BY DEBORAH S. MORRIS - Newsday, Inc.
STAFF WRITER
August 26, 2004
Oops! A welcome e-mail that was sent to hundreds of volunteers for the
Republican National Convention inadvertently included the name, address, Social
Security number, race and other personal information of those volunteers.
The e-mail, with a subject header of "Transportation Volunteer Information -
Final Email Before Your Arrival to NYC," was sent out yesterday across the
country and apparently was to serve as a checklist for transportation
volunteers' arrival on Saturday.
At the end of the e-mail, two attachments, which when opened, display private
information such as volunteers' home, work and mobile phone numbers as well as
their birthdates, rooming information and other personal information. The
information, if it landed in the wrong hands, would be a security concern.
"The attachment was inadvertent," Leonardo Alcivar, spokesman for the Republican
National Convention, said yesterday. "As a precaution, security [personnel] has
been alerted and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the
integrity of anyone listed."
He would not say how many people received the e-mail.
Outlined in the e-mail was the protocol for coordinating with the transportation
volunteer manager upon arrival, as well as a suggestion to wear comfortable
shoes and attire during their four-day stint.
In a nod toward tourism, the letter also suggests volunteers should "enjoy all
that New York City has to offer - restaurants, shopping, etc." The letter ends
with a hearty thank you to the volunteers for offering their time and
assistance.
According to the convention Web site, more than 18,000 people applied to
volunteer at the convention to help out in transportation, information services,
hospitality and special events.