Privacy Policy

Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how Belong ("Belong," "we," "us," or "our") handles personal information through letsbelonghere.com, our email communications, and related inquiries. Belong is a mindfulness and community-building initiative based in Toronto, Ontario.

This policy applies to the current website and our direct communications. A specific program, event, or service may provide an additional privacy notice if it requires different information.

Information we collect

Information you provide

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:

• your email address when you request a resource or join an interest list;
• your name, contact details, and message when you contact us;
• information you provide when asking about a workshop, circle, mentoring, or organizational service; and
• your communication preferences and a record of consent or withdrawal of consent.

Please do not send sensitive personal, health, financial, or identity information through the website or ordinary email unless we specifically request it and explain why it is needed.

Information processed automatically

Our website host and technical providers may process limited information needed to load, secure, and maintain the site. This can include an IP address, browser and device type, requested page, referring page, and access date and time.

This website currently loads fonts from Google Fonts. When those fonts load, your browser may connect to Google and share technical request information such as your IP address and browser details. Google's handling of that information is governed by its privacy policy.

Cookies and analytics

We do not currently use advertising cookies or website analytics tools. Our hosting provider may use essential technical measures or server logs to provide and protect the site. If we add analytics, advertising, or other non-essential tracking, we will update this policy and request consent where required.

How we use information

We use personal information only for identified, reasonable purposes, including to:

• send a resource or information you request;
• respond to questions and communicate about services you ask about;
• manage registrations, participation, or service delivery when applicable;
• maintain the security, reliability, and functionality of our website and communications;
• keep appropriate records of consent and communication preferences; and
• comply with legal obligations and protect our rights or the safety of others.

We will not use personal information for a materially different purpose without explaining the new purpose and obtaining consent when required.

Consent and your choices

We ask for consent in clear language and in a way that reflects the information and purpose involved. When you request a resource, we need your email address to deliver it. That required communication does not automatically subscribe you to unrelated promotional messages.

If we offer promotional updates, we will ask for a separate, optional opt-in where required. You may withdraw consent or ask us to stop contacting you at any time by using an unsubscribe link when one is provided or by emailing hello@letsbelonghere.com. Withdrawal will not affect processing that was lawful before your request.

When we share information

We do not sell or rent personal information. We may disclose it only:

• to providers that help us host the website, manage email, store information, or deliver a requested service, and only for the work they perform for us;
• when you direct us or give us consent;
• when required or permitted by law, court order, or lawful authority; or
• when reasonably necessary to investigate misuse, address security concerns, or protect rights and safety.

Some providers may process information outside Ontario or Canada. In that case, information may be subject to the laws and lawful access rules of the place where it is processed.

The site also links to third-party services such as Instagram. Those services control their own privacy practices, and we encourage you to review their policies before interacting with them.

Retention and safeguards

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably needed for the purpose for which it was collected, to meet legal or accounting requirements, to resolve concerns, or to document consent. We may keep a minimal suppression record after an unsubscribe request so we can honour that choice.

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information. No website, email, or storage system is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. We review our practices and respond to suspected privacy incidents as required.

Your privacy rights

Subject to applicable law, you may ask us to:

• explain whether we hold personal information about you and how it has been used or disclosed;
• provide access to your personal information;
• correct information that is inaccurate or incomplete;
• withdraw consent or update communication preferences; or
• address a question or complaint about our privacy practices.

We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request. Some rights are subject to legal exceptions, and we will explain if we cannot complete a request.

Children's privacy

This website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information through it. If you believe a child has provided information without appropriate consent, please contact us so we can review and address it.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as our services or legal obligations change. We will post the revised version here and change the effective date. If a change materially affects how we use information already collected, we will provide additional notice or seek consent when required.