Last Updated: July 30, 2025

At Silica, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our website visitors, volunteers, and partners. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us. When the terms "we," "our," "us," or other self-referencing notions are utilized, it refers to Silica.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information from you in various ways, including, but not limited to, when you:

• Register as a volunteer or partner.
• Sign up for our newsletter or updates.
• Contact us through forms or email.
• Participate in surveys or events.

The types of personal information we may collect include:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address.
• Demographic Information: Age (especially for volunteer eligibility), gender (optional).
• Volunteer-Specific Information: Availability, transportation details, emergency contact information, parental consent (for minors).
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and dates/times of access. This is typically collected via cookies and analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve our website and services.
• Process volunteer registrations and manage volunteer shifts.
• Facilitate food rescue operations and coordinate with partners.
• Process donations and provide receipts.
• Send you updates, newsletters, and information about our programs and events.
• Respond to your inquiries and provide support.
• Analyze website usage and trends to enhance user experience.
• Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal identification information to others. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, email delivery, payment processing, analytics). These providers are obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
• Food Banks/Partners: Limited, relevant information (e.g., volunteer names for pickup coordination) may be shared with our food bank and business partners to facilitate food rescue operations.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or if we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

5. Your Choices and Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including the right to:

• Access, update, or correct your information.
• Opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us.
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and operational requirements).
• Object to certain processing activities.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

6. Children's Privacy

Silica is committed to protecting the privacy of children. While we welcome minor volunteers, we require explicit parental or guardian consent for any volunteer under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

7. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy applies only to Silica's website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after any changes signifies your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our practices, or your personal information, please contact us at:

inquire@silicavolunteer.org