Data Privacy Policy
Effective Date: December 2024
Alabama Forward (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the data collected through our civic, issue-based, and community-focused efforts. This Data Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information and ensures compliance with our values and legal obligations. It also addresses procedures in the event of a security incident and data destruction.
- Data Collection
We collect personal data, as described below and hereinafter referred to as “Data”, exclusively to support our mission of fostering civic engagement, issue-based advocacy, and community-centered initiatives. This Data enables us to communicate effectively, tailor our programs to meet community needs, and measure the impact of our efforts.
Purposes for Data Collection
Civic Engagement
- Identifying and contacting eligible voters to provide 501(c)3-compliant, election-related information.
- Supporting voter registration, education, and turnout initiatives.
- Monitoring engagement levels to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
Issue-Based Advocacy
- Identifying community priorities and raising awareness about critical issues.
- Engaging supporters in advocacy campaigns, petitions, or calls to action.
- Conducting personalized communications and updates based on expressed interests.
Community-Focused Initiatives
- Coordinating events, forums, and programs that promote civic participation.
- Identifying and fostering relationships with community leaders and volunteers.
- Collecting feedback to improve future initiatives and outreach strategies.
Types of Data Collected
Contact Information
- Full name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
- Social media handles (if provided voluntarily).
Demographic Information
- Age range, gender, and language preferences (where relevant).
- Residency details to ensure appropriate geographic targeting.
Civic and Advocacy Interests
- Voting history
- Advocacy interests, such as support for specific issues or campaigns.
Engagement and Participation Data
- Attendance at events, rallies, meetings, or training sessions.
- Responses to surveys, petitions, or other advocacy actions.
- Volunteer roles, skills, and availability.
Other Information
- Photos, testimonials, or stories shared voluntarily by members for advocacy purposes.
- Feedback on organizational programs, events, or campaigns.
Data is Collected Through
- Direct interactions, such as canvassing, forms, surveys, and event registrations.
- Participation in programs, events, and volunteer activities.
- Publicly available sources, such as voter registration rolls or social media (in compliance with applicable laws).
- Interactions with our website or digital tools, including email communications or text message campaigns.
2. Data Use
The Data we collect is used exclusively for the following purposes
- Facilitating communication regarding community programs, civic efforts, and issue-based advocacy.
- Tracking and analyzing engagement to improve our outreach strategies.
- Reporting aggregate Data (without personally identifiable information) to stakeholders or partners to measure the impact of our initiatives.
Important: Data collected by us is not used for any commercial purposes and is never sold to third parties.
3. Data Sharing
Data sharing will be limited to the following
- Aggregated or anonymized Data used for analysis, reporting, or strategy development.
- Necessary Data shared to execute shared projects or initiatives in alignment with our goals.
We ensure that all partners use the data solely for non-commercial, mission-driven purposes.
4. Member-to-Member Data Sharing
If a member of Alabama Forward wishes to share their collected Data with another member, both parties must enter into a formal Data Sharing Agreement before any information is exchanged.
This agreement must
- Clearly outline the Data being shared and its intended use.
- Ensure that the shared Data is used solely for the approved purposes.
- Prohibit further sharing or commercial use of the Data by the receiving member.
All parties are required to sign and agree to the terms of this agreement, which must be approved by Alabama Forward prior to implementation.
5. Data Storage and Security
All Data is securely stored and managed in compliance with applicable data protection regulations.
- Data is primarily stored within systems operated by our national partners, who are subject to the same privacy standards outlined in this Policy.
- Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel and partners who require it for approved purposes.
6. Membership and Data Sharing
As a member of Alabama Forward, sharing your organization’s Data is a condition of membership and participation in our programs. This Data sharing is necessary to fulfill our mission and ensure the effectiveness of our civic, issue-based, and community-focused efforts.
By providing your Data, you acknowledge that it will be used in accordance with this Policy. Members who cannot or do not wish to share the required Data may not be able to fully participate in the organization’s programs, as these data-sharing practices are integral to our mission and operations.
Members whose data we collect have the following rights:
- Access: You may request access to your Data.
- Correction: You may request corrections to any inaccuracies in your Data.
- Deletion: You may request the deletion of your Data, except where retention is required by law or essential to our operations.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at datateam@alforward.org. All requests must be in writing and must provide a reason for the request.
7. Transparency and Accountability
We are committed to maintaining transparency in how we collect, use, and share your Data. Any changes to this Policy will be communicated promptly and made available on our website.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this Policy, please reach out to us at datateam@alforward.org.
8. Policy Updates
This Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices, laws, or community needs. The latest version will always be accessible on our website.
9. Use of Organizational Technology and Tools
As a member or participant of Alabama Forward, you may be granted access to certain technologies, tools, or platforms to support your involvement in civic, issue-based, or community-focused activities.
