Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Skilled Craftsmen ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use our mission-focused networking platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information responsibly and transparently, in alignment with our faith-based mission and applicable laws.

By accessing or using Skilled Craftsmen, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. Please read this policy alongside our Terms of Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Details: Skills, experience, mission interests, portfolio items, service offerings
• Demographic Information: Age, gender (optional), location, language preferences
• Communication Content: Messages, application notes, feedback, support requests
• Payment Information: Billing details for Supporter accounts (processed securely by third-party providers)
• Verification Information: Church affiliation, references, background checks (for certain roles)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search terms, click patterns, time spent
• Location Information: General location derived from IP address or provided in profile
• Cookies and Tracking Data: See Section 7 for details

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Media: If you connect social accounts for authentication or portfolio display
• Background Services: Verification services for organizational accounts
• Analytics Providers: Aggregate usage statistics and platform performance data

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Platform Operations

• Provide, maintain, and improve our mission networking services
• Facilitate connections between skilled Adventists and mission organizations
• Verify identities and maintain platform security
• Process payments for Supporter accounts and Respond Passes
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries

3.2 Matching and Recommendations

• Use AI and manual review to match skills with mission opportunities
• Recommend relevant organizations, projects, or potential collaborators
• Personalize your experience based on skills, interests, and past activity

3.3 Communications

• Send service-related announcements and updates
• Deliver notifications about matches, messages, and opportunity alerts
• Share platform news, mission stories, and community updates (with opt-out option)
• Respond to your requests and provide support

3.4 Analytics and Development

• Analyze platform usage to improve functionality and user experience
• Conduct research on mission service trends and needs
• Develop new features to better serve the Adventist mission community
• Generate anonymized statistical reports

3.5 Legal and Safety

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Protect the rights, safety, and property of our users and platform
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized activities
• Enforce our Terms of Service and community guidelines

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

• Profile Information: Your skills, experience, and mission interests are visible to other registered users
• Contact Facilitation: When you connect with an organization or volunteer, necessary contact information is shared to enable communication
• Collaboration Tools: Team creation features may share selected profile information with team members

4.2 With Service Providers

We engage trusted third parties to help operate our platform:

• Hosting & Infrastructure: Cloud service providers
• Payment Processing: Secure payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• Communication Tools: Email and notification services
• Analytics: Usage tracking and performance monitoring
• AI Services: Matching algorithms and recommendation engines

4.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information:

• To comply with legal obligations or court orders
• To protect against legal liability
• To investigate potential violations of our Terms
• To protect the safety and security of our users and platform

4.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as a business asset, with appropriate privacy protections.

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share information for specific purposes with your explicit permission.

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption: Data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information based on role
• Security Monitoring: Regular security assessments and intrusion detection
• Staff Training: Privacy and security training for team members
• Incident Response: Procedures for addressing potential data breaches

Despite these measures, no electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary:

• Active Accounts: For the duration of account activity plus reasonable period afterward
• Inactive Accounts: Deleted or anonymized after 24 months of inactivity
• Financial Records: Retained as required by applicable laws (typically 7 years)
• Communication History: Messages and applications retained for 24 months to facilitate ongoing mission relationships
• Legal Requirements: Retained as necessary to comply with legal obligations

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Our Use of Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable essential platform functionality
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how our platform is used
• Personalize your experience
• Support security features

7.2 Types of Cookies

• Essential: Required for basic platform operation
• Functional: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytical: Help us understand platform usage
• Marketing: Support mission-focused outreach (limited use)

7.3 Managing Cookies

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. Disabling certain cookies may limit platform functionality.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data in usable format
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@skilledcraftsmen.org. We will respond within 30 days as required by applicable law.

9. Children's Privacy

Skilled Craftsmen is intended for users 16 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete the information promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

Our platform operates primarily in the United States, but some service providers may be located elsewhere. We ensure appropriate safeguards for international data transfers through:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Privacy Shield certification (where applicable)
• Other legally approved transfer mechanisms

11. Mission-Focused Communication

11.1 Service Communications

We send essential communications related to your account, matches, and platform updates. These are not marketing and cannot be opted out of, as they are necessary for platform operation.

11.2 Mission Updates

With your consent, we may share mission stories, service opportunities, and platform developments. You can opt out at any time via your account settings or unsubscribe links.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes:

• Email Notification: Sent to registered users
• Platform Notice: Posted on our website
• Updated Date: Clearly indicated at the top of this policy

Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:

• Privacy Contact: privacy@skilledcraftsmen.org
• Support Email: support@skilledcraftsmen.org