Among our DKG governing documents is a set of files called
Guidelines and Policies/Procedures (GAPP). One of those outlines the policies
for digital communications, which was recently updated.
The file says, “Digital communication resources, as defined
by the Society, include but are not limited to the Internet, World Wide Web,
digital mail, facsimile, landline and cell phones, databases, audio and visual
recordings, graphics, photographs, CD, DVD, digitized information and social
media.”
So, basically, all forms of communications are impacted
since most newsletters are posted on the web!
Among the eight purposes of this policy is one that deals
with privacy, confidentiality, and security in digital communications. Because
of the increasing problems of phishing and scamming, the update to the policy includes
this paragraph:
An individual’s email address is
personal information. For this reason, use of BCC (blind carbon copy; normally
found under the CC address line) is recommended for mailings to groups. This
will protect email addresses of those in the group from being shared
unnecessarily or improperly. The Society will not publish the personal email of
any member in any publication without her express written permission. Wherever
possible and practical, the Society will use contact forms rather than emails
to facilitate member communication with Society personnel and leaders. All
lists of contact information will be password protected. Chapter and state
organization may not link to contact information lists without providing
password protection. The Society will establish procedures to hide/disguise
emails on websites.
Take particular note of the use of blind carbon copy (BCC)
for group emails and the use of forms instead of email addresses. This is DKG
policy.
The entire Policy for Digital Communications can be found at
https://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Resources/GAPP.aspx?GAPP_Documents=16#GAPP_Documents.
