We keep this simple and real. Black Girls Making Friends ("BGMF", "we", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it safe. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, including:
- Contact information — your name, email address, and phone number when you join our community, RSVP to events, or fill out any form on our site.
- Event RSVP details — the event you're registering for, dietary restrictions, and accessibility needs you choose to share.
- Chapter Leader applications — your name, email, city, social media handle, and your responses to application questions.
- Retreat curiosity form responses — your answers to our retreat interest questions.
- Communications — any messages you send us directly via email or social media.
We do not collect payment information directly. All trip and retreat bookings are processed through third-party platforms (TravelJoy) which have their own privacy policies.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Send you event confirmations, reminders, and updates about events you've RSVP'd to
- Send our newsletter and community updates (only if you sign up)
- Process and review Chapter Leader applications
- Respond to your questions and messages
- Improve our events, website, and community experience
- Notify you about upcoming events you've expressed interest in
We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
3. Email Communications
When you join our newsletter through Flodesk, your email is stored securely on Flodesk's platform. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email we send. We take unsubscribe requests seriously and process them promptly.
RSVP and event notification emails are transactional — they're only sent in connection with events you've signed up for.
4. Third-Party Services
Our website uses the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:
- Flodesk — email newsletter platform (flodesk.com/privacy)
- Typeform — RSVP and event forms (typeform.com)
- TravelJoy — trip booking platform (traveljoy.com)
- Netlify — website hosting (netlify.com/privacy)
5. Cookies
Our website may use basic cookies to improve your experience. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising purposes. Third-party tools we use (like Flodesk and Typeform) may set their own cookies, governed by their respective privacy policies.
6. Data Security
We take the protection of your personal information seriously. We use industry-standard security practices and trusted third-party platforms to store and process your data. However, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Ask us to correct or update your information
- Request that we delete your information
- Opt out of marketing communications at any time
To exercise any of these rights, email us at [email protected] and we'll respond within 5 business days.
8. Children's Privacy
Black Girls Making Friends is a community for adults (18+). We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we'll update the "last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our website and services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please reach out:
Black Girls Making Friends
📧 [