Monitoring for Compliance
To ensure that our technologies and tools are used in accordance with our policies and for their intended purposes, Alabama Forward reserves the right to monitor activities within these systems. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Reviewing actions taken within tools, such as communication logs, data input, and report generation.
- Auditing the use of organizational resources to ensure compliance with policies and legal requirements.
- Identifying and addressing potential misuse, unauthorized access, or violations of our data privacy or security standards.
Scope of Monitoring
Monitoring activities will be limited to those necessary to:
- Protect the integrity and security of our tools and platforms.
- Ensure compliance with our mission-driven objectives and ethical guidelines.
- Detect and prevent any behavior that could jeopardize the organization’s goals, reputation, or data security.
Transparency in Monitoring
Monitoring will be conducted with respect for members’ privacy and limited to activities within the tools and platforms provided by Alabama Forward. Personal data unrelated to these activities will not be monitored.
By using our technology and tools, you acknowledge and consent to such monitoring for compliance purposes. Any violations identified through monitoring may result in restricted access to tools, revocation of membership privileges, or further action as deemed necessary by Alabama Forward.
10. Disposal and Destruction
When Data will no longer be used or is not needed, Alabama Forward will dispose of or destroy such Data in such a manner as to ensure that its contents are rendered unusable and/or inaccessible. If a third party is used for destruction or disposal, Alabama Forward will ensure that such party has adequate controls and experience with regards to the handling and disposal of confidential information.
Alabama Forward will ensure that all Data, including any Data accessible by remote access, and all backup Data, when applicable, is permanently and irretrievably deleted, or otherwise securely disposed of, when such systems or media will no longer be used, whether by Alabama Forward or otherwise.
Any portable devices containing Data will be returned for disposal.
11. Incident Notification
An “incident” means the acquisition, access, use or disclosure of Data in a manner not permitted under applicable law.
When Alabama Forward, through one of its employees or contractors, knows, or reasonably believes, that an incident has occurred or is likely to occur, he or she must immediately report the breach or potential breach to the Data Team at datateam@alforward.org.
After an incident is reported, Alabama Forward will conduct a thorough investigation, which includes an analysis to determine whether a reportable incident has occurred. As part of the investigation, Alabama Forward will take all necessary steps to mitigate any known harm. The details of the investigation will be documented in a memorandum that is kept on file. Alabama Forward will determine whether any state law notifications are required.
12. Acknowledgment and Consent
By providing your data to Alabama Forward, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Policy and recognize that sharing your data is a required condition of membership.
Data Privacy Policy
Effective Date: December 2024
Alabama Forward (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the data collected through our civic, issue-based, and community-focused efforts. This Data Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information and ensures compliance with our values and legal obligations. It also addresses procedures in the event of a security incident and data destruction.
- Data Collection
We collect personal data, as described below and hereinafter referred to as “Data”, exclusively to support our mission of fostering civic engagement, issue-based advocacy, and community-centered initiatives. This Data enables us to communicate effectively, tailor our programs to meet community needs, and measure the impact of our efforts.
Purposes for Data Collection
- Civic Engagement
- Identifying and contacting eligible voters to provide 501(c)3-compliant, election-related information.
- Supporting voter registration, education, and turnout initiatives.
- Monitoring engagement levels to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
- Issue-Based Advocacy
- Identifying community priorities and raising awareness about critical issues.
- Engaging supporters in advocacy campaigns, petitions, or calls to action.
- Conducting personalized communications and updates based on expressed interests.
- Community-Focused Initiatives
- Coordinating events, forums, and programs that promote civic participation.
- Identifying and fostering relationships with community leaders and volunteers.
- Collecting feedback to improve future initiatives and outreach strategies.
Types of Data Collected
- Contact Information
- Full name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
- Social media handles (if provided voluntarily).
- Demographic Information
- Age range, gender, and language preferences (where relevant).
- Residency details to ensure appropriate geographic targeting.
- Civic and Advocacy Interests
- Voting history
- Advocacy interests, such as support for specific issues or campaigns.
- Engagement and Participation Data
- Attendance at events, rallies, meetings, or training sessions.
- Responses to surveys, petitions, or other advocacy actions.
- Volunteer roles, skills, and availability.
- Other Information
- Photos, testimonials, or stories shared voluntarily by members for advocacy purposes.
- Feedback on organizational programs, events, or campaigns.
Data is Collected Through
- Direct interactions, such as canvassing, forms, surveys, and event registrations.
- Participation in programs, events, and volunteer activities.
- Publicly available sources, such as voter registration rolls or social media (in compliance with applicable laws).
- Interactions with our website or digital tools, including email communications or text message campaigns.
- Data Use
The Data we collect is used exclusively for the following purposes
- Facilitating communication regarding community programs, civic efforts, and issue-based advocacy.
- Tracking and analyzing engagement to improve our outreach strategies.
- Reporting aggregate Data (without personally identifiable information) to stakeholders or partners to measure the impact of our initiatives.
