Text Message (SMS) Program

Last updated: July 16, 2026

YMSecretary is a private web application used by a single Young Men’s youth organization within a local congregation to coordinate priesthood assignments and youth activities. Accounts are created by members of the organization (youth, parents, and adult leaders) and must be approved by an administrator before use. Because the app requires sign-in, this page publicly documents how users opt in to text messages.

How opt-in works

  1. A member signs in and begins account registration.
  2. They enter their own mobile phone number and verify it with a one-time code sent to that number. No phone numbers are ever added by a third party.
  3. They choose Text message or Both as their preferred contact method.
  4. They must check a consent checkbox that is unchecked by default. The form cannot be submitted with text messaging enabled unless the box is checked.

The consent step, as it appears during registration

I agree to receive text messages from YMSecretary at the phone number above, including one-time verification codes and notifications about my assignments and youth activities.

Message frequency varies (typically a few messages per week). Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Required only if you choose Text or Both above.

(Non-functional replica of the consent section of our registration form, shown here because registration requires sign-in.)

What we send

Messages are strictly informational and account-related: one-time phone verification codes, notices when an assignment or activity is created, changed, rescheduled, or canceled, and reminders before scheduled events. Parents receive the same notices about their own child’s assignments. We send no marketing, promotional, or sales content. Message frequency varies — typically a few messages per week.

Immediately after opting in, users receive a confirmation text:

YMSecretary: You’re opted in to assignment & activity alerts. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.

Opting out & help

Reply STOP to any message to opt out at any time, or reply HELP for help. Users can also disable text notifications in the app by changing their preferred contact method. Message and data rates may apply.

Privacy

We do not sell or share mobile phone numbers or SMS opt-in information with any third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Contact

Questions about this program? Email dave@the-petersens.org.