MEMBERS ONLY

PRIVACY POLICY

The Sons of the Republic of Texas (“SRT”) values and respects the privacy of each of its members. We never knowingly keep your driver’s license or social security numbers. Should your social security number, driver’s license number, or any other sensitive personal information that you do not want divulged, be on an application, it is your responsibility to remove it before submitting.


Your name and home address are released to SRT District Representatives, chapter presidents, and to other SRT members. Our communication operations require the need to have your name and address in our records. SRT applications are digitized and put on a DVD; these DVDs are in the public domain. By submitting your application for membership, you acknowledge acceptance of this policy.


Since one of the goals of the SRT is to promote and facilitate genealogical research, all information contained in your membership application is open to the public. Except for some family Bible information, all of the information you use to compile your application is available from public sources.

 IT POLICY

   A. Purposes:

The purposes of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, Inc. (“SRT”) and chapter websites, social media sites, electronic newsletters, and emails are:

  1. To provide accurate and current information about the SRT, its services and activities.

  2. To encourage participation of members, groups and the public in the SRT and chapter activities and events.

  3. To provide contact information and assistance, by including the Executive Committee members, district representatives, chapter officers, and the SRT calendar, including website and email links.

  4. Promote the purpose, mission and goals of the SRT.

B. Definitions:

"Domain Name": An identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control on the Internet. Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System (DNS). (Ex. www.srttexas.org – in this example, “srttexas.org” is the domain name)

"Internet Presence": Any domain or IP address listed and/or published on the worldwide web (WWW) using any sort of programming code.

"IP": Internet Protocol address – assigned to each computer registered on the network.

"Social Media Sites": include, but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn, or any other form of electronic internet presence meant to promote the SRT.

"SRT": The Sons of the Republic of Texas

C. Internet Presence:

The SRT encourages chapters to create and maintain World Wide Web and social media sites, electronic newsletters, and emails to promote the purpose, mission, and goals of the SRT as set forth in the SRT Constitution and Bylaws. Chapter websites, social media sites, electronic newsletters, and emails are avenues for educating and providing information to its members and the public.

D. Contact:

The content of the chapter websites, posts on any social media sites, electronic newsletters, emails, and any link(s) are strictly controlled by this policy.

  1. The only official position of the SRT on any issue is that of the Executive Committee. Any other statement issued by any chapter or member is a personal opinion and shall not be styled as an “official SRT” position.

  2. At no time shall personal politics, commercial enterprises, controversial, political and/or issues not authorized by the Executive Committee be posted or displayed.

  3. Commercial or personal advertising of any sort is not permitted on any chapter website or social media sites, electronic newsletters, or emails, unless approved by the Executive Committee.

  4. Chapters or members may not use the SRT’s websites or social media sites to link or otherwise access their personal pages, other servers, or online services.

E. Trademark and Copyrights:

  1. Chapters must not violate the SRT's copyright(s), trademark(s), service mark(s), or other intellectual property rights.

  2. A picture, image, or document available on the Internet does not mean that the item is not protected by copyright laws; obtain permission from the owner prior to publishing the item.

F. Administrative Rights:

To protect the interests of the SRT, the Executive Committee or a selected committee shall contact the President General to report any perceived problem.

 G. Authority:

  1. The Executive Committee shall be the final authority on all matters related to this policy.

  2. Situations not addressed in this policy shall be reviewed by or referred to by the Executive Committee for vote/approval.

  3. It is not the intent of this policy to interfere with the normal day-to-day operations of a chapter’s website or social media sites. Chapter presidents/members are encouraged to promote, add, and maintain their own chapter’s social media.

H. Official Links and Documents:

  1. The only official website of the SRT is located at http://www.srttexas.org.

  2. All chapter websites or social media pages shall contain a link which references back to the main SRT website.

  3. Any reference to the authorized SRT membership applications (PDF or Word format) shall be made via a link to the main SRT website. Membership applications shall not be posted to chapter websites or social media sites; applications change from time to time, and allowing multiple sites to have applications posted on them may result in wrong versions being available on the Internet.

  4. Carefully review all links made to chapter websites or social media sites; some links auto forwarded to sites do not represent the best interest of the SRT.

I. Newsletters:

The SRT encourages all chapters to utilize and maintain electronic newsletters. All electronic newsletters shall be subject to this policy.

J. Email:

  1. When sending out "bulk" emails, it’s imperative    that all people addressed in the email wish to be a recipient of bulk SRT emails; current federal commerce laws require a link with the ability to "opt out" of bulk emails. The following is an example of a paragraph that should be added to the bottom of bulk emails:

"This email was sent to you by XX Chapter of The Sons of the Republic of Texas. If you no longer wish to receive emails of this nature, please click here (hot link placed here) or email us at XX@XXchapterSRT.org."

If someone requests removal from the email distribution, promptly remove the address, and notify the requestor that the address has been removed.

  1. Do not use an email address from the SRT containing a member's name or title with the SRT, or in any other manner that appears to be an "official" SRT document for personal opinions, or to solicit personal, commercial or non-profit issues.

K. Violations:

The SRT reserves all rights allowed by law to enforce this policy, including those rights given by its Constitution and Bylaws.