Why use Action Network?
Why would a group choose to use XR's Action Network account, rather than alternatives such as Mailchimp?
Benefits
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It's a network - when signing up for a local group
newsletter,emailRebelslist, people are also subscribed to their regions/nation and to the UK email list. They will therefore be informed of campaigns andInternationalactivitiesnewsletters.locally, regionally and nationally. -
This
helpsmeansuslocalgetgroupnewssignoutupsaboutaddnationaltoplans,themobilisetotalpeopleon the UK list which is critical forrebellionsboth mobilisation for big actions (e.g. The Big One) andbuildalsotheformovement.fundraising. -
Secure - all admins have their own account, so you don't have to share passwords. If someone leaves the movement, their admin access can be removed without having to change shared passwords.
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You'll never lose access to your mailing list e.g. if the person who set it up leaves XR.
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Support and training is available from the Action Network Data Team and in the Action Network Admins Mattermost channel
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GDPR compliant - if someone wants to unsubscribe or have their data deleted, we can do that in one place, rather than across multiple systems.
WhatBarriers/Issues
are
the downsides
In common with other mailing list systems, the data is stored on servers that we do not control, and that could be accessed by law enforcement authorities. For this reason, you should never store "spicy" information - such as sign-ups to arrestable actions - on Action Network.
To get access to this list and use it takes a bit of training, which can be a barrier to some local groups without someone with the time and skills (or determination!) to learn. But we have a very friendly training team who are happy to teach in 1-1 session and go at the pace that suits each individual.