Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list
• Participate in surveys or research studies
• Register for events or webinars
• Contact us with questions or feedback
• Submit content or comments on our website
• Make a donation or contribution

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Demographic information (age, location, occupation, education level)
• Professional affiliations and areas of interest
• Survey responses and research participation data
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Any other information you choose to provide

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including:

• IP address and general location information
• Browser type and version
• Operating system and device information
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of your visit

This information is collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies, as described in more detail below.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve our services: Including sending newsletters, research findings, and policy updates that you've requested
• To conduct research and analysis: Understanding public opinion on policy issues, identifying areas of consensus, and developing evidence-based policy recommendations
• To communicate with you: Responding to your inquiries, providing information about our work, and engaging you in our mission
• To personalize your experience: Tailoring content and communications to your interests and preferences
• To organize events and programs: Managing registrations, sending event information, and facilitating participation
• To process donations: Acknowledging contributions and providing tax receipts as required by law
• To improve our website: Analyzing usage patterns, identifying technical issues, and enhancing user experience
• To protect our rights: Preventing fraud, enforcing our terms of use, and complying with legal obligations

3. How We Share Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our community, such as:

• Email marketing and communication platforms
• Website hosting and analytics providers
• Payment processors for donations
• Research and survey platforms
• Event management services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

Research and Collaboration

We may share aggregated, anonymized data with research partners, academic institutions, or other policy organizations to advance understanding of public policy issues. This data cannot be used to identify individual participants.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court, government agency, or law enforcement).

Business Transfers

If The Meridian Accord is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS technology
• Secure storage of personal information on protected servers
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant third-party processors

However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Essential Cookies: Enable core website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Track your browsing habits to provide relevant content

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, please note that some features of our website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

You have the right to access, update, or correct your personal information. You can do this by contacting us at the email address provided below.

Opt-Out of Communications

You can opt out of receiving promotional emails from us by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email we send. Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you important administrative messages.

Data Deletion

You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (e.g., where we are required to retain information for legal or research purposes). To request deletion, please contact us using the information provided below.

Do Not Track

Some web browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can manage your cookie preferences as described above.

7. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, or other online services. This Privacy Policy applies only to The Meridian Accord website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information as soon as possible. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. International Users

The Meridian Accord is based in the United States. If you are accessing our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where our servers are located and our database is operated. By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or other jurisdictions with specific data protection laws, you may have additional rights under applicable law, including the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal data. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

10. Research Participation

When you participate in our research studies, surveys, or polls, we collect your responses to help inform our policy analysis and recommendations. Your participation is voluntary, and you may choose not to answer any question.

Research data may be published in aggregated, anonymized form in our reports, publications, and public communications. Individual responses are kept confidential and are not shared in a way that would identify you personally, unless you have provided explicit consent for your information to be used in a specific manner.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of our website after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

13. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• Right to Know: You can request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you
• Right to Delete: You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions
• Right to Opt-Out: You can opt out of the sale of your personal information (note: we do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided above. We will verify your identity before processing your request.