Privacy Policy
Will You Hear Me Now?
willyouhearmenow.com | willyouhearmenow.org
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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1. Introduction
Will You Hear Me Now? ("we," "us," or "our") is a volunteer-driven nonprofit media initiative dedicated to amplifying young voices against gun violence in schools and communities. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency and respect.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data when you visit our websites at willyouhearmenow.com and willyouhearmenow.org (collectively, "the Site").
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2. Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
When you fill out our Contact Us form or reach out to us by email, we may collect:
Your first and last name
Your email address
Any message or content you submit
Until we begin to collect payment information directly, donations are processed through GoFundMe, which operates under its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review GoFundMe's privacy policy at gofundme.com before donating.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Site, certain information may be collected automatically through standard web technologies, including:
Browser type and version
Device type and operating system
Pages visited and time spent on the Site
Referring website or link
This information is used in aggregate form only to understand how visitors interact with our Site and improve our content and mission outreach. We do not use this data to identify you personally.
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3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide solely to:
Respond to your inquiries, comments, or collaboration requests
Keep you informed about our projects, events, and mission (only if you have expressed interest)
Improve our website and the experience of our visitors
Comply with legal obligations
We will never sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with any third party for commercial purposes.
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4. Third-Party Links and Services
Our Site contains links to third-party platforms including:
GoFundMe (donation processing)
Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram (social media)
Vimeo (video hosting)
Partner organization websites
When you click on these links, you leave our Site and are subject to the privacy policies of those third parties. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites and encourage you to review their policies independently.
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5. Cookies
Our Site may use basic cookies or similar technologies to support website functionality and analyze site traffic. These do not collect personally identifiable information.
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain features of the Site.
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6. Children's Privacy
Our mission is centered on young people, but our website is intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has submitted personal information through our Site, please contact us immediately at the email below and we will promptly delete it.
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7. Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your contact information is stored only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law.
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8. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Access - Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
Correction - Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion - Request that we delete your personal information
Opt-out - Opt out of any communications from us at any time
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at: info@willyouhearmenow.org
We will respond to all requests within 30 days.
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9. California Residents (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used, the right to request deletion, and the right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.
We do not sell personal information. To submit a CCPA request, contact us at info@willyouhearmenow.org.
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10. International Visitors (GDPR)
If you are visiting from the European Union or European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, erase, and restrict processing of your personal data, and the right to data portability.
Our lawful basis for processing your data is your consent (when you submit the contact form) and our legitimate interests in operating and improving our nonprofit initiative.
To exercise your GDPR rights, contact us at info@willyouhearmenow.org.
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11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
Your continued use of the Site after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
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12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Will You Hear Me Now?
🌐 willyouhearmenow.com | willyouhearmenow.org
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Will You Hear Me Now? is a volunteer-driven nonprofit media initiative. We are committed to the privacy and safety of every person who engages with our mission.
Our Youth Protection / Safeguarding Policy aligns with our nonprofit’s mission of empowering young people to speak out against gun violence in their schools and communities, while meeting best practices for youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and expectations commonly reviewed by funders, insurers, and regulators.
This policy was adopted by Board resolution as an addendum to our bylaws.
YOUTH PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY OF [WILL YOU HEAR ME NOW?]
1. PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT
[WILL YOU HEAR ME NOW?] (the “Organization”) is committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all young people who participate in its programs, activities, events, and communications.
Because the Organization’s mission involves elevating youth voices on sensitive and potentially traumatic issues related to gun violence, the Organization recognizes a heightened responsibility to protect the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of youth participants.
This Youth Protection and Safeguarding Policy establishes standards to prevent abuse, exploitation, harassment, intimidation, and harm of any kind.
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2. SCOPE
This policy applies to:
All directors, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and consultants
Any individual acting on behalf of the Organization
All programs, events, meetings, communications, and activities involving youth
For purposes of this policy, “youth” or “young people” means individuals under the age of 18, unless otherwise defined by law.
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3. CORE PRINCIPLES
The Organization’s youth protection efforts are guided by the following principles:
Safety First – The safety and well-being of youth take precedence over organizational, reputational, or programmatic interests.
Respect and Dignity – Youth are treated with respect, autonomy, and cultural sensitivity.
Empowerment Without Exploitation – Youth voices are elevated without coercion, pressure, or manipulation.
Transparency and Accountability – Clear boundaries, reporting mechanisms, and oversight are maintained at all times.
Trauma-Informed Practice – Programs acknowledge that discussions of gun violence may involve trauma and must be handled responsibly.
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4. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
The following conduct is strictly prohibited:
Any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal abuse
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or retaliation
Inappropriate physical contact or invasion of personal boundaries
Sexualized language, behavior, or content involving youth
One-on-one interactions with youth in isolated or unobservable settings, except as expressly approved and documented
Exploitation of youth stories, images, or experiences for fundraising or publicity without proper consent
Encouraging or pressuring youth to disclose traumatic experiences publicly
Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith
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5. INTERACTIONS WITH YOUTH
A. Appropriate Conduct
All adults interacting with youth must:
Maintain professional boundaries at all times
Use age-appropriate, respectful, and non-judgmental language
Obtain parental or guardian consent where required
Encourage youth participation without coercion
Immediately report concerns about safety or well-being
B. One-on-One Interactions
Whenever possible:
Activities should occur in group settings
Communications should be transparent and, when appropriate, copied to supervisors or parents
Private meetings must be approved, documented, and conducted in observable environments
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6. DIGITAL AND ONLINE SAFETY
The Organization recognizes that youth engagement may occur online. Accordingly:
Online communications with youth must be professional, mission-related, and documented
Direct messaging should be limited and, where feasible, involve multiple adults or official accounts
Youth shall not be asked to share personal contact information publicly
Consent must be obtained before recording, posting, or distributing youth content
Online harassment or threats must be reported immediately
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7. USE OF YOUTH VOICES, STORIES, AND IMAGES
Because the Organization amplifies youth perspectives:
Written consent from a parent or guardian is required before using a youth’s name, image, voice, or story publicly
Youth participation in public-facing advocacy or education must be voluntary
Youth may withdraw consent at any time
Content shall never expose youth to foreseeable harm or retaliation
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8. TRAINING AND SCREENING
The Organization shall:
Provide safeguarding and youth protection training to directors, staff, and volunteers as appropriate
Conduct background checks where legally permissible and appropriate for roles involving regular youth contact
Review this policy during onboarding and periodically thereafter
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9. REPORTING CONCERNS
A. Mandatory Reporting
All covered individuals are required to report any suspected or actual abuse, misconduct, or policy violation immediately.
B. Reporting Channels
Reports may be made to:
The Executive Director or President
The Board Chair
A designated Safeguarding Officer (if appointed)
Reports may be made verbally or in writing and will be handled confidentially to the extent possible.
C. External Reporting
When required by law, the Organization will report concerns to appropriate authorities and cooperate fully with investigations.
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10. RESPONSE AND ENFORCEMENT
All reports will be taken seriously and reviewed promptly
Protective measures may be implemented immediately
Violations may result in disciplinary action, including termination of involvement
Retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited
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11. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORDKEEPING
Information related to safeguarding concerns shall be:
• Shared only on a need-to-know basis
• Stored securely
• Managed in compliance with applicable privacy laws
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12. REVIEW AND ADOPTION
This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors and updated as needed to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
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CERTIFICATION
This Youth Protection and Safeguarding Policy was adopted by the Board of Directors of [WILL YOU HEAR ME NOW] on this 26th day of JANUARY, 2026.
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Secretary
