Effective Date: January 8, 2026
Heritage American’s Loyal Order (HALO) (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding all data collected through our website, halolodge.org (the “Website”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information that applies to our Website and your choices about the collection and use of your information. By accessing or using the Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, and collect no information automatically when you visit the Website.
• Personal Information: This includes data such as your name, email address, postal address, phone number, date of birth, and any other details you submit through forms (e.g., membership applications, contact inquiries).
• Non-Personal Information: This includes technical data such as your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring website. We may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to collect this data for improving Website functionality and user experience.
• Sensitive Information: In the context of our fraternal mission, we may collect details related to your ethnic heritage or background as part of membership vetting, but only with your explicit consent.
We do not collect information from children under 13 years of age. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will delete it promptly.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information collected solely for legitimate purposes aligned with our mission:
• To process membership applications, administer mutual aid programs, and facilitate lodge activities.
• To communicate with you, including sending newsletters, event invitations, or updates on HALO initiatives.
• To improve and personalize the Website experience, such as analyzing usage patterns.
• To ensure security, prevent fraud, and comply with legal obligations.
• For internal research and operational purposes, such as aggregating data for demographic insights (anonymized where possible).
We promise to protect all data collected and will not use it for any purpose incompatible with this Privacy Policy without your prior consent.
3. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
• With our affiliates, state leaders, or county lodges within HALO to fulfill our fraternal services (e.g., vetting or mutual aid distribution).
• With trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors or IT vendors) who assist us in operating the Website, bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
• As required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or government request.
• In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, where your information may be transferred as a business asset.
All shared data is protected under the same standards outlined in this Policy.
4. Data Security
We are committed to the highest standards of data protection. We employ industry-standard security measures, including encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular security audits, to safeguard your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Despite these efforts, no online transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we promise to notify you promptly in the event of any data breach as required by law.
5. Your Rights and Choices
You have control over your information:
• Access and Update: You may request access to or updates of your personal data by contacting us.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements (e.g., for membership records).
• Opt-Out: You can opt out of promotional communications at any time via the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting us. Essential communications (e.g., membership updates) may continue.
• Cookies: You can manage cookies through your browser settings, though this may limit Website functionality.
For residents of certain jurisdictions (e.g., California under CCPA or EU under GDPR), additional rights may apply, such as data portability or objection to processing. We will honor these requests to the extent required by law.
6. Third-Party Links
Our Website does not contain links to third-party sites except when applying for membership, and we maintain the security of your information through all channels to the fullest extent of the law.
7. Children’s Privacy
The Website is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with information, contact us for deletion.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated Policy will be posted on the Website with a revised effective date. Your continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the changes.
To contact us regarding privacy, email info@halolodge.org.
Heritage American’s Loyal Order