Request: Member email preference management from LCR

Hopefully this is the right forum, couldn't locate anything specifically for feature requests.

It would be very helpful for clerks to manage subscription settings (at least, opt-out?) for members, possibly adding the following fields located at https://ldsaccount.lds.org/subscriptions into a tab on a member's record.


Since the email broadcast system doesn't implement a dynamic opt-out link in the footer, when we send a blast, we receive responses ranging from "Please unsubscribe," "Remove me from list AGAIN" or "Why am I still getting these stop sending them!" and so on. It's worth noting that our stake is very responsible with the broadcast system and in this case it was to announce a stake-wide fast for an ill child. Anyhow, the only way we can "unsubscribe" a user is by removing the email address entirely from the record which is kind of a nuclear option in 2016.

Furthermore, the current system of removing an email from a member record as an unsubscribe is susceptible to a reintroduction loop because here's what tends to happen:
1) Broadcast email goes out
2) Recipient opt-out request (nice escalating to angry over time)
3) Ward clerk tasked with and completes email address removal
4) ...time passes
5) Helpful auxiliary member notices missing email, makes request to ward or membership to update field with email address collected from a class contact list or something, which re-ads them back into the mass-blast email system. Goto #1

Anyhow, it's something that I think would be very helpful (and I'm sure adding a request to an already very tall pile of requests).
Thanks!

First off, there is no opt-out for mass emails from the ward/stake leadership. The options the member has doesn't control that. So that selection would have to be created along with making that setting available to the clerk. But that creates a problem because there may be times that leaders need to override that to get important information out. Where is the dividing line/policy for the override? Features are added as requested/approved by the Priesthood Department. So I'm sure a lot of thought would have to go into any such change.

That kind of feature (opt out of mass emails) has been requested, but you can go ahead and make another via the feedback link in the LCR page.

At this time, it appears to fall on the local leadership to limit mass mailings to what is essential. The amount of feedback you get from the members will give you an idea how well the leadership's view aligns with the member's view. There is a Newsletter feature that could be used for more general things, but it has various issues that limits it's usefulness. Mostly the lack of any kind of email notifications.

Just as a point of comparison, I can't remember the last time my ward/stake leaders sent out a mass email. I think it was because of a significant youth event that was canceled with less then 24 hours notice. But that was years ago. I'd add that it's also been a long time since a stake-wide fast was requested. I realize different stakes do things differently, and we're probably on the extreme end of things. But you may want to evaluate where your stake falls in the use of mass-email.

"Official Church Announcements" refers to periodic emails from the Church (Headquarters), not the ward or stake. There's no way set up for a member to opt out of emails from their ward or stake leaders.

Yea, we did some testing yesterday and I learned what you guys already know: That you can't opt-out from that system at all. That's really unfortunate, since the wording on "Official Church Announcements" is "Important Church announcements, initiatives and messages from General Authorities and Church auxiliary leaders." I think many would (incorrectly like I did) assume that Church Auxiliary leaders included emails sent from the stake using the church email messaging system.

That said, having zero method of opt-out aside from deleting an email address entirely doesn't seem right does it?

Also, per Russell's comment, it seems like the dividing line is pretty easy to delineate. The user doesn't want to receive mass-email messaging, so the broadcast system does not deliver to them. Wouldn't that offer a better user experience, since the email address is retained in the user's record, allowing relief society/eqp/other members to contact those individuals without using the broadcast system.

Anyhow, I get that the development teams have a lot of plates to spin, and this is probably ranking lower than the need for other functionality (developing an LCR alternative to MLS Custom Reports). Probably even more so since it would require effort from multiple teams, but I'll go ahead and submit a request through the feedback link regardless of the implied result

Thanks! Using the feedback link is the way to go. If multiple people send feedback about the same issue (and I'm sure this issue has been reported before), it may be put higher on the list of things for those who make decisions to consider.

I also encountered the same thing this week. I submitted feedback through the website. Thanks for starting this post!

Add my vote for an "unsubscribe" button.

What I'd really like is if members could subscribe to categories of messages. With the soon-do-be-discontinued Newsletter feature, we were hoping for push notifications. I would have loved it if the Email Subscriptions page showed all the Newsletter categories and you could choose the categories of messages for which you wanted to receive push notifications.

We also really need this feature....

I'm having the same problem as well. Has anyone figured out a short term solution to this issue? I don't want to delete the person's email address. So for now, I've been just selecting all ward members and manually removing the ones I know have had issue with email communications.

Its 2019 - - just wondering if there is any feedback on this ? If the option has been created.

heydenrychrhyno wrote:Its 2019 - - just wondering if there is any feedback on this ? If the option has been created.

No. It hasn't.

