UPPER NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE

TERMS OF USE

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Welcome to the Upper New York Conference (“United Methodists of Upper New York,” “UNY,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) website located at https://www.unyumc.org (“Website”). By accessing or using this Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use this Website.

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Purpose of the Website 

This Website exists to support the mission and ministries of the Upper New York Conference and United Methodists of Upper New York by providing information, resources, communications, event registration, online giving opportunities, ministry tools, employment information, and other services. 

 

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, submitting information through, or otherwise using this Website, you agree to comply with these Terms of Use and all applicable laws and regulations.

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Privacy 

Your use of this Website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information. By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have reviewed our Privacy Policy. 

 

Permitted Use 

You may use this Website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to: 

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• Use the Website in any manner that violates applicable laws or regulations. 

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Website, its servers, or related systems. 

• Disrupt or interfere with the operation or security of the Website. 

• Upload or transmit malicious code, viruses, or harmful content. 

• Use the Website to harass, abuse, threaten, or harm others. 

• Collect information about other users without authorization. 

 

We reserve the right to restrict or terminate access to the Website for violations of these Terms. 

 

User Submissions 

The Website may allow users to submit information through contact forms, event and other registrations, death notices, prayer requests, employment applications, surveys, or other online forms. 

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By submitting information, you: 

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• Represent that the information provided is accurate and complete. 

• Grant UNY permission to use submitted information for the purpose for which it was provided. 

• Understand that information submitted through online forms may be processed by authorized staff, volunteers, or service providers acting on behalf of UNY. 

 

Submission of information does not guarantee acceptance into a program, event, employment opportunity, or ministry activity. 

 

Cookies and Tracking Technologies 

Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and support certain website features. 

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Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. Some cookies are necessary for the operation of the website, while others help us understand how visitors interact with our content and services. 

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The types of cookies we may use include: 

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• Essential Cookies – Necessary for website functionality, security, and accessibility. 

• Performance and Analytics Cookies – Help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve content, navigation, and user experience. 

• Preference Cookies – Remember user settings and preferences. 

• Embedded Content and Media Cookies – May be placed by third-party services when videos, maps, social media feeds, or other content are viewed on our website. 

 

Where required by applicable law, visitors will be given the opportunity to accept, reject, or manage non-essential cookies through our cookie consent tools. 

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Most web browsers allow users to control or delete cookies through browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of some portions of the website. 

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Website Analytics and Third-Party Services 

We use analytics and related technologies to better understand how visitors use our Website and to improve the services and resources we provide. 

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These services may collect information such as: 

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• IP address 

• Browser type and device information 

• Pages visited 

• Time spent on pages 

• Referring websites 

• General geographic location 

• Website interactions and usage patterns 

 

The information collected is generally used in aggregated or statistical form to evaluate Website performance, improve user experience, monitor security, and better understand visitor interests. 

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Third-party providers used by the Upper New York Conference may include, but are not limited to: 

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• Google Analytics 

• Wix and related website services 

• YouTube 

• Vimeo 

• Google Maps 

• Email communication and marketing platforms 

• Online event registration services 

• Online donation and payment processors 

 

These third-party providers may collect information directly through their services and are governed by their own privacy policies and practices. We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of any third-party services they interact with. 

Where required by law, non-essential analytics technologies will not be activated until appropriate consent has been obtained. 

 

Your Privacy Choices and Rights 

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. The Upper

 

New York Conference is committed to honoring applicable privacy rights and responding to privacy-related requests in a timely manner. 

 

You may have the right to: 

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• Request access to the personal information we maintain about you. 

• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information. 

• Request deletion of personal information, subject to legal, administrative, ministry, insurance, or recordkeeping obligations. 

• Request a copy of personal information you have provided to us, where applicable. 

• Withdraw consent for processing activities that are based on your consent. 

• Opt-out of receiving marketing, newsletter, or promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions included in those communications or by contacting us directly. 

• Manage your cookie and tracking technology preferences through our cookie consent tools, where available. 

 

Please note that certain information may be retained as required to comply with legal obligations, maintain organizational records, complete transactions, resolve disputes, protect the safety of ministry participants, or enforce our policies. 

 

To submit a privacy request, please contact us using the information below: 

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Privacy Requests 
The Upper New York Conference 
of The United Methodist Church 
c/o Director of Communications 
7481 Henry Clay Blvd. 
Liverpool, NY 13088 

 

We may request information necessary to verify your identity before processing certain requests. We will respond to requests within the timeframe required by applicable law. 

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Residents of certain states, countries, or jurisdictions may have additional privacy rights under applicable data protection laws. We will make reasonable efforts to comply with those requirements where they apply. 

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Children’s Information, Safe Sanctuaries, Youth Programs, and Children's Privacy, Safe Sanctuaries, Youth Programs, and Children's Privacy 

Certain ministries, camps, youth programs, and events may involve the collection of information about minors. 

Information regarding children will be collected only as necessary for ministry and program participation and may require parental or guardian consent where required by law. Parents or guardians may contact us regarding information collected about their children. 

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The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to providing safe and secure ministry environments for children, youth, and vulnerable individuals through our Safe Sanctuaries practices and policies. 

In connection with camps, youth events, Vacation Bible School programs, retreats, mission opportunities, leadership development programs, and other ministry activities involving minors, we may collect personal information necessary to administer participation, ensure safety, communicate with parents or guardians, and comply with legal and organizational requirements. 

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Information collected may include: 

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• Child and parent/guardian names 

• Contact information 

• Emergency contact information 

• Medical, dietary, allergy, or accessibility information provided voluntarily for health and safety purposes 

• Program registration details 

• Photographic, video, or media release preferences 

• Transportation and supervision information 

• Other information reasonably necessary for participation in ministry activities 

 

We collect and use this information only for legitimate ministry, administrative, safety, and legal purposes. 

Where required by law, parental or guardian consent will be obtained before collecting, using, or disclosing a child's personal information. Parents and guardians may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their child's personal information, subject to applicable legal, safety, and recordkeeping requirements. 

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Personal information related to minors is shared only with authorized staff, clergy, volunteers, ministry leaders, service providers, or emergency personnel who have a legitimate need to access the information in connection with ministry activities. 

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We maintain administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect children's information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill ministry, safety, legal, insurance, or recordkeeping purposes. 

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Questions regarding information collected about a child or requests related to children's privacy may be directed to info@unyumc.org. 

 

Online Donations and Payments 

The Website may provide opportunities to make donations, register for events, purchase materials, or submit payments through third-party payment processors. 

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All payment transactions are processed through secure third-party providers. UNY does not store complete payment card information on its servers. 

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Donations are generally considered voluntary and non-refundable unless otherwise required by law or expressly stated. 

 

Intellectual Property 

Unless otherwise noted, all content on this Website, including: 

• Text 

• Images 

• Graphics 

• Logos 

• Videos 

• Audio recordings 

• Publications 

• Downloads 

• Website design elements 

 

is owned by or licensed to UNY and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. 

You may view, download, and print materials for personal, educational, ministry, or non-commercial use, provided that copyright notices remain intact. 

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You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, or commercially exploit Website content without prior written permission. 

 

Third-Party Services and Links 

The Website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or embedded content, including but not limited to: 

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• Google services 

• YouTube 

• Vimeo 

• Social media platforms 

• Event registration providers 

• Payment processors 

• Mapping services 

• Email communication platforms 

 

UNY does not control and is not responsible for the content, policies, security, or practices of third-party websites or services. Accessing such services is at your own risk. 

 

Communications 

If you provide contact information through the Website, you consent to receiving communications related to: 

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• Events 

• Registrations 

• Ministry activities 

• Administrative matters 

• Requested information 

Where required by law, marketing or newsletter communications will be sent only with appropriate consent and will include unsubscribe options. 

 

Disclaimer of Warranties 

This Website and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. 

UNY makes no warranties or representations regarding: 

• Accuracy 

• Completeness 

• Reliability 

• Availability 

• Security 

• Fitness for a particular purpose 

 

While we strive to provide accurate and current information, we do not guarantee that all content will always be error-free or up to date. 

 

Limitation of Liability 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, UNY, its districts, churches, ministries, employees, clergy, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from: 

• Use of the Website 

• Inability to use the Website 

• Errors or omissions in Website content 

• Unauthorized access to information 

• Third-party services or websites 

 

Accessibility 

UNY is committed to providing an accessible digital experience for all users. We continually work to improve accessibility and welcome feedback regarding barriers encountered while using the Website. 

Please contact us if you experience accessibility issues. 

 

Website Security 

We employ reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect Website information and systems. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. 

Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any account credentials they may use. 

 

Changes to the Website 

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, discontinue, or update any part of the Website at any time without notice. 

 

Changes to These Terms 

We may revise these Terms of Use periodically. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. 

 

Governing Law 

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles. 

 

Contact Information 

Questions regarding these Terms of Use may be sent to the following address:  
 
The Upper New York Conference 
of The United Methodist Church 
c/o Director of Communications 
7481 Henry Clay Blvd. 
Liverpool, NY 13088