Privacy Policy
Last updated: [DATE] · DRAFT — requires counsel review
This Privacy Policy explains how New York For Everyone, Inc. [PLACEHOLDER — confirm with counsel] ("New York For Everyone," "NYFE," "we," "us," or "our"), a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, collects, uses, and shares information when you visit [WEBSITE URL] (the "Site"), fill out a form, share a story, or sign up for updates. By using the Site, you agree to this Policy.
1. Information we collect
Information you give us. When you fill out a form on the Site, we collect what you enter. Depending on the form, that may include:
- Name, email address, ZIP code, and county. Collected on the survey, sign-up, volunteer, Share Your Story, and contact forms.
- Mobile phone number. Optional on some forms.
- Survey answers. For example, which cost is affecting your family most.
- Volunteer interests. For example, knocking doors, making calls, or hosting a meeting.
- Messages you send us through the contact form or by email.
- Stories and photos you submit through Share Your Story, including any information about yourself or others that you choose to include.
- Your choices about sharing and messaging. For example, whether you let us share your story publicly and whether you opt in to text messages.
Information collected automatically. Like most websites, our hosting provider and the services we use may automatically log technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. [Describe any analytics tool if one is added; none is in use on the preview as of this draft.] We don’t use third-party advertising pixels on the Site. [Update if that changes.]
Donations. We don’t collect or store payment card information on the Site. If online giving is offered, it’ll be processed by a third-party payment processor [PROCESSOR NAME, e.g., once confirmed], whose privacy policy governs the payment information you give them. The processor may share your name, contact details, employer and occupation, and contribution details with us as needed for our records and any legal reporting obligations. [Counsel to confirm.]
2. How we use information
We use the information we collect to:
- Send you updates about our work, issues, events, and ways to get involved.
- Understand which issues matter most to New Yorkers and shape our advocacy priorities.
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers.
- Respond to your messages and requests.
- Review, verify, and (only with your permission) publicly share stories, as described below.
- Send text messages if you’ve opted in (see Section 5).
- Operate, secure, and improve the Site, and prevent spam and abuse.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms & Conditions.
3. Stories and photos
If you submit a story or photo, we’ll read and review it and may use it internally to inform our work. We’ll share your story publicly only if you check the permission box. If you check it, we may share your story, your photo (if provided), and your name on our website, social media, email, printed materials, and fundraising and advertising materials. If you don’t, we’ll use your submission internally only. We’ll use your name only as you select: full name, first name and county, or anonymous. [Andrew/Counsel: confirm whether permission also covers photos, and whether a separate photo release is required.] Before posting, we may edit a story for length or clarity, or to remove personal details. Don’t submit photos of other people, especially minors, unless you have their permission (or a parent’s or guardian’s permission). If you’d like us to stop using a story you’ve shared, contact us at the address below and we’ll stop using it in new materials. We may not be able to remove copies that have already been published or shared by others.
4. How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it:
- With service providers who help us run the Site and our programs, such as website hosting and form processing ([e.g., Netlify]), email, [form/storage provider — Andrew decision], [texting provider if any], and [payment processor if any]. They may use the information only to provide services to us.
- With allied organizations, only as permitted by law and [Counsel: confirm whether NYFE will ever share or exchange lists; if not, state "We do not share your information with other organizations for their own use."].
- For legal reasons, if required by law, subpoena, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of NYFE, our supporters, or others.
- In an organizational change, such as a merger or transfer of assets, subject to this Policy.
5. Text messages (SMS)
Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in data and consent will not be shared with or sold to third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. Phone numbers may be shared only with service providers that help us deliver messages. If you opt in, see the "Text Messaging Program" section of our Terms & Conditions for details, including how to opt out (reply STOP) and get help (reply HELP). Consent to receive texts isn’t required to sign up, volunteer, share a story, or donate. [Andrew: delete this section if NYFE won’t text. Counsel to review.]
6. Your choices
- Email: Use the unsubscribe link in any email, or contact us.
- Text: Reply STOP to any message.
- Access, correction, or deletion: Email us to ask us to update or delete your information. We’ll honor reasonable requests, subject to any records we’re required to keep by law.
- Cookies: You can set your browser to refuse cookies. Some parts of the Site may not work properly if you do.
7. Data security and retention
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we collect. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We keep information for as long as it’s needed for the purposes described here, or as required by law. [Counsel: confirm retention approach and any New York data-security obligations.]
8. Children
The Site isn’t directed to children under 13, and we don’t knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has given us personal information, contact us and we’ll delete it. [Counsel: confirm age threshold for forms and texting, e.g., 13 vs. 18.]
9. Links to other sites
The Site may link to other websites and social media platforms. We aren’t responsible for their privacy practices.
10. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. We’ll post the updated version here with a new "Last updated" date.
11. Contact us
New York For Everyone, Inc. [PLACEHOLDER — confirm with counsel]
[MAILING ADDRESS]
Email: info@nyforeveryone.org