt Out
2. Seeking donations
Purpose:
This template can be used to contact a mailing list to request donations of essential supplies for those in need. The message provides an option to request donations be collected in the event of a lockdown or the donor being in isolation. There are two templates - the first for donations of physical items, the second is for requesting donations of funds.
These templates should be used in conjunction with automations to add respondents to a dedicated contact list based on their responses, to allow you to send further messages to them.
You may also want to forward certain responses to an email or mobile number, in order to alert additional resources of a donation that needs collecting.
Field references:
- "firstname" - the first name of your recipient
- "location" - the location at which donations can be dropped off (this may vary by state/region)
Variable fields:
- <insert signature> - add a signature to your message including a clear identifier
- <keyword> - the word or phrase you wish to trigger the automation (e.g. add respondents to a contact group)
Template 1 (physical donations):
Hi #firstname# We are seeking donations of essential items (toilet paper, soap, hand sanitiser, food, non-perishables etc.) to support those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Items can be dropped off at #location#, or reply <keyword> to this message with your address and we will arrange for collection. Thank you <insert signature> Reply STOP to Opt Out
Template 2 (financial donations):
Hi #firstname# We are committed to supporting those on need during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we need help from friends like you. Visit <insert link> to donate - every dollar raised helps us provide essential supplies to those unable to support themselves at this time. Thank you <insert signature> Replay STOP to Opt Out
3. Religious gathering cancellation
Purpose:
This template can be used to contact a congregation mailing list to inform them of a cancellation of a religious gathering, and to include an option for members to subscribe to a mailing list to receive a regular scripture reading in an SMS.
These templates should be used in conjunction with automations to add respondents to a dedicated contact list based on their responses, to allow you to send further messages to them.
Field references:
- "firstname" - the first name of your recipient
Variable fields:
- <organisation> - the name of your church/religious organisation
- <frequency> - the frequency at which subscribed messages will be sent
- <keyword> - the word or phrase you wish to trigger the automation (e.g. add respondents to a contact group)
- <insert signature> - add a signature to your message including a clear identifier
Template:
Dear #firstname# It is with sadness that <organisation> must temporarily close it’s doors due to the current restrictions on public gatherings due to COVID-19. There will be no services or worship groups until further notice, but if you wish to receive <frequency> readings then please reply <keyword> to this message. <insert signature> Reply Stop to opt out
4. Online service registration
Purpose:
This template can be used to contact a congregation mailing list to invite them to register for online services (e.g. webinars) due to restrictions on mass gatherings.
These templates require you to add a URL (i.e. the web address) for a link to further information (e.g. a website). You may need to use a URL shortener (i.e. the "short trackable links" feature) to limit the web address to 22 characters in order to keep your message clean and to get the most out of your character limit per message (160 standard characters per SMS)
Field references:
- "firstname" - the first name of your recipient
Variable fields:
- <frequency> - the frequency at which services will be held
- <date> - the date of the next service
- <time> - the time of the next service
- <insert signature> - add a signature to your message including a clear identifier
Template:
Dear #firstname# We are moving our <frequency> services online due to the current restrictions on mass gatherings. To register for the next service being held on <date> at <time>, please visit <insert URL> and follow the prompts. <insert signature> Reply Stop to opt out