Given that we are using the Send Message feature more often now due to the corona virus pandemic as a means to quickly communicate with our ward members and provide important announcement and information, this seems like a very relevant feature. We have received requests from members, mostly from less or not activemembers, that would like to be removed from the emailing list. But aside from deleting their email address altogether from the system, there doesn't seem like a good way to do this. Deleting their email altogether seems harmful to emergency preparedness coordination efforts, and is also subject to failure through a reintroduction loop as mentioned earlier in this thread.

wlehmitz wrote:But aside from deleting their email address altogether from the system, there doesn't seem like a good way to do this.

In another thread discussing a similar topic this poster recommended a work-around. It was to prepend "no_mass_emails_" to an email address. The system would identify the email address as not valid and the message would bounce. Individual email messages could be sent by removing the prepended text to restore the valid email address.

I think there may be two different categories of "user complaints". One is "I don't want emails from you guys", the second is "You guys are sending too many emails and it's bothering me". Any member can log onto their church account and delete their email address if they don't want to be contacted via email. But if they're bothered because of the quantity of emails, that's another issue. Leaders would then have to ascertain whether they are using this "too much". And if they think it's an okay amount, decide if they want to maintain a separate editable email list instead of mass-emailing via LCR (yes, a pain), or work with the member to alleviate the pain. Most modern email accounts can auto-filter messages into folders, or such.

Not saying the Church couldn't/shouldn't provide better functionality, but also realizing members have means to lessen this issue if they really want. And even when the Church provides less options for doing so than we like, members still can find ways to control what's in their Inbox.

I am just a regular member, but with the volume of local ward/stake emails I am getting recently it is getting super annoying. I would REALLY REALLY REALLY LIKE TO NOT RECEIVE ANYMORE EMAILS.

You will have to take that up with your ward leadership and your stake leadership. This forum is user-to-user support and nobody here can do anything about it.

jdlessley wrote:In another thread discussing a similar topic this poster recommended a work-around. It was to prepend "no_mass_emails_" to an email address. The system would identify the email address as not valid and the message would bounce. Individual email messages could be sent by removing the prepended text to restore the valid email address.

I think it's worth pointing out that modifying the email like that will interfere with all automated emails, including from the donation system and emails from church headquarters. As such, it's not viable for any members with any level of activity.

My opinion: when generating the message via the Send A Message tool, the person sending the message has the option to select who will receive the emails. Individuals really need to make their wishes known to their local leaders because it is too easy to be lazy and click the "Send All" button. After selecting "Send All" leaders then have the option to individually deselect anyone who wishes no emails.

This puts the responsibility for being sensitive to the individual member's wishes on the local leader's shoulders, where it rightly belongs. Until such time as the coordinating councils of the church feel email preference management is worth programming time, I see no other way around reaching out to members using this tool while respecting the privacy requests of other members.

Hello there,

As of February 2021, this is still an issue. members CANNOT unsubscribe from emails sent from ward leaders. Nuking the email from the member's profile seems to be the only way.

marcel1989 wrote:members CANNOT unsubscribe from emails sent from ward leaders.

That is correct. If a member feels emails are excessive, they may discuss their concern with their leaders. Otherwise, the only option for a member is not to give their email to the Church.

There is an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of each LCR system generated email. Members can click it and update their individual email subscription preferences.

However it appears there is still no way for a clerk to update it for a member... correct? They must do through their own account.

bibbyboy85 wrote: Sun Nov 12, 2023 11:58 am However it appears there is still no way for a clerk to update it for a member... correct? They must do through their own account.

Correct. They'll need to log into their own account and re-tick the box.

I'm a ward clerk searching for a solution in 2024 and found this thread. Less active member wants to unsubscribe from ward newsletter and other emails. My choices appear to be (1) walk them through the process of changing settings to their Church account themself (which at this time in their life they're not going to be super receptive to), (2) deleting their email address from their membership record (which seems overkill), and (3) ignoring them (which seems unkind). As others have said, I suggest giving the clerk the means to do change privacy or visibility settings on behalf of members who are unable or unwilling to do them themselves. In the meantime, it looks like I will, regrettably, be deleting someone's email address from their record.

FiferED wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 8:21 am I'm a ward clerk searching for a solution in 2024 and found this thread. Less active member wants to unsubscribe from ward newsletter and other emails. My choices appear to be (1) walk them through the process of changing settings to their Church account themself (which at this time in their life they're not going to be super receptive to), (2) deleting their email address from their membership record (which seems overkill), and (3) ignoring them (which seems unkind). As others have said, I suggest giving the clerk the means to do change privacy or visibility settings on behalf of members who are unable or unwilling to do them themselves. In the meantime, it looks like I will, regrettably, be deleting someone's email address from their record.

With all due respect, you forgot option 4 (which was the only option available before the unsubscribe process was developed): Communicate their wishes to ward and stake Leaders who should manually uncheck their name from email blasts to the ward/stake before hitting the send button. And yes, it does require them to take a few minutes in their busy schedule to be kind and uncheck a few people from the list.

