[merrycapers]

My organization is looking to track all constituent communications (i.e. not limited to fundraising communications) in RE. I am probably going to recommend using Appeals for this purpose but haven't seen it used in this manner before, so I wanted to see if there's anyone out there already doing this.

Anyone have a snazzy communications tracking system set up in RE using any combination of Appeals, Actions, or other fields? We currently have both e-mail and snail mail communications encompassing newsletters, reports, essays and other educational-type mailings. I'm envisioning using the Appeal response field to track the data we get from our email client on click-throughs, bounces, etc. We would manage the subscription preferences using Constituent Attributes. Etcetera.

Would LOVE to hear from other organizations attempting something similar!

Thank you!
Colleen
Database Manager
Summer Search

[Melissa Siobhan]

I do not recommend using appeals. It is my opinion that appeals should be reserved for tracking communications sent from your organization from which a response in the form of a gift is likely or expected. Appeals reports are set up to handle appeals for that reason.

I would think that actions would be best used for communications of a non-solicitation nature. Action reports are better suited to report on such activity.

[SandyWilder]

I would only use the Appeal if the No.Solicited would be helpful information for you. Using the Appeal has the added benefit of easily updating the records included in the mailing on the Segment tab, even if it's not a truly "segemented" mailing. I would strongly suggest, however, if you do use it that way that you create an Appeal category called something like Communication Only so that you can easily exclude these in your Appeal reports. Many organizations use the Appeal record to track this type of information.

[hainslie]

I agree with Melissa. Our organization keeps any ask for donation under the Appeals tab and any other communication under Actions. If you are tracking email click throughs, etc., that could be updated in the Status list in Actions. Also, if you can train your major gift officers &/or development director to record every phone call or personal note in Actions, you can get a really good picture of how often your org 'touches' a constituent.

[merrycapers]

Thanks everyone! Very helpful feedback. I have just learned that we plan to include a solicitation in every communications piece (soft ask), so it looks like we may want to go the appeal route.

cM