PRIVACY POLICY.

Introduction

The American Apitherapy Society ("AAS," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, become a member, make a donation, or otherwise interact with our organization.

By using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Membership Applications: Name, email address, mailing address, phone number, professional credentials, areas of interest
Donations: Name, email address, billing address, payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
Newsletter Subscriptions: Name and email address
Event Registrations: Name, contact information, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs
Communications: Any information you provide when contacting us via email, contact forms, or member forums
Account Creation: Username, password, profile information

Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on pages, referring website
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience (see Cookies section below)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Organizational Operations

Processing membership applications and renewals
Processing donations and providing tax receipts
Sending newsletters, event announcements, and organizational updates
Facilitating access to member-only resources and forums
Administering courses, conferences, and educational programs

Communication

Responding to your inquiries and support requests
Sending important notices about your membership or donations
Providing information about apitherapy education and research

Improvement and Analysis

Analyzing website usage to improve our content and services
Understanding member demographics and interests
Enhancing user experience and website functionality

Legal and Compliance

Complying with IRS requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations
Maintaining records as required by law
Protecting against fraud and unauthorized access

How We Share Your Information

AAS does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:

Payment processing (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
Email communications (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
Website hosting and management
Event management platforms

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

Member Directory

With your explicit consent, we may include basic information (name, location, credentials) in our member directory visible to other AAS members.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of AAS, our members, or others.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our website.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality (e.g., maintaining your login session)
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website traffic and user behavior (e.g., Google Analytics)
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
Secure storage of sensitive information
Limited access to personal data by authorized personnel only
Regular security assessments

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Privacy Rights

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

Access and Correction

Request access to the personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements

Opt-Out

Unsubscribe from marketing emails using the link in any email or by contacting us
Opt out of non-essential cookies through your browser settings

Data Portability

Request a copy of your personal information in a portable format

Objection

Object to certain uses of your personal information

Member Forum Privacy

Our member forums are private spaces for AAS members to exchange information. Please be mindful that:

Information you post may be visible to other members
We cannot control how other members use information you share
Do not share sensitive personal or medical information in public forum posts
Forum content is moderated to maintain a respectful and educational environment

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

International Users

AAS is based in the United States. If you access our website from outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your country.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

Membership records: Retained for the duration of membership plus 7 years
Donation records: Retained for at least 7 years per IRS requirements
Email communications: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
Website analytics: Retained for 26 months

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
Sending an email notification to members (for material changes)

Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

The American Apitherapy Society
Email:
aasoffice@apitherapy.org
Address:

9189 Beverly Ct.

Boynton Beach, FL 33472

EIN: 22-3018497

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.