Prior to transmission, distribution list data associated with a user-defined distribution list can be embedded within an electronic message. The recipients of the electronic message should be members of an electronic communications system. The distribution list data can include a copy of the user-defined distribution list or a reference to a storage location containing the user-defined distribution list where access control policies can be applied. The electronic message can be conveyed to the recipients. In response to the user-selection of a user-defined distribution list during presentation of the electronic message, the recipient can be presented with distribution list options within a user interface. The distribution list options can represent actions to be performed upon the contents of the user-selected user-defined distribution list. Prior to execution of a user-selected distribution list option, the contents of the user-selected user-defined distribution list can be accessed using the embedded distribution list data.