Data Collection and Privacy Policy

One Heart Sangha / Silver Spring Zendo Inc. values your privacy. We will never sell your data. Data will only be provided to third parties with your consent, and only for administrative purposes.

As an example of third party data sharing, if you need a special diet or accessibility arrangements a retreat center may ask to contact you directly. We would let you know and ask to send them your name and email.

Email Lists

We use Google Groups for our email lists. If you join any of our lists, you can unsubscribe at any time by using the link at the bottom of the email. When you unsubscribe from any group, your name and email address are automatically removed from the membership list. Data within the Google Groups platform is governed by Google’s privacy policy.

Your email on the main OHS-News list where we send newsletters and announcements is never visible to other members. The list is also read-only so you can’t reply by mistake.

You may be offered an opportunity to join interactive email lists that we create for activities within the zendo, such as Jukai preparation or our Wednesday sitters list. Your email is not visible to other members unless you choose to email or reply to the list. When you email the list, your email will be visible as the from: address so that other members can reply to you.

Online Event Registrations

When you register for zazenkai, ango, or other non-residential actives, we will ask for your name and a contact email. We use the information to contact you with event updates or information, and to track payments. We may also send you an invitation to our OHS-News list and/or to an event-specific email list as mentioned above.

When you register for residential events, we may ask you to voluntarily provide your phone number and an emergency contact as well as your name and email. Your phone number will be used as a backup contact in case we are unable to reach you with important information by email. We will only use your emergency contact information if you ask us to, or if you are incapacitated. We do not retain phone numbers or emergency contact information after the event has concluded.

Online Payments

When you pay for an event or donate online, we have access to your name and the email you use for PayPal through their website. We combine names and emails associated with payments with data you provide during event registrations to track event payments, donations, and to provide year-end tax receipts on request. We retain payment data for the length of time required by IRS. Data we have access to within the PayPal website is governed by the PayPal Privacy Policy.

Data Security

The data we collect are maintained on a secure cloud server, with access limited to volunteers who are actively working with the information. If there is a data breach, you will be notified by email.

Data Collection for Website Analytics

Squarespace collects anonymous, aggregated data on the overall number of site visits, common operating systems and browsers, referring websites, search words, and the general geographic location of visitors. We use the data to make sure our website works on popular platforms and monitor website traffic. Data Squarespace collects when you visit is governed by the Squarespace Privacy Policy.

Cookies

Squarespace sets some essential cookies for security and site functionality. If you are kind enough to allow analytics, we set encrypted cookies to that help count visits more accurately and see the sources of our traffic. The information helps us tailor our content and improve site performance. We do do not use advertising cookies at all. The option to turn them off is a Squarespace default.