SMAC Privacy Policy

The Suzuki Music Association of California (SMAC)
Effective Date: April 1, 2026

1. Introduction

The Suzuki Music Association of California (SMAC) is committed to protecting the privacy of our members, students, and community. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Names
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Mailing addresses
• Student information (including age, instrument, and playing level)
• Payment information
• IP addresses and website analytics data
• Photos and videos of students and participants (with consent)

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

• Membership registration and renewal forms on our website (Wild Apricot)
• Event and program registration forms (Jotform)
• Email communications with members
• Payment processing platforms (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, checks)
• Website analytics tools provided by our hosting platform
• Photos and videos taken at events (with consent)
• Information provided by partner organizations, teachers, or representatives

4. How We Use Information

We use personal information to:

• Manage memberships
• Process payments
• Communicate with members (newsletters, updates, announcements)
• Administer events and programs
• Track participation and student progress
• Share photos and videos for educational and promotional purposes (with consent)

5. Sharing of Information

We may share personal information with:

• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Email and membership platforms (Wild Apricot)
• Event registration tools (Jotform)
• Website hosting and analytics providers
• Partner organizations, including the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)
• Branch representatives and teachers, as needed for program administration

Members may control what personal information is shared within the membership directory. We do not sell personal information.

Photos and videos may be shared publicly (e.g., website, newsletters, social media) only when appropriate consent has been obtained.

6. Children’s Privacy

SMAC collects information about students, including children under the age of 13, only through parents, guardians, or teachers.

Children do not directly submit personal information through our website or forms.

We rely on parents or guardians to provide consent for the collection and use of their child’s information, including media release permissions.

7. Data Storage and Security

We store data using secure third-party platforms, including Wild Apricot and Jotform.

Access to personal information is limited to:

• SMAC Executive Board members
• SMAC Operations Manager
• SMAC Branch representatives

We implement reasonable security measures, including:

• Password-protected systems
• Two-factor authentication
• Restricted access controls
• Additional protections for sensitive information (e.g., W-9 forms)

While we take reasonable steps to protect information, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

8. Data Retention

SMAC currently retains personal information as needed to fulfill operational, legal, and programmatic purposes.