Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Masonic Slate ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you use our services and website (collectively, the "Service").

By using Masonic Slate, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide and improve the Masonic Slate experience. This includes:

• Member ID
• Name
• Address
• Distance willing to travel
• List of proficiencies
• Contact information (phone number, email, preferred contact method)

We do not collect or store payment information from individual members. All payments are handled by or through the governing Grand Lodge.

We may also collect certain technical data (such as IP address or browser type) through cookies or analytics tools to improve performance and user experience.

3. How We Collect Information

We obtain information in the following ways:

• Directly from users when creating or managing their profiles
• Automatically from integrated services (such as Groupable / MORI)
• Through communication and interaction with our Service
• Through third-party services used for hosting or notifications

4. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Build and manage membership slates
• Facilitate communication between members and governing bodies
• Generate statistical insights for the Grand Lodge regarding participation and growth
• Send notifications and updates via text or email (with opt-out options)

We do not sell or rent user data to any third parties.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We only share information with trusted service providers necessary to operate our Service. These include:

• Groupable (MORI): for member data synchronization
• Twilio: for sending text and email notifications
• Payload: for hosting support and blog content
• Railway: for website hosting
• DigitalOcean: for data backup and secure storage

Each provider processes information according to its own privacy and security practices.

6. Data Storage and Security

All personal data is stored on secure servers with backups on DigitalOcean.

We follow modern industry standards and best practices to protect data, including:

• SSL encryption
• Secure password hashing
• Restricted access controls
• Regular audits and updates to security measures

Despite our efforts, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we strive to protect your information to the fullest extent possible.

7. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary to provide our Service or until the governing body (e.g., Grand Lodge) requests deletion.

If a member is removed from the governing body's records (such as Groupable), their data will also be removed from Masonic Slate.

8. User Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and edit any information you've provided directly to Masonic Slate
• Request the removal of your data if it is not sourced from Groupable
• Opt out of receiving texts, calls, or emails at any time

To exercise these rights or ask questions about your data, please contact us at support@masonicslate.com.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, analytics, and user experience.

You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, but some parts of the Service may not function properly as a result.

10. International Users

While our operations are currently based in the United States, we may expand internationally in the future.

If you access our Service from outside the U.S., please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

11. Children's Privacy

Masonic Slate is intended for members who are 18 years of age or older.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If we learn that we have collected such information inadvertently, we will delete it promptly.

This policy may be updated in the future if youth programs are added to our services.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

When we make material updates, we will notify users by email or text message and post the new version on our website with an updated "Effective Date."

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us at: