Privacy Policy

  • Privacy Policy – Environmental Leaders of Color

    Effective Date: 1/2/25
    Last Updated: 9/24/25

    1. Introduction

    Environmental Leaders of Color (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Organization”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected from our members, supporters, volunteers, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information in compliance with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) guidelines for mobile communications.

    2. Information We Collect

    2.1 Personal Information

    We may collect the following types of personal information. We collect demographic data from our participants to fulfill grant requirements.:

    • Contact Information: Name, mailing address, email address, phone number (including mobile numbers)

    • Demographic Information: Age, gender, race/ethnicity, occupation, education level

    • Professional Information: Environmental expertise, leadership experience, organizational affiliations

    • Participation Data: Event attendance, volunteer activities, program participation

    • Communication Preferences: Newsletter subscriptions, text message opt-ins, notification preferences

    • Donation Information: Contribution history, payment information (processed securely through third-party processors)

    2.2 Automatically Collected Information

    When you visit our website or use our mobile applications, we may automatically collect:

    • Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, IP address

    • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click-through rates, referral sources

    • Location Data: General geographic location (with your consent)

    • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See Section 8 for detailed information

    2.3 Mobile Communications Data

    In compliance with CTIA guidelines, when you opt-in to receive text messages from us:

    • Mobile Number: To send SMS communications

    • Carrier Information: To ensure message delivery

    • Opt-in/Opt-out Records: To maintain compliance with messaging regulations

    • Message Content: Limited to organizational communications as described in our terms

    3. How We Collect Information

    We collect information through various methods:

    • Direct Collection: Registration forms, surveys, event sign-ups, donation processes

    • Website Interactions: Online forms, newsletter subscriptions, account creation

    • Mobile Opt-ins: Text message program registrations with explicit consent

    • Third-Party Sources: Partner organizations, public databases, social media platforms

    • Events and Programs: Registration, attendance tracking, feedback forms

    4. How We Use Your Information

    We use collected information for the following purposes:

    4.1 Organizational Operations

    • Administering membership and volunteer programs

    • Coordinating environmental justice initiatives and campaigns

    • Organizing events, workshops, and educational programs

    • Facilitating networking among Environmental Leaders of Color

    4.2 Communications

    • Sending newsletters, updates, and organizational announcements

    • Providing event notifications and reminders

    • Sharing educational content and resources

    • Conducting surveys and collecting feedback

    4.3 Mobile Communications (CTIA Compliant)

    • Sending time-sensitive alerts about environmental issues

    • Providing event reminders and updates

    • Sharing urgent action opportunities

    • Delivering program-related notifications

    Frequency: Message frequency varies. 

    Message and Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply.

    4.4 Fundraising and Development

    • Processing donations and maintaining donor records

    • Recognizing supporters and volunteers

    • Grant reporting and compliance activities

    • Analyzing donation patterns to improve fundraising efforts

    4.5 Legal Compliance and Protection

    • Complying with applicable laws and regulations

    • Protecting against fraud and unauthorized access

    • Enforcing our terms of service and policies

    • Responding to legal requests and court orders

    5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

    5.1 We Do Not Sell Personal Information

    Environmental Leaders of Color does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to commercial third parties for marketing purposes.

    5.2 Permitted Disclosures

    We may share information in the following circumstances:

    Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist with:

    • Email marketing and communication services

    • Event management and registration

    • Payment processing and donation management

    • Website hosting and technical support

    • Data analytics and survey administration

    Partner Organizations: With environmental justice organizations for:

    • Collaborative campaigns and initiatives

    • Joint events and programming

    • Shared advocacy efforts

    • Coalition building activities

    Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process:

    • Court orders and subpoenas

    • Government investigations

    • Regulatory compliance

    • Protection of rights and safety

    Organizational Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or dissolution of the organization

    5.3 Aggregate and De-identified Data

    We may share aggregate, de-identified, or anonymized information that cannot reasonably be used to identify individuals for research, advocacy, or reporting purposes.

    6. Mobile Messaging Compliance (CTIA Guidelines)

    6.1 Opt-In Requirements

    • Explicit Consent: You must actively opt-in to receive text messages

    • Clear Disclosure: We provide clear information about message frequency and content

    • Terms Acceptance: Opt-in requires acknowledgment of message and data rates

    6.2 Opt-Out Procedures

    • STOP Command: Reply “STOP” to any text message to unsubscribe

    • Alternative Methods: Contact us at [phone number] or [email address]

    • Immediate Processing: Opt-out requests are processed within 24 hours

    • Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation message upon successful opt-out

    6.3 Help and Support

    • HELP Command: Reply “HELP” for assistance and contact information

    • Customer Service: Contact [phone number] during business hours

    • Support Email: [email address] for messaging-related inquiries

    6.4 Message Content Standards

    • Messages relate to Environmental Leaders of Color activities and initiatives

    • No spam or unsolicited commercial messages

    • Respect for recipients’ time and privacy

    • Compliance with CAN-SPAM and TCPA regulations

    7. New York State Privacy Rights and Compliance

    7.1 New York State Privacy Protections

    As a New York-based organization, we comply with all applicable New York State privacy laws and regulations:

    New York SHIELD Act (Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security)

    • We maintain reasonable security measures to protect private information

    • In the event of a data breach, we will provide timely notification to affected individuals and the New York Attorney General as required

    • We implement data security measures appropriate to the size and complexity of our organization

    New York State Information Security Breach and Notification Act

    • Prompt notification of security breaches affecting personal information

    • Coordination with law enforcement and regulatory authorities

    • Free credit monitoring services when appropriate

    New York Civil Rights Law Section 50-a (Biometric Privacy)

