Privacy Policy

We Love Harbor Springs (“WLHS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization based in Harbor Springs, Michigan. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to our website and to our text-messaging program operated through our civic AI, “Hamilton.”

Information we collect

We collect information in the following ways:

• Information you provide.When you contact us, subscribe to updates, or interact with Hamilton by text message, we collect the information you share — such as your name, mobile phone number, email address, and the content of your messages.
• Public records. As part of our civic-engagement mission, we maintain records drawn from publicly available sources (for example, voter registration and property records) for residents of the Harbor Springs area.
• Information collected automatically. When you visit our website we may collect standard technical information such as your device type, browser, and pages viewed, using cookies and similar technologies.

Text messaging (SMS)

Our text-messaging program lets residents ask questions about local government and receive civic updates from Hamilton. Participation is voluntary and consent-based:

• Opt-in. You join by texting START (or a similar keyword) to our number, or by otherwise providing express consent. By opting in, you agree to receive recurring SMS messages from WLHS.
• Message frequency. Message frequency varies based on your activity and local events.
• Cost. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier and plan. WLHS does not charge for the messages themselves.
• Opt-out. You can cancel at any time by replying STOP. You will receive one confirmation message and then no further messages, unless you opt in again.
• Help. Reply HELP for assistance, or contact us at privacy@weloveharborsprings.org.
• Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in information with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile opt-in data is never shared with third parties for marketing.

How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

• respond to your questions and messages, including through Hamilton;
• send civic updates and information you have asked to receive;
• advance our civic-engagement and government-transparency mission;
• maintain, secure, and improve our website and services; and
• comply with legal obligations.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in limited circumstances: with service providers who help us operate our website and messaging program (such as our SMS and hosting providers), under confidentiality obligations and only as needed to provide those services; or when required by law. As noted above, mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in data are never shared for third-party marketing.

Cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website and understand how it is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect some features.

Data retention

We retain information for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, to maintain civic records consistent with our mission, and to comply with legal requirements. We keep an audit record of SMS consent (opt-in and opt-out) events.

Your choices

You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP. To ask about the information we hold, request corrections, or ask us to stop contacting you, email us at privacy@weloveharborsprings.org.

Children’s privacy

Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.

Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect the information we hold. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date above. Material changes will be reflected on this page.

Contact us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Email privacy@weloveharborsprings.org or write to We Love Harbor Springs, Harbor Springs, Michigan.