Important: Data collected by us is not used for any commercial purposes and is never sold to third parties.
- Data Sharing
Data sharing will be limited to the following
- Aggregated or anonymized Data used for analysis, reporting, or strategy development.
- Necessary Data shared to execute shared projects or initiatives in alignment with our goals.
We ensure that all partners use the data solely for non-commercial, mission-driven purposes.
- Member-to-Member Data Sharing
If a member of Alabama Forward wishes to share their collected Data with another member, both parties must enter into a formal Data Sharing Agreement before any information is exchanged.
This agreement must
- Clearly outline the Data being shared and its intended use.
- Ensure that the shared Data is used solely for the approved purposes.
- Prohibit further sharing or commercial use of the Data by the receiving member.
All parties are required to sign and agree to the terms of this agreement, which must be approved by Alabama Forward prior to implementation.
- Data Storage and Security
All Data is securely stored and managed in compliance with applicable data protection regulations.
- Data is primarily stored within systems operated by our national partners, who are subject to the same privacy standards outlined in this Policy.
- Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel and partners who require it for approved purposes.
- Membership and Data Sharing
As a member of Alabama Forward, sharing your organization’s Data is a condition of membership and participation in our programs. This Data sharing is necessary to fulfill our mission and ensure the effectiveness of our civic, issue-based, and community-focused efforts.
By providing your Data, you acknowledge that it will be used in accordance with this Policy. Members who cannot or do not wish to share the required Data may not be able to fully participate in the organization’s programs, as these data-sharing practices are integral to our mission and operations.
Members whose data we collect have the following rights:
- Access: You may request access to your Data.
- Correction: You may request corrections to any inaccuracies in your Data.
- Deletion: You may request the deletion of your Data, except where retention is required by law or essential to our operations.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at datateam@alforward.org. All requests must be in writing and must provide a reason for the request.
- Transparency and Accountability
We are committed to maintaining transparency in how we collect, use, and share your Data. Any changes to this Policy will be communicated promptly and made available on our website.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this Policy, please reach out to us at [insert contact information].
- Policy Updates
This Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices, laws, or community needs. The latest version will always be accessible on our website.
- Use of Organizational Technology and Tools
As a member or participant of Alabama Forward, you may be granted access to certain technologies, tools, or platforms to support your involvement in civic, issue-based, or community-focused activities.
Monitoring for Compliance
To ensure that our technologies and tools are used in accordance with our policies and for their intended purposes, Alabama Forward reserves the right to monitor activities within these systems. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Reviewing actions taken within tools, such as communication logs, data input, and report generation.
- Auditing the use of organizational resources to ensure compliance with policies and legal requirements.
- Identifying and addressing potential misuse, unauthorized access, or violations of our data privacy or security standards.
Scope of Monitoring
Monitoring activities will be limited to those necessary to:
- Protect the integrity and security of our tools and platforms.
- Ensure compliance with our mission-driven objectives and ethical guidelines.
- Detect and prevent any behavior that could jeopardize the organization’s goals, reputation, or data security.
Transparency in Monitoring
Monitoring will be conducted with respect for members’ privacy and limited to activities within the tools and platforms provided by Alabama Forward. Personal data unrelated to these activities will not be monitored.
By using our technology and tools, you acknowledge and consent to such monitoring for compliance purposes. Any violations identified through monitoring may result in restricted access to tools, revocation of membership privileges, or further action as deemed necessary by Alabama Forward.
- Disposal and Destruction
When Data will no longer be used or is not needed, Alabama Forward will dispose of or destroy such Data in such a manner as to ensure that its contents are rendered unusable and/or inaccessible. If a third party is used for destruction or disposal, Alabama Forward will ensure that such party has adequate controls and experience with regards to the handling and disposal of confidential information.
Alabama Forward will ensure that all Data, including any Data accessible by remote access, and all backup Data, when applicable, is permanently and irretrievably deleted, or otherwise securely disposed of, when such systems or media will no longer be used, whether by Alabama Forward or otherwise.
Any portable devices containing Data will be returned for disposal.
- Incident Notification
An “incident” means the acquisition, access, use or disclosure of Data in a manner not permitted under applicable law.
When Alabama Forward, through one of its employees or contractors, knows, or reasonably believes, that an incident has occurred or is likely to occur, he or she must immediately report the breach or potential breach to the Data Team at datateam@alforward.org.
After an incident is reported, Alabama Forward will conduct a thorough investigation, which includes an analysis to determine whether a reportable incident has occurred. As part of the investigation, Alabama Forward will take all necessary steps to mitigate any known harm. The details of the investigation will be documented in a memorandum that is kept on file. Alabama Forward will determine whether any state law notifications are required.
- Acknowledgment and Consent
By providing your data to Alabama Forward, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Policy and recognize that sharing your data is a required condition of membership.