    • If we collect biometric information, we obtain written consent

    • We provide notice of retention and destruction timelines

    • We implement appropriate security measures for biometric data

    7.2 New York Specific Rights

    New York residents have the following rights regarding their personal information:

    Right to Notice: Clear information about what personal information is collected and how it’s used Right to Security: Expectation that personal information will be protected with reasonable security measures Right to Breach Notification: Timely notification if personal information is compromised Right to Access: Request access to personal information we maintain (subject to legal limitations) Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal information

    7.3 New York Attorney General Reporting

    We maintain procedures to comply with New York Attorney General reporting requirements for:

    • Data security breaches

    • Non-profit organization compliance

    • Charitable fundraising activities

    • Consumer protection matters

    7.4 Additional New York Compliance

    We also comply with:

    • New York State Department of State regulations for non-profit organizations

    • New York Charitable Organizations Bureau requirements

    • New York State fundraising and solicitation laws

    • Local municipal privacy ordinances where applicable

    7.5 Out-of-State Residents

    For residents of other states, we comply with applicable state privacy laws including:

    • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA)

    • Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA)

    • Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)

    • Connecticut Data Privacy Act

    • Other applicable state privacy legislation

    8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

    8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

    • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality

    • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage

    • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

    • Marketing Cookies: Used for email marketing and social media integration

    8.2 Cookie Management

    You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

    8.3 Third-Party Tracking

    Our website may include third-party tools like Google Analytics. These services have their own privacy policies.

    9. Data Security

    9.1 Security Measures

    We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information:

    • Encryption: Data encryption in transit and at rest

    • Access Controls: Limited access on a need-to-know basis

    • Regular Updates: Security software and system updates

    • Staff Training: Privacy and security awareness training

    • Incident Response: Procedures for addressing security breaches

    9.2 Data Retention (New York Compliance)

    We retain personal information in accordance with New York State requirements:

    • Donor Records: Maintained for 7 years after the last contribution (New York Attorney General requirement)

    • Financial Information: Retained according to New York State non-profit accounting standards

    • Member/Volunteer Records: Retained for the duration of participation plus 3 years

    • Communication Records: Email and text message logs retained for 2 years for compliance purposes

    • Website Analytics: Anonymized after 26 months in compliance with New York privacy best practices

    • Breach Response Records: Maintained for 6 years as required by New York SHIELD Act

    Records may be retained longer if required by federal law, ongoing legal proceedings, or legitimate organizational needs.

    9.3 International Transfers

    If we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy rights.

    10. Children’s Privacy

    Environmental Leaders of Color does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

    For youth programs involving participants aged 13-17, we obtain appropriate parental consent and implement additional privacy protections.

    11. Your Rights and Choices

    11.1 Communication Preferences

    • Email: Unsubscribe links in all marketing emails

    • Text Messages: Reply “STOP” to opt-out of SMS communications

    • Phone: Request to be placed on our do-not-call list

    • Mail: Contact us to opt-out of postal communications

    11.2 Account Information

    If you have an online account, you can:

    • Update your profile information

    • Change communication preferences

    • Review your participation history

    • Download your data (where technically feasible)

    11.3 Data Access and Correction

    Contact us to:

    • Request access to your personal information

    • Correct inaccurate information

    • Update your preferences

    • Ask questions about our privacy practices

    12. Contact Information

    12.1 Privacy Inquiries

    For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

    Environmental Leaders of Color
    Privacy Officer
    21 Lorraine Terrace, #141 Mount Vernon, NY 10553

    Email: info@eloc.earth
    Phone: 9149013562

    12.2 Mobile Messaging Support

    For text messaging support:

    • Call 914-901-3562]

    • Email: info@eloc.earth

    12.3 New York State Privacy Rights Requests

    For New York State privacy rights requests:

    Environmental Leaders of Color – New York Privacy Officer
    21 Lorraine Terrace, #141 Mount Vernon, NY 10553

    Email: info@eloc.earth
    Phone: 9149013562

    New York Attorney General Privacy Complaints:
    If you have concerns about our privacy practices, you may also contact:
    Office of the Attorney General
    Bureau of Internet and Technology Resources
    28 Liberty Street
    New York, NY 10005
    Phone: (212) 416-8433

    12.4 Data Breach Notifications

    In the event of a data breach affecting New York residents, we will:

    • Notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay

    • Report to the New York Attorney General within the timeframe required by law

    • Provide information about the breach, affected information, and steps being taken

    • Offer appropriate assistance such as credit monitoring when applicable

    13. Updates to This Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will:

    • Post the updated policy on our website

    • Update the “Last Updated” date

    • Notify you of material changes via email or prominent website notice

    • For mobile messaging, send notification if changes affect SMS communications

    Your continued use of our services after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

    14. Legal Compliance (New York State Focus)

    This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:

    Federal Requirements:

    • Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) Consumer Code

    • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

    • CAN-SPAM Act

    • Federal Trade Commission guidelines for non-profits

    New York State Requirements:

    • New York SHIELD Act (Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act)

    • New York Personal Privacy Protection Law

    • New York State Information Security Breach and Notification Act

    • New York Civil Rights Law (biometric privacy protections)

    • New York Attorney General regulations for charitable organizations

    • New York State fundraising and solicitation requirements

    Multi-State Compliance:

    • Privacy laws in other states where we have members or conduct activities

    • Interstate commerce regulations

    • Federal non-profit compliance requirements

    Industry Standards:

    • Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) privacy guidelines

    • Independent Sector ethical standards for non-profits

    • Environmental justice organization best practices

    15. Accessibility

    We are committed to making our privacy policy accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact us at info@eloc.earth.


    Environmental Leaders of Color is a [501(c)(3)] non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental justice through leadership development, community organizing, and policy advocacy within communities of color.