My Family Porch text messages
My Family Porch sends a few helpful texts to set up recording and a gentle reminder when it's time for the next story. Here is exactly how the program works, how each person agrees to receive it, and how to stop at any time.
How people opt in
Consent is first-party everywhere: each person agrees to receive texts at their own number. No one opts in on someone else's behalf, and no automated message reaches a storyteller until they have personally agreed.
1 — The family member opts in for their own number. After creating an account at myfamilyporch.net, they enter their own mobile number and check a consent box. We text that number a one-time verification link; tapping it confirms the number and records their opt-in. The exact wording of that box is:
“Yes, text me at this number. I agree to receive automated, recurring texts from My Family Porch to help set up and record my family's stories. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP anytime to opt out, HELP for help.”
2 — The family member invites their storyteller. They add the storyteller and copy a short invitation, which they send from their own phone as an ordinary personal text message. That message is person-to-person — it is not sent by our system and is not part of this automated program.
3 — The storyteller opts in themselves on their own page. The invitation link opens an authorization page on the storyteller's phone that explains the program, confirms their name and number, and asks them to opt in — in the first person. Only their own tap turns messaging on. The exact wording of that opt-in is:
“Yes, text me at this number so I can record my stories. I agree to receive automated, recurring texts from My Family Porch. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP anytime to opt out, HELP for help.”
Consent disclosures and the opt-in page are shown in the recipient's language (English or Spanish), and the exact wording shown at the moment of consent is recorded for each person.
What the opt-in looks like
Consent is collected in two places, and each person opts in for their own number. Here is exactly what each of them sees.
Sample messages
These are the automated messages the program sends. Variable parts appear in [brackets]; every link points to myfamilyporch.net — we never use third-party link shorteners. Messages may be sent in English or Spanish to match the recipient's chosen language.
My Family Porch: Tap to verify your number and finish setup: https://myfamilyporch.net/verify/[unique-code]
You'll get texts to help set up your storyteller.
Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
My Family Porch: Thanks [Name]! You're all set to record your stories — we'll text you when it's time to start.
Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to stop, HELP for help.
My Family Porch: Hi [Name], it's [Family member] — tap here to tell me a story
https://myfamilyporch.net/s/[unique-code]
Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help
My Family Porch: Great news — [Name] is all set up and ready to start recording their stories. We'll let you know as new stories come in.
Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to stop, HELP for help.
Not part of this program: the storyteller invitation (“Hi [Name], I set up something so you can record your life stories just by talking… Tap here to start: myfamilyporch.net/c/[unique-code]”) is a personal text the family member sends from their own phone — person-to-person, not an automated message from us.
Stopping, help, and resubscribing
- Reply STOP at any time (English or Spanish keywords, and plain-language requests like “please stop texting me” are honored). You'll get one confirmation and no further messages.
- Reply HELP for program info and support contact.
- After a STOP, reply START to resubscribe. START never turns on messages for someone who never opted in.
Program details
- Program name: My Family Porch reminders.
- Message frequency: recurring, up to 1 message per day (typically a few per week or fewer).
- Message and data rates may apply. Charges depend on your mobile carrier and plan.
- To stop: reply STOP at any time.
- For help: reply HELP, or email support@myfamilyporch.net.
- We do not share, sell, or otherwise provide your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in and consent information to any third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
- Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Full details are in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.