Mobile Site Logo
Search

ORTHODOX YOUTH MINISTRIES

PRIVACY POLICY

Updated: January 1st, 2026

Orthodox Youth Ministries (“OYM,” “we,” “our,” “us”) is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting the privacy of our community members, participants, and users of our What’s Your Ministry website and mobile application (collectively, the “App”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it is shared, and the rights and choices available to you. By downloading, accessing, or using the App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in two ways: (1) information you voluntarily provide, and (2) information automatically collected when you use the App.

Information You Provide Directly (Linked to You)

When you interact with us—such as subscribing to our newsletter, registering for programs, accessing course content, or communicating with us—you may voluntarily provide the following personal information:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Profile information
  • User preferences
  • Orthodox-specific profile information (e.g., jurisdictional affiliation, spiritual preferences, or other program-related inputs)
  • Responses to surveys and questionnaires
  • User-generated content

These categories are linked to your identity because they are used to create or manage your account or enrollment in OYM programs.

  1. Information We Collect Automatically (Not Linked to You)

When you use the App, we automatically collect certain technical and usage data. This information is not linked to your identity. Automatically collected data includes:

  • Device information (device type, model, operating system)
  • App version
  • Anonymous usage analytics, such as: page views, screen paths and in-app interactions, feature usage metrics
  • Crash logs and performance data
  • Randomly generated device/app identifiers (not tied to your name or email)

This data helps us diagnose issues, understand which features users engage with, and improve the App.

1.3 Anonymous User Tracking

We track anonymous page-view and feature-use activity using a randomly generated ID.
This ID cannot identify you and is not associated with any personal information.

1.4 Data Categories Table

Data Category Examples Linked to User? Purpose
Contact Information Name, email, address Yes Account creation, program enrollment, communication
Profile Information Preferences, affiliation, cohort data Yes Personalization, program management
Usage Data Page views, interactions, feature usage No Analytics, improving app performance
Device Data Device model, OS, app version No App optimization, debugging
Crash Data Error logs, performance data No App diagnostics and stability
Random User Identifier Auto-generated ID No Anonymous analytics

We do not track you across apps or websites owned by other companies, and we do not use your data for advertising or marketing tracking.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect to:

  • Create and manage user accounts for cohort participants
  • Provide access to course content and ministry resources
  • Deliver personalized program content
  • Analyze App usage and improve functionality
  • Maintain App performance, security, and reliability
  • Send program updates and communicate about your participation
  • Conduct internal nonprofit reporting and program evaluation
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell or monetize any personal information.

3. Account & Login Requirements

  • User accounts for cohort members are created by OYM staff.
  • Most content (e.g., articles, blog posts) can be accessed without logging in.
  • Login is required only for restricted program or course content.
  • A parent or guardian should supervise minors who use the App.

We do not use Apple Sign-In, Google Sign-In, or other third-party authentication services unless otherwise stated.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We share data only in limited ways.

4.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We share anonymous usage data (not linked to your identity) with Google Analytics for understanding user engagement and improving the App. Google may collect:

  • Device information
  • Interaction metrics
  • Crash/performance data

We configure Google Analytics to avoid collecting identifying information. Google processes data under its own privacy policy.

Other Ministry or Nonprofit Partners

We may share aggregate or anonymized program data with partner organizations for collaborative ministry projects or reporting. We do not share identifiable personal information without your explicit consent.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required to:

  • Comply with laws or legal processes
  • Respond to law-enforcement requests
  • Protect the rights, safety, or property of OYM, users, or the public

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard safeguards to protect personal information, including:

  • Encryption
  • Secure servers
  • Access controls
  • Limited staff access
  • Routine security audits

While no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, we strive to protect your data to the highest reasonable standard.

6. Children’s Privacy

The App is intended for general audiences and may be used by individuals of all ages, however, our services are not direct at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verified parental consent, in accordance with COPPA. If a minor participates in a program, any account information is created by OYM staff and may involve parental or guardian participation. If we learn that a child under 13 has submitted personal data without parental consent, we will promptly delete it. We do not sell or share children’s data.

7. Your Privacy Rights & Choices

Depending on your state of residence, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Request a copy of your data
  • Limit or withdraw consent where applicable
  • Opt out of email communications

You may submit a request for the above actions by emailing us at [Insert Email] with:

  1. Your name
  2. The email associated with your account
  3. The type of request

We will verify your identity before processing any privacy request.

8. Account Deletion

You can delete your What’s Your Ministry app account in the app or through a web page: [Insert Web URL]. Upon deletion, all personal data tied to your account will be removed, except data legally required to retain. Any retained data will be clearly disclosed.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide OYM programs and services
  • Maintain accurate program records
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Support nonprofit reporting requirements

Anonymous analytics data may be stored longer for research and statistical purposes.

10. Third-Party Services

The App may use Google Analytics, a third-party tool. Google operates under its own privacy policy and may store data in data centers located outside your country of residence. We recommend users review the privacy policy of Google Analytics.

11. International Users

If you access the App from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed on servers located in the United States. By using the App, you consent to this transfer.

12. No Tracking Across Apps or Websites

We do not:

  • Track users across apps or websites owned by other companies
  • Use advertising identifiers
  • Conduct cross-app tracking
  • Use personal data for targeted advertising

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will appear within the App with a new “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to request access to or deletion of your data, please contact:

Orthodox Youth Ministries

6218 Georgia Ave NW, Suite 1-657

Washington, DC 20011-5125

Info@TheOYM.org