Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Anonymity and Confidentiality

At VSCYPAA 2026, we recognize that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our fellowship. This privacy policy reflects our commitment to protecting the identity and personal information of all participants, visitors, and members of our recovery community. We understand that privacy and trust are essential to creating a safe space for healing and growth.

1. Introduction

VSCYPAA 2026 ("we," "us," "our," or "Conference") operates a website dedicated to facilitating the Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (YPAA) community. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website, register for the conference, or interact with our services.

We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you interact with our website, we may collect the following information:

Registration Information: Name, email address, phone number, and recovery-related fellowship information (year of sobriety, if you choose to share)
Conference Registration: Shirt size, dietary restrictions, workshop preferences, and accommodation needs
Payment Information: Processed through secure third-party payment processors (we do not store credit card details)
Communication Preferences: Your email and contact preferences for conference updates
Voluntary Information: Any information you provide when contacting us with questions or feedback
Emergency Contact Information: Name and phone number (registration only, stored securely)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may collect:

Technical Information: Browser type, IP address, device type, and operating system
Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, clicks, and referral sources
Cookies and Similar Technologies: Persistent identifiers used to enhance your browsing experience
Analytics: Information about how you interact with our website (via Google Analytics or similar tools)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

E-Commerce Platform (Wix): Transaction and customer data
Payment Processors: Confirmation of payment processing (not payment details)
Service Providers: Information necessary to provide services you request

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Operational and Administrative

Processing conference registrations and payments
Sending confirmation emails and receipt documentation
Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
Managing workshop assignments and scheduling
Fulfilling accommodation and dietary requests
Emergency communication purposes

3.2 Communication

Sending you important conference updates, schedule changes, and logistics
Providing newsletters or announcements (only with your consent)
Notifying you about new features, services, or changes to our policies

3.3 Analytics and Improvement

Analyzing website traffic and user behavior to improve user experience
Identifying technical issues and troubleshooting problems
Developing new features and services

3.4 Legal and Safety

Complying with legal obligations and court orders
Protecting against fraud, abuse, or security threats
Enforcing our Terms of Service and other agreements

We will never use your information for marketing purposes or sell your data to third parties without your explicit consent.

4. Data Protection and Anonymity

4.1 Anonymity Principles

In keeping with AA's Second Tradition—that our common welfare should come first—we maintain strict confidentiality practices:

We do not require you to use your real name on the website or in communications (nicknames or recovery names are welcome)
Attendee lists and rosters are kept confidential and never shared publicly or with third parties
Photos or recordings of conference activities are strictly prohibited unless explicit, documented consent is provided
We do not identify individuals as members of AA or YPAA in any public communications
Personal information is not shared with other attendees without consent

4.2 Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

Encryption: All data transmission uses SSL/TLS encryption
Access Controls: Only authorized personnel with a legitimate need have access to personal information
Secure Storage: Data is stored on secure servers with password protection
Regular Audits: We regularly review our security practices
Limited Retention: We retain personal information only as long as necessary

4.3 What We Cannot Guarantee

While we take reasonable precautions, no security system is impenetrable. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. Internet transmission can be intercepted. You use our website at your own risk.

5. Who We Share Your Information With

We may share your information with:

5.1 Service Providers

Wix (E-Commerce Platform): Handles website hosting, registration processing, and merchandise orders
Payment Processors: Process financial transactions securely
Email Service Providers: Send necessary communications (if applicable)
Analytics Services: Provide website performance insights (anonymized data)

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, government request, or to protect the safety and rights of our community.

5.3 Restrictions

We do NOT share attendee lists, personal information, or identification with:

Other attendees
External organizations or vendors (except as necessary for service delivery)
Marketing or third-party partners
The public or media

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 Types of Cookies

We use the following cookies:

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our website (non-identifying)
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

6.2 Cookie Consent

When you first visit our website, we request your consent to use non-essential cookies. You can control cookie settings through your browser at any time.

6.3 Third-Party Cookies

Our website may include third-party services (Wix, Google Analytics, payment processors) that use their own cookies. We are not responsible for their cookie practices, but we encourage you to review their privacy policies.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

Request access to the personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
Withdraw consent to communications (opt-out)

To exercise these rights, contact us at [INSERT EMAIL] with "Privacy Request" in the subject line.

7.2 Data Portability

You have the right to request your information in a portable, machine-readable format.

7.3 Opting Out

Email Communications: Click "unsubscribe" in any email or contact us to opt-out
Cookies: Disable cookies through your browser settings
Analytics: Opt out of Google Analytics tracking via browser extensions

7.4 Do Not Track

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. Our website currently does not respond to these signals, but you can control tracking through cookie and browser settings.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

Registration Information: Until 30 days after the conference concludes, then securely deleted (or longer if required by law)
Payment Records: Retained as required by law and accounting standards (typically 7 years)
Email Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized; individual records typically retained for 26 months
Website Logs: Retained for security and troubleshooting purposes (typically 90 days)

Upon request, we will delete your personal information except where required by law or legitimate business purposes.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services (e.g., AA.org, external vendors). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing information.

Wix Platform: Our website is hosted on Wix. Please review Wix's Privacy Policy at https://www.wix.com/en/privacy for information about their data practices.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information and terminate the child's account.

Note: YPAA specifically targets young people in recovery, typically ages 18 and older. If younger individuals attend, we maintain the same privacy protections.

11. International Users

If you access our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information will be transferred to, stored in, and processed in the United States. By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and acknowledge that US data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

We do not sell personal information. To exercise these rights, submit a request to [INSERT EMAIL].

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.

Your continued use of our website following changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about our data practices, please contact us:

VSCYPAA 2026 Privacy Contact

Email: vscypaa2026@gmail.com

Response Timeline: We will respond to privacy requests within 30 days.

15. Acknowledgment of AA Principles

This Privacy Policy is grounded in the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, particularly:

Second Tradition: "For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority. A loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience."
Eleventh Tradition: "Our relations with the public should be characterized by personal anonymity."
Twelfth Tradition: "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."

We are committed to protecting the dignity, privacy, and anonymity of all members of the recovery community.