SMS Privacy Policy

At the Arusha Centre, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data specifically related to our SMS and texting services. This covers all of our programs including but not limited to Repair Exchange Calgary, Calgary Dollars, Take Action Grants, Arusha Climate and the Wheel of Wisdoms. 

1. Transparency in Data Collection

We collect specific personal information when you opt-in to receive SMS communications from us. This may include:

  • First and Last name: To personalize content and improve support.

  • Phone Number and Email: To send messages and verify your identity.

  • Message Content: To maintain a history of our interactions and provide better support.

  • Opt-in Data: Records of when and how you consented to receive messages.

  • Call/Message Logs: Meta-data such as timestamps and delivery status.

2. How We Use Your Data

The data collected through our SMS service is used for the following purposes:

  • Sending informational updates, alerts, or requested services.

  • Account verification and security (e.g., Two-Factor Authentication).

  • Providing customer support and responding to inquiries.

  • Processing and routing messages through our service provider, Twilio, via Action Network.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or lease your phone numbers or messaging data to third parties for marketing purposes. Data is only shared under the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: We share data with Twilio via Action Network, our primary communications platform, to facilitate the delivery of SMS/MMS messages.

  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the safety and rights of our organization and users.

4. Data Security Measures

We take the security of your data seriously. To prevent unauthorized access or disclosure, we and our service providers (Twilio, Action Network) employ industry-standard security protocols, including:

  • Encryption: Data is encrypted during transit and at rest where applicable.

  • Access Controls: Only authorized personnel with a legitimate business need can access messaging logs.

  • Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your data and how we contact you:

  • Opt-Out: You can stop receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message we send.

  • Access and Deletion: You may request to view, correct, or delete the personal data we have collected by contacting us at gerald(at)arusha.org or 403-270-3200.

  • Help: For more information or assistance, you can reply HELP to our messages.

6. Twilio’s Privacy Practices

We utilize Twilio as a third-party data processor to send our SMS communications. Twilio processes your data on our behalf and is bound by strict privacy and security obligations. For more details on how Twilio handles data, please review the Twilio Privacy Policy.

7. Policy Updates and Notifications

We may update this SMS Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by:

  • Updating the "Last Revised" date at the bottom of this policy.

  • Sending a one-time SMS notification or email if deemed necessary.

Last Revised: January 20, 2026