The Change System ("we," "us," or "our") operates the NGEN mobile application and the website at www.thechangesystem.org (collectively, the "Services"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Services.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of our users, particularly the young people we serve. Please read this policy carefully. By using our Services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our Services, we may collect:

  • Account Information: First name, last name, phone number, and profile photo
  • Demographic Information: Date of birth, gender, and graduation year
  • Community Association: Your community affiliation and partner organization

Information Collected Automatically

When you use the NGEN app, we automatically collect:

  • Location Data: With your permission, your device's location when you check in to opportunities
  • Activity Data: Swipes, check-ins, MentorChip transactions, pathway progress, and reward redemptions
  • Device Information: Push notification tokens for relevant notifications

What We Do NOT Collect

  • We do not collect email addresses (phone-based authentication only)
  • We do not use third-party analytics or advertising trackers
  • We do not sell or share your data with advertisers
  • We do not track your location in the background or continuously

2. How We Use Your Information

Data Purpose
Name & Profile Photo To display your identity to friends and community members within the app
Phone Number Account authentication and login verification
Date of Birth & Graduation Year To ensure age-appropriate content and program eligibility
Location (when checking in) To verify your presence at an opportunity for check-in credit
Swipes & Activity To personalize your feed, show friends' activity, and track MentorChip earnings
Push Notification Token To notify you about new opportunities, friend activity, and program updates

3. Social Features & Shared Information

NGEN includes social features that allow community members to see each other's activity:

Friends

Users you connect with can see when you show interest in or check in to opportunities.

Community Feed

Your check-ins, interests, and redemptions may appear in the activity feed visible to your community.

Opportunity Cards

Other users may see your name and photo on opportunity cards you've shown interest in.

You can manage your friend connections within the app.

4. Data Storage & Security

Local Storage

The NGEN app stores data locally on your device using encrypted SQLite databases for offline functionality. This means the app works even without an internet connection.

Server Storage

Your data is synced to our secure servers to enable social features, cross-device access, and data backup.

Encryption

Data transmitted between the app and our servers is encrypted using industry-standard HTTPS/TLS protocols.

Access Controls

Access to user data is restricted to authorized personnel only and is used solely for operating and improving the Services.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

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

  • Community Partners: Partner organizations that host opportunities may receive aggregated, anonymized participation data (e.g., number of check-ins). They do not receive your personal contact information through the app.
  • Service Providers: We use Expo (expo.dev) for app delivery and updates, and Apple/Google for app distribution. These providers process data per their own privacy policies.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or legal process.
  • Safety: We may disclose information if we believe it is necessary to protect the safety of any person or to prevent illegal activity.

6. Children's Privacy

Our Services are intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at the address below so we can take appropriate action.

7. Your Rights & Choices

Access

View your personal information within the app at any time.

Location

Enable or disable location permissions through your device settings.

Notifications

Enable or disable push notifications through your device settings.

Deletion

Request deletion of your account and associated data. We will process your request within 30 days.

Correction

Update your profile information directly within the app.

Portability

Request a copy of your data by contacting us.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our Services. If you request account deletion:

  • Your profile and personal information will be deleted within 30 days.
  • Anonymized, aggregated data (e.g., total check-in counts) may be retained for program reporting purposes.
  • Data required for legal compliance may be retained as required by law.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. For significant changes, we may also notify you through the app.

10. Contact Us

Questions About Your Privacy?

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

The Change System

www.thechangesystem.org/contact.php

privacy@thechangesystem.org