I know some will disagree, but in my opinion, the sender has an obligation to honor privacy wishes of recipients who don't want communication, especially communication they did not request. I believe that people have a right to be left alone without having to cancel their church membership. I know someone from a prior ward who wanted to remain a member but communication from the church made it very difficult for them due to an antagonistic nonmember spouse. In that ward, we had to consider their individual situation when communicating and ministering, but isn't that what the Savior would do? When I would send out email blasts, I would uncheck the names of a few individuals I knew disliked communication before hitting the send button - it is neither difficult nor time consuming. It also helps avoid causing disaffected members to mark the emails as spam.

I suspect the church is already aware of this, but there are 2 ways to get your suggestion into the hands of those who direct the developer's priorities:
1. Provide feedback from the Send a Message page (or any church webpage, for that matter). You can provide the link to your forum post if you don't want to retype the reasoning for the request.
2. Ask your stake president to bring the problem up in the correlation council he is a member of (with his general authority).

FiferED wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 8:21 am My choices appear to be (1) walk them through the process of changing settings to their Church account themself (which at this time in their life they're not going to be super receptive to)

I would hope that if a ward clerk offers to sit with the member and do the process together, most members would be grateful for this. I don't think there's any issues if a clerk sits with the member, and the clerk does everything with the member present and watching, except enter the password to log into the account. And then the member watches as the clerk logs out of their Church account. In any ward there will be a limited number of members in this situation, and it's a one-time effort to help each member get their settings updated with what they prefer.

If the member isn't receptive to changing their settings themselves, and would be okay if the Church had a process where the clerk could just do it for them, then the above suggestion seems to effectively accomplish that. Not as efficient as one might want, but perhaps sufficient for the member in question. There's always situations where a member comes to a leader with their Tools app and says "help, I can't figure something out", and the leader gets onto the members phone and with a couple of clicks gets it fixed. And if a home visit is needed to resolve something, then that's a great ministering opportunity.

Some of the less-active church members may not even have a Church account or if they do have one, may not remember the credentials and going through the recovery process with them might not be fun. Clerks might receive email addresses for people from organization leaders and update records without those individuals ever having created a Church account. It would be nice if a very limited set of individuals (such as Bishop, Stake President and maybe Ward Clerk and Stake Clerk) could update a member's communication preferences. Or, if the church is concerned about errant enrollment in communications by these individuals, let these individuals call the global service desk and let the service desk people make the changes. Then, at least a trained person is asking the leader why the change is being made.

mevans wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 10:15 am Some of the less-active church members may not even have a Church account or if they do have one, may not remember the credentials and going through the recovery process with them might not be fun. Clerks might receive email addresses for people from organization leaders and update records without those individuals ever having created a Church account. It would be nice if a very limited set of individuals (such as Bishop, Stake President and maybe Ward Clerk and Stake Clerk) could update a member's communication preferences. Or, if the church is concerned about errant enrollment in communications by these individuals, let these individuals call the global service desk and let the service desk people make the changes. Then, at least a trained person is asking the leader why the change is being made.

Agreed! Hopefully feedback helps push something like that along, while in the meantime we continue with our workarounds.

FiferED wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 8:21 am I'm a ward clerk searching for a solution in 2024 and found this thread. Less active member wants to unsubscribe from ward newsletter and other emails. My choices appear to be (1) walk them through the process of changing settings to their Church account themself (which at this time in their life they're not going to be super receptive to), (2) deleting their email address from their membership record (which seems overkill), and (3) ignoring them (which seems unkind). As others have said, I suggest giving the clerk the means to do change privacy or visibility settings on behalf of members who are unable or unwilling to do them themselves. In the meantime, it looks like I will, regrettably, be deleting someone's email address from their record.

If the member receives an email sent through LCR, there is an Unsubscribe link at the bottom which they can click and then unselect which categories of email they don't want to receive (Local Leader Email for ward level messages). It takes like 3 clicks and shouldn't be hard to tell them how to do it.

I am a member of the bishopric of my ward and have found my email preferences changed so that I am unsubscribing my email preferences. Today marks the third time in about a month and a half that I have gone in and found my email preferences set to unsubscribed. I am not aware of any action that I am taking to unsubscribe myself.

geneallenriggs wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 5:36 am I am a member of the bishopric of my ward and have found my email preferences changed so that I am unsubscribing my email preferences. Today marks the third time in about a month and a half that I have gone in and found my email preferences set to unsubscribed. I am not aware of any action that I am taking to unsubscribe myself.

There's an unsubscribe link in each email. Does someone else have access to your emails? Some email systems will unsubscribe you. Perhaps yours considers it spam and uses that link.