WESTSIDE RISING

Effective Date: March 6, 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how WESTSIDE RISING ("WESTSIDE RISING," "we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, protects, and shares personal information obtained through our website: https://www.westsiderising.org

WESTSIDE RISING is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to community organizing, leadership development, civic engagement, and capacity-building for residents across Chicago's Greater West Side communities.

By accessing or using our website, signing up for communications, volunteering, submitting a survey, or participating in our programs, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect several categories of personal information through our website and digital services.

A. Information You Provide Voluntarily

When you interact with forms on our website — such as volunteer applications, employment applications, partnership inquiries, community surveys, or event sign-ups — we may collect:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing or home address
• Organization or affiliation
• Volunteer interests and availability
• Survey responses and community feedback
• Program or event participation information
• Employment history, skills, and references (for job/internship applicants)

We may also collect any additional information voluntarily submitted through contact forms, event registrations, surveys, program applications, or donation forms.

B. Email Communications and Newsletter Subscriptions

Visitors may subscribe to updates and communications from WESTSIDE RISING by submitting their email address. These communications may include:

• Community announcements and organizational news
• Program and event updates
• Volunteer opportunities
• Civic engagement and advocacy campaigns

Subscribers may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link included in our emails.

C. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain technical information may be automatically collected, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device type
• Pages visited and time spent
• Date and time of visits
• Website referral source

This information helps us improve website functionality and user experience.

D. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The WESTSIDE RISING website may use cookies and similar technologies to analyze website usage, improve performance, and measure engagement with programs and content. Users may disable cookies through their browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

WESTSIDE RISING may use collected information for the following purposes:

Organizational Operations

• Manage volunteer and program participation
• Review employment and internship applications
• Coordinate community programs, events, and initiatives
• Respond to inquiries and requests

Communication

• Send newsletters, updates, and announcements
• Notify users about events, training, or leadership programs
• Share community resources and opportunities

Community Engagement

• Coordinate outreach efforts and civic participation initiatives
• Analyze Community Voices Survey data to inform advocacy and organizing priorities
• Support program applications and participation

Website Improvement

• Analyze website performance and improve accessibility
• Understand how visitors interact with our content

Legal Compliance

• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws

4. Sharing of Personal Information

WESTSIDE RISING does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers

With trusted service providers who support our operations, such as email distribution platforms, website hosting providers, event registration systems, and data storage services (including Firebase/Google). These providers are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of personal information.

Legal Obligations

We may disclose information if required to do so by law, including in response to legal process, court orders, or government investigations.

5. Data Security

WESTSIDE RISING implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Security practices may include:

• Secure hosting environments (Google Firebase / Vercel)
• Role-based access controls for staff and authorized personnel
• Data encryption where appropriate

In the event of a data breach involving personal information, we will comply with applicable notification requirements under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to maintain volunteer and program participation records, provide requested services, meet legal or regulatory obligations, and support organizational reporting. When data is no longer required, it may be securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Third-Party Links

The WESTSIDE RISING website may include links to third-party organizations or community resources. These external websites operate independently and maintain their own privacy policies. WESTSIDE RISING is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If we become aware that personal information from a child under 13 has been collected without verifiable parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Request access to personal information collected about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt out of email communications at any time

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

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

WESTSIDE RISING may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in law, website improvements, or operational updates. Any revisions will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

11. Contact Information

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or requests related to your personal data, please contact us: