Last Updated: September 23, 2025

The El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, https://edcmgs.org/, or engage with us through other means, such as email or membership forms. By using our website or services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, mailing address, and phone number when you contact us, register for membership, sign up for events, or subscribe to newsletters.

  • Payment Information: If you make payments for membership, workshops, or events, we may collect billing details, but these are processed securely through third-party payment processors and not stored on our servers.

  • Correspondence: Information you provide when you contact us via email (office@edcmgs.org) or through our website’s contact form.

Non-Personal Information

  • Website Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our website, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the site, collected through cookies or analytics tools.

  • Event Participation: Information related to your attendance at our events, workshops, or classes, such as sign-up forms or feedback surveys.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Process membership applications, event registrations, and workshop enrollments.

  • Send newsletters, event updates, and other communications related to the El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society.

  • Improve our website and services by analyzing usage trends and user preferences.

  • Respond to inquiries, provide customer support, and communicate with you about our activities.

  • Comply with legal obligations or protect the rights, property, or safety of our organization and its members.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, email marketing platforms, or website hosting services) who assist us in operating our website and services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.

  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, such as in response to a court order or government request.

  • Event Partners: For events or workshops co-hosted with other organizations, we may share participant information with those partners solely for event-related purposes.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect usage data. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our site. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

5. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites, such as resources related to earth sciences or lapidary arts. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no online platform is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data.

7. Your Choices

  • Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving newsletters or promotional emails by following the unsubscribe instructions in those communications or by contacting us at office@edcmgs.org.

  • Access and Update: You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us.

  • Cookies: You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may limit some website functionality.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society
P.O. Box 950
Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: 530-676-2472
Email: office@edcmgs.org