How to remove yourself from charity mailing lists
The never-ending battle against unwanted charity mailings! Here are some steps to help you remove yourself from charity mailing lists:
- Contact the charity directly: Look for a "Donor Services" or "Donor Relations" department on the charity's website or contact page. Reach out to them via phone, email, or mail, and ask to be removed from their mailing list. Be prepared to provide your name and address.
- Use the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Mail Preference Service: The DMA is a non-profit organization that helps consumers opt-out of unwanted mailings. You can register online or by mail to have your name removed from charity mailing lists. The service costs $5 for a one-time registration or $10 for a three-year registration.
- Use the National Do Not Mail List: The National Do Not Mail List is a free service that allows you to register your name and address to stop unwanted mailings. While it's not specifically designed for charity mailings, it can still help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
- Check with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC has a website where you can report unwanted mailings and request to be removed from charity mailing lists.
- Use online opt-out tools: Some charities offer online opt-out tools on their websites. Look for a "Donor Services" or "Unsubscribe" link and follow the instructions.
- Contact the Direct Marketing Association of Canada (DMA Canada): If you're receiving mailings from Canadian charities, you can contact DMA Canada to request removal from their mailing lists.
- Report unwanted mailings to the charity: If you're receiving mailings from a charity and you've already asked to be removed, report the mailing to the charity's donor services department. They should investigate and take action to remove your name from their list.
Remember to be patient and persistent when trying to remove yourself from charity mailing lists. It may take some time and effort, but it's worth it to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.
Additional tips:
- Be cautious when donating to charities, as some may share your information with other organizations.
- Consider using a PO box or mail forwarding service to reduce the amount of mail you receive.
- Keep in mind that some charities may still send you mailings even after you've requested to be removed, as they may have already printed and mailed materials before your request was processed.