Privacy Policy

Mass Bears & Cubs Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026

Mass Bears & Cubs ("MBC," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to our website at massbearsandcubs.org and to the MBC Events app for iOS and Android (the "App").

By using our website or the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

Information you provide to us. When you fill out a form on our website or in the App, we collect the information you choose to enter. Depending on the form, this may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Membership application details
  • Contact or inquiry messages
  • Event registrations and RSVPs
  • Whether you choose to join our mailing list or to volunteer

Information collected automatically. When you use our website or the App, we and our service providers may automatically collect limited technical and usage information, such as:

  • Basic usage and analytics data (for example, which pages or features are viewed)
  • Device and browser type
  • IP address and general (city or region level) location, used for security and to understand general audience location
  • Spam and abuse prevention signals

The analytics we use in the App are privacy-first and pseudonymous. Our analytics provider receives a pseudonymous identifier generated for your installation, basic technical details such as app version, operating system version, device model, and language, and the names of the screens, features, and events you view. We do not send your name, email address, or the contents of any form or message to analytics. This data is not linked to your identity and is not used to track you across other apps or websites.

Information from services you connect. If you choose to connect your Eventbrite account in the App to view your tickets, the App reads your current ticket and order information from Eventbrite so it can display your entry QR code. This information stays on your device and is not sent to Mass Bears & Cubs. You can disconnect at any time in the App. Your Eventbrite access token and ticket barcodes are kept in your device's secure storage (the iOS Keychain or Android encrypted storage) and may be included in your device's own cloud backup if you have backups turned on. Signing in to Eventbrite uses your device's browser, so Eventbrite may set or read its own cookies during sign-in.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Communicate with you about events, programs, and organization news
  • Send our newsletter and other updates if you opt in
  • Process membership applications, registrations, and RSVPs
  • Respond to your questions and requests
  • Operate, maintain, and improve our website, App, and services
  • Support fundraising and community programs
  • Protect against spam, fraud, and abuse
  • Meet legal, accounting, and operational requirements

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your information for third-party advertising, and we do not allow our partners to use it to track you across other apps or websites.

How Your Information Is Shared

We share information only with service providers that help us operate, and only as needed to provide our services. These include:

  • Squarespace, which hosts our website and delivers website content and images
  • Google (Google Workspace and Apps Script), which processes form submissions and handles the resulting email and recordkeeping for our team
  • Mailchimp, which manages our email newsletter. If you join our mailing list, you are added on a double opt-in basis and must confirm by email before receiving messages
  • Eventbrite, which provides event ticketing. Ticket purchases happen on Eventbrite's own platform under Eventbrite's privacy policy
  • TelemetryDeck, which provides privacy-first, anonymized app analytics
  • Venmo, if you choose to pay membership dues through the App's optional Venmo link. Payments are handled entirely by Venmo under Venmo's terms and privacy policy

Each of these providers handles your information under its own privacy policy. We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of Mass Bears & Cubs, our members, or others.

The MBC Events App: Additional Details

We want to be clear about how the App works:

  • No account required. You can browse events, the calendar, and organization information without signing in or creating an account.
  • Forms. Membership, contact, and mailing list forms you submit in the App are sent securely, over an encrypted and signed connection, to Mass Bears & Cubs and the service providers listed above to process your request.
  • Privacy-first analytics. The App uses privacy-first analytics to understand which features and events are popular. This data is pseudonymous, is not linked to your identity, and is never used for advertising or cross-app tracking. You cannot opt out of these analytics inside the App, but they do not include your name, contact details, or anything you type into a form. The App does not use advertising identifiers and shows no third-party ads.
  • Eventbrite (optional). Connecting Eventbrite lets the App display your ticket QR codes. This data is stored only on your device.
  • Calendar (optional). If you add an event to your calendar, the App either hands the event details to your calendar app or opens a Google Calendar or Outlook link with the details pre-filled. On iOS, adding to Apple Calendar uses write-only calendar permission. The App never reads your existing calendar.
  • On-device storage. The App stores your app preferences and, if you connect Eventbrite, your Eventbrite access and ticket information on your device. You can clear this by disconnecting Eventbrite or deleting the App. The App also caches event listings, website content, and images on your device so it can work offline.
  • No push notifications. The App does not send push notifications. Any in-app badge counts are generated on your device. On iOS, if you start a Live Activity for an event, the App shows the event details, and your ticket QR code if you have connected Eventbrite, on your Lock Screen until you end it or the event passes. This is generated on your device and is not sent anywhere.
  • On-device features (iOS). The "Ask about events" feature and event summaries use Apple's on-device language models. Your questions are processed on your device and are not sent to Mass Bears & Cubs or to any analytics service.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies, including those provided by Squarespace, for essential site functions, analytics, and spam prevention. You can control cookies through your browser settings. The MBC Events App does not use advertising cookies or tracking technologies.

Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide our services and respond to you
  • Maintain membership and organizational records
  • Meet legal, accounting, and operational requirements

When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it. You may request deletion of your information at any time (see "Your Rights and Choices").

Your Rights and Choices

You may:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request that we correct or update it
  • Request that we delete it
  • Opt out of our emails at any time using the unsubscribe link in any message, or by contacting us
  • Disconnect Eventbrite in the App, or delete the App, to remove App data from your device (on Android, you can also clear the App's data in your device settings)

To make a request, contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable time and as required by applicable law.

Children's Privacy

Mass Bears & Cubs is an organization for adults 18 years of age and older. Our website and App are not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it. Our full Child Safety Standards are published separately.

Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections for data sent from the App and secure storage with our service providers. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so 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 "Last updated" date above. Significant changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your information, please reach out through the Contact page on our website, or by email at den@massbearsandcubs.org.

Mass Bears & Cubs
Massachusetts, USA