Why Two Versions?
Because Transparency Matters.

At the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, we believe privacy policies shouldn’t require a law degree to understand. That’s why we’ve created two versions of each section in this policy:

• The User-Friendly Version explains things in plain language — with a touch of personality — so you can quickly understand how we handle your information.

• The Strict Version follows a more formal, legal tone. It’s there to be complete, accurate, and compliant with privacy best practices.

We include both because you deserve clarity and accountability. Whether you’re just browsing or actively supporting our work, your trust means everything to us — and that starts with being honest about how we collect, use, and protect your data.

📬 What We Collect
User-Friendly Version:
We don’t want to know your life story — promise. But when you sign up for our newsletter, fill out a contact form, or donate to support clean air and water in the Valley, we do collect things like your name, email, and (if you donate) payment info via our trusted partner, Zeffy. If you just browse our site? We might get some anonymous info through tools like Google Analytics and Wix — basically, nerdy stuff that helps us make the website better.
We never sell your info. Ever. Because that’s not cool — and it’s not what we’re about.
 
Strict Version:
We collect personally identifiable information (PII), such as your name and email address, when voluntarily submitted through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or donation activity. Donation-related data is securely processed via our third-party payment processor, Zeffy, and is not stored by SLVEC.
We also collect non-personally identifiable information through analytics tools (Google Analytics and Wix Analytics), such as device type, browser, and general geographic location, to improve website performance. We do not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties for commercial purposes.

 

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📈 Cookies & Analytics
User-Friendly Version:
Cookies — not the chocolate chip kind — help us understand how visitors interact with our website. Tools like Google Analytics and Wix Analytics tell us things like what pages are popular and where folks are clicking (anonymously, of course).

We may also have embedded videos or social media posts, and those platforms may use their own cookies. Basically: we’re not tracking you, we’re tracking trends.

Strict Version:
We utilize cookies and similar technologies to collect anonymous usage data, including page visits, referral sources, and session duration. This helps us assess website functionality and improve user experience.
Third-party services, such as Google Analytics, Wix Analytics, and embedded content (e.g., social media widgets or video players), may also set cookies in accordance with their respective privacy policies. Users can manage or disable cookies through their browser settings.

 

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✉️ Email Subscriptions
User-Friendly Version:
When you sign up for our emails, we’ll only send you what you signed up for — no surprises. We use a double opt-in system (because consent matters), and you can unsubscribe any time with just one click. No guilt trips.

Strict Version:
Email subscriptions require explicit opt-in consent, confirmed through a double opt-in process. Subscribers may unsubscribe at any time by following the link provided in each email communication. SLVEC does not add individuals to mailing lists without consent.

 

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🧠 Anonymous Data for Advocacy
User-Friendly Version:
We sometimes use anonymous site data to help us shape environmental policy and guide our advocacy. No names, no emails — just patterns and trends that help us understand what people care about in our region.

Strict Version:
Anonymous, aggregated data collected through website analytics may be used to inform internal strategy and external environmental advocacy efforts. This data contains no personal identifiers and cannot be linked back to individual users.

 

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🧾 User-Generated Content (Comments & Feedback)
User-Friendly Version:
If you leave a comment or submit feedback on our site, don’t worry — we’re not collecting your social security number. But your name and whatever you write will be visible to others. Be kind, be thoughtful, and don’t post your bank info.

Strict Version:
User-generated content submitted to the website (e.g., comments, feedback) may be displayed publicly and associated with the name or identifier provided by the user. Users are responsible for the content they submit. SLVEC reserves the right to moderate or remove content that violates community standards or applicable laws.

 

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🧒 Children’s Privacy
User-Friendly Version:
We love educating young minds, but we don’t knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 13. If you're a parent or guardian and think we accidentally did — please contact us.

Strict Version:
SLVEC does not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 13. If we become aware that such data has been collected, it will be deleted promptly in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

 

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🔒 How We Protect Your Information
User-Friendly Version:
We take your privacy seriously. We don’t keep sensitive stuff on Post-it notes, and we don’t store financial data ourselves. We partner with trusted platforms like Zeffy, Wix, and Google, and we do our best to keep everything safe and secure.

Strict Version:
SLVEC implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. Financial transactions are handled by secure third-party providers, and SLVEC does not store payment information directly. While no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, we strive to protect your data to the best of our ability.

 

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🧑‍💻 Third-Party Tools & Services
User-Friendly Version:
We use tools from other platforms — like analytics, email services, or donation processors — to help run our site. Each of those services has its own privacy policy, and while we trust them, you can always check out their terms if you're curious.

Strict Version:
SLVEC’s website integrates third-party services such as Google Analytics, Wix Analytics, Zeffy (donations), and embedded social media platforms. These services may collect data in accordance with their own privacy policies, and users are encouraged to review those policies independently.

 

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⚙️ Your Rights & How to Contact Us
User-Friendly Version:
Want to see what info we have on you? Want us to delete it? No problem. Just send us a message and we’ll take care of it. We believe your data is your data.

Strict Version:
Users have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal information stored by SLVEC. To exercise these rights or ask questions about this policy, users may contact us at:
San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council
https://slvec.org
📧 Email: info@slvec.org
We will respond to data-related requests in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.

 

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📅 Changes to This Privacy Policy
User-Friendly Version:
We might update this policy from time to time to keep up with changes in law or technology (or just to make it clearer). If we do, we’ll post the update here. No secret edits.
Strict Version:
SLVEC reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised “last updated” date. Users are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

Last Updated: JULY 1st, 2026