SMS Communications

PRIVACY POLICY FOR SMS COMMUNICATIONS

Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Company: Educate Hearts Teaching Corps and Services

 

1. Purpose of This Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you participate in our SMS messaging program (“SMS Service”). By opting in to receive text messages, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

 

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and store the following types of personal information when you engage with our SMS Service:

• Contact Information: Your mobile phone number and name (if provided).

• Communication Data: Message content, delivery status, and responses (e.g., HELP, STOP).

• Technical Data: Device type, carrier information, and message interaction timestamps.

• Optional Information: Any details you provide voluntarily in response to our texts, such as program preferences or event confirmations.

 

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal data (such as financial, health, or biometric information) through SMS.

 

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Send educational updates, event reminders, and research notifications.

• Deliver service and support communications related to your engagement with us.

• Manage opt-in/opt-out requests and maintain messaging compliance records.

• Improve message content, timing, and relevance.

• Monitor and protect the security and integrity of our SMS system.

 

Your information will only be used for the purposes disclosed at the time of collection or as otherwise permitted by law.

 

4. Message Frequency and Type

You may receive up to 4 SMS messages per month, although frequency may vary depending on your interactions, participation, or subscriptions.

 

Message types may include:

 

• Educational or awareness content

• Research and survey invitations

• Program or event notifications

• Service-related alerts (e.g., account or enrollment updates)

 

5. Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We may share limited information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors (e.g., Microsoft Teams SMS platform, telecom providers) who process and deliver messages on our behalf.

• Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or government request.

• Business Operations: To maintain, secure, and troubleshoot our communication systems.

All third parties are contractually obligated to safeguard your information and use it only for authorized purposes.

 

5A. Mobile Opt-In Data Privacy

 

We respect the privacy and confidentiality of all users who provide their mobile phone numbers through our website or SMS sign-up forms.

 

Educate Hearts Teaching Corps will never sell, rent, or share mobile opt-in data or consent information with third parties for marketing, advertising, or promotional purposes.

 

Your mobile phone number and related opt-in information are used exclusively to deliver the messages you have consented to receive, such as educational updates, community alerts, volunteer opportunities, and organizational news.

 

We may share limited data only with trusted service providers (such as our telecommunications carriers or SMS delivery platform) who process messages on our behalf and solely for the purpose of delivering authorized communications.

These partners are contractually required to protect your data and prohibited from using it for any other purpose.

 

6. Data Security

We employ appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encrypted transmission of messages and data where feasible.

• Access control and authentication safeguards.

• Routine monitoring for unauthorized access or misuse.

 

While we strive to protect your information, no transmission or storage system is 100% secure. You use our SMS Service at your own risk.

 

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, and maintain opt-out records required by law.

When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

 

8. Your Choices and Rights

You can manage your SMS preferences at any time:

• Opt-Out: Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe.

• Help or Support: Reply HELP for assistance.

• Update Contact Information: Contact us at info@educatehearts.org

 

Depending on your location, you may also have rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data under applicable privacy laws.

 

9. Cookies and Tracking

Our SMS Service does not use cookies. However, if you access links contained within messages, those may lead to web pages that use cookies or analytics tools. Please refer to our general website privacy notice for details: https://www.educatehearts.org/faq

 

10. Children’s Privacy

Our SMS Service is not directed to individuals under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it promptly.

 

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted at https://www.educatehearts.org/faq with a revised “Last Updated” date.

 

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our SMS practices, please contact:

 

Educate Hearts Teaching Corps

📧 info@educatehearts.org

📞 832-280-9670

🌐https://www.educatehearts.org

📍 3005 McGowen Street, Houston, TX 77004

 

13. Compliance Statement

This Privacy Policy complies with applicable laws and industry standards, including:

 

• The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

• CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices

• CAN-SPAM Act (for digital messaging transparency)

• Applicable U.S. state privacy laws (e.g., CCPA, CPRA if applicable)