How To Send Text Messages from Argenta

A comprehensive guide for configuring and sending SMS communications to your constituents.

Overview

Argenta partners with Twilio to provide safe and secure SMS (text message) communication. Sending text messages is an effective way to reach your supporters, and Argenta ensures compliance by only sending messages to people who have opted in. 

• Before sending a message the system uses the Twilio API to first check if the recipient phone number has unsubscribed.
• If the number is unsubscribed, the method returns immediately without sending the message.
• If not unsubscribed, the message is sent.

Prerequisites: Connecting Your Twilio Account

You must have an approved Twilio account before you can send text messages within Argenta.

1. Navigate to the Mail Room: From the Argenta Dashboard, select **Communication**, then **Mail Room** from the main menu.
   
   
2. Open the **Send Text Messages** tab.
   
   
3. Connect Twilio: After signing up for Twilio, click the **Connect Twilio** button in Argenta.
   
   
4. Enter Credentials: Enter the three required pieces of information provided by Twilio:
   • Account ID
   • Auth Token
   • Phone Number (used for sending messages)
     
     
5. Click the **Save** button. The interface will update to indicate that Twilio is connected, and you are ready to proceed.

Sending a Text Message

You can send messages to a single constituent or to a pre-saved Mail Room Text List.

To a Single Constituent

1. In the "Send Text Messages" tab, type the message you wish to send.
2. Click the **Send to a constituent** button.
3. Begin typing the recipient's name and select them from the search results.
4. Click the **Send text to this constituent** button.
5. The system will provide a notification confirming successful transmission.

To a Mail Room Text List

1. In the "Send Text Messages" tab, type the message you wish to send.
2. Click the **Send to a text list** button.
3. From the dropdown, select the desired list (only text-eligible lists will appear).
4. Review the list details to confirm the opted-in recipients.
5. Click the **Send text to this list** button.
6. The system will provide a notification confirming successful transmission.

3. Notes on Mail Room Text Lists

Mail Room Text Lists are crucial for segmenting and targeting your communications.

• List Creation: Lists are created from your existing constituent lists (e.g., volunteers, donors, members) using a **bulk action** option.
• Filtering: Use specific filters on your constituent records to precisely segment your audience before generating a new list.
• Opt-Outs: Constituents who have explicitly **opted out** of receiving communications are automatically **excluded** from these lists to maintain compliance.
• Management: You can manage and review your saved lists in the Mail Room under the **Manage Mailing Lists** section.