I. Introduction
This Privacy Policy sets forth the Ohio Education Association’s and its OEA-related organizations’ (“OEA”) practices regarding: (1) what personal information we collect about you — both online via the OEA website and OEA Intranet and offline via traditional, hard copy forms (collectively, the “Services”); (2) how we use that information; (3) under what circumstances we disclose it; (4) what choices are available to you regarding such information collection; and, (5) what security we use to protect such information. This Privacy Policy also provides some additional information for users of the OEA website and OEA Intranet.
By accessing, using, or otherwise interacting with any part of the Services, you consent to this Privacy Policy and any additional applicable policies and terms you may agree to which govern your use of the Services. Please be sure to read this Privacy Policy before using or submitting information or content to the Services. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy and the applicable Terms of Use, do not access or use the Services or provide personal information to us.
II. Definitions
As used in this Privacy Policy, the following terms have the meanings indicated below:
- The term “we” or “us” means OEA.
- The term “you” means a current or former OEA member or other person who has provided personal information to us in connection with obtaining an OEA product or service (e.g., a person who has purchased educational materials from OEA or subscribed to an OEA-produced electronic newsletter).
- The term “personal information” means any piece of information that can specifically identify a current or former OEA member or other person who has provided personal information to us. This includes, but is not limited to, full name, postal address, email address, social security number, or financial information.
- The term “OEA website” refers to OEA’s external website located at www.ohea.org and any future websites we may develop.
- The term “OEA Intranet” refers to OEA’s internal, private, and secured website for local leaders and staff.
- The term “OEA-related organizations” means OEA’s affiliates and other entities created by or working in partnership with OEA.
- The term “third party” means a legal entity that is separate and independent from OEA, its state and local affiliates, or any OEA-related organization.
- The term “cookie” means a small file, including similar tracking technologies, placed on your computer that allows a website to store, and sometimes track, information about how you use that website.
III. Personal Information Collected
Some of the data we or third parties collect through the Services may be considered “personal information” under applicable laws. We also treat additional information (such as your IP address and cookie identifiers) as personal information where required by law. We may collect personal information about you from the following sources:
- Personal information that you voluntarily provide to us on your membership application and other OEA forms (e.g., your name, postal address, telephone number, email address, social security number, etc.).
- Other personal information you voluntarily provide via the Services (e.g., email address if you subscribe to an OEA-produced newsletter or send an email to us).
- Personal information we receive from state and local affiliates or OEA-related organizations.
- Personal information from third parties (e.g., insurance claim information in connection with OEA Educators Employment Liability Program).
- Personal information collected automatically (such as through cookies or other tracking technologies).
IV. Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information automatically when you interact with us online. These may include:
- Cookies: Small text files stored on your device that store your preferences and collect information.
- Web Tags: Small pieces of code that track whether a page or email has been viewed.
- Embedded Scripts: Programming code that tracks your interactions with the Services.
V. Third-Party Analytics Providers
We may work with third-party business partners (e.g., analytics service providers) to collect information on the usage of and traffic to the Services. These third parties may collect data over time from the Services and other websites.
VI. How We Use That Information
The personal information collected helps OEA, its state and local affiliates, and OEA-related organizations to efficiently and effectively represent you and provide you with valuable member benefits.
When you register, contribute, sign up to volunteer, or take any other action on our site, we may ask you to give us contact information, including your name, address, telephone number and/or e-mail address. We may obtain information about you from outside sources and add it to or combine it with the information we collect through this site. We use this information to operate this site, send you news and information to you about Ohio Education Association & to solicit your participation in Ohio Education Association programs, events and activities, and obtain and confirm RSVP’s to events and programs. We use your e-mail address to send such information by e-mail and may use your telephone number to call you for these purposes.
If you decide to purchase tickets to an event or to make a contribution online, we may also ask for your credit card number and its expiration date. That information is used solely for processing your contribution; is not maintained by our organization; and is never disclosed to anyone, for any other purpose other than for processing your contribution, under any circumstances.
We may use information collected through the Services, including personal information, to:
- Enable your use of the Services
- Manage our business relationship with you
- Send you communications
- Enhance and personalize your experience
- Facilitate your requests
VII. Information Sharing
We may share the personal information we collect about you in the following circumstances:
- Third Parties Providing Services on Our Behalf: We may share personal information with third parties (e.g., service providers for website usage and analytics).
- Feedback and Surveys: If you choose to participate in OEA surveys or questionnaires, the information you provide will be used only for the specified purpose.
- Discussion Forums: If you participate in OEA discussion forums, your comments and personal information may be collected and shared.
- Legal Reasons: We may disclose personal information when required by law, in response to legal requests, or to protect the safety and integrity of OEA and its members.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, personal information may be transferred.
VIII. Third-Party Links
This Privacy Policy applies only to OEA’s Services. It does not apply to third-party websites linked to or from OEA’s Services, which may have their own privacy policies.
IX. Consent to Transfer
OEA is a U.S.-based organization, and by using the Services, you consent to the transfer, storage, and processing of your information in the United States and other jurisdictions.
X. Your Choices
OEA members may update their personal information at any time by contacting us. To unsubscribe from OEA newsletters, follow the instructions provided at the bottom of each newsletter or contact us at support@ohea.org.
XI. Information Security
OEA uses industry standard security measures to protect against the loss, misuse or alteration of information under our control. We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information. Permission to access your information is granted only to you and Ohio Education Association employees or contractors who need to know that information to provide services to you. However, no data transmission over the internet is guaranteed to be 100% secure. You provide information at your own risk.
XII. General Audience Platform
The Services are intended for a general audience and not for use by individuals under 18 years of age.
XIII. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to amend or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on the Services. You may also contact us for a hard copy of the updated policy.
XIV. Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact OEA at support@ohea.org.