Effective Date: February 20, 2026
1. Information We Collect
We collect minimal information to ensure you receive our monthly updates. This includes:
- Identity Data: Your name and (optionally) your Valley membership status.
- Contact Data: Your email address.
- Technical Data: Information automatically collected by our email service provider, such as your IP address, browser type, and "open" or "click" rates to help us improve our content.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your data strictly for the following purposes:
- To deliver the monthly newsletter and fraternal announcements.
- To notify you about upcoming degrees, stated meetings, or social events.
- To manage your subscription preferences.
3. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. Your data is only shared with:
- Service Providers: Secure email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) that facilitate the sending of the newsletter.
- Masonic Governance: If required, data may be shared within the Valley of South Bend or the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ) for official administrative purposes.
4. Your Rights and Choices
You have full control over your data:
- Unsubscribe: You can opt out at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email.
- Access/Correction: You may request to see what data we have on file for you or ask us to correct it by contacting the Valley Secretary.
5. Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your email address from unauthorized access. However, no electronic transmission over the internet is 100% secure; we encourage you to use caution when sharing sensitive personal information.
6. Third-Party Links
Our newsletter may contain links to other websites (e.g., the Supreme Council website or local charity partners). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Any changes will be notified to you via the newsletter or updated on our official website.