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PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: September 10, 2025

The Eco Village Co-op ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.ecovillageco-op.org.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Information You Provide

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address

  • Inquiry Details: Questions about membership, housing interests, sustainability practices

  • Membership Applications: Financial information, references, housing preferences

  • Communication Records: Emails, messages, and correspondence with our team

Information Collected Automatically

  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information

  • Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on site, click patterns, referral sources

  • Cookies and Tracking: Website preferences, session information, analytics data

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information to:

  • Respond to inquiries about cooperative housing and membership

  • Process membership applications and conduct due diligence

  • Provide information about sustainable living and ecovillage development

  • Improve our website functionality and user experience

  • Send newsletters and updates about community development (with consent)

  • Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING (GDPR)

We process your information based on:

  • Legitimate Interests: Operating our cooperative housing business

  • Consent: Newsletter subscriptions and marketing communications

  • Contract Performance: Membership applications and housing arrangements

  • Legal Compliance: Record-keeping and regulatory requirements

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We May Share Information With:

  • Service Providers: Website hosting, email services, analytics providers

  • Legal Professionals: Attorneys assisting with cooperative formation and compliance

  • Financial Institutions: For membership application processing

  • Government Agencies: As required by law or regulation

We Do NOT:

  • Sell your personal information to third parties

  • Share information for commercial marketing purposes

  • Disclose sensitive information without consent (except as legally required)

5. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings

  • Analyze website traffic and user behavior

  • Improve site functionality and user experience

  • Provide personalized content

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may limit website functionality.

6. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information, including:

  • Secure server hosting with SSL encryption

  • Access controls limiting who can view personal information

  • Regular security audits and updates

  • Staff training on privacy and data protection

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. DATA RETENTION

We retain your information only as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Membership application records are retained according to Michigan cooperative housing regulations.

8. YOUR RIGHTS

You Have the Right To:

  • Access: Request copies of your personal information

  • Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information

  • Deletion: Request removal of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

  • Portability: Receive your information in a structured format

  • Objection: Opt out of marketing communications

  • Restriction: Limit how we use your information

9. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights including:

  • Right to know what personal information is collected

  • Right to delete personal information

  • Right to opt out of sale of personal information

  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

11. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with the updated date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact:

Privacy Officer
Eco Village Co-op
Boyne City, Michigan
Email: privacy@ecovillageco-op.org

For EU residents, you may also contact your local data protection authority.

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