1. Information We Collect

From all website visitors:

• Basic usage data collected automatically by our website host (e.g., pages visited, general location, browser type), used only for site performance and security.

From business owners applying for or holding a Constellation membership:

• Business information: business name, category, address, phone number, website and social media links, business license number, and years in operation.
• Owner/representative information: your name, role, preferred contact method, email address, and phone number.
• Payment information: processed securely by Stripe. We do not store your full card number or billing credentials on our own systems.
• Birth date, time, and location, used solely to inform Constellation grouping through our proprietary matching method. This information is never published, displayed publicly, or shared with other Members or third parties.
• Content you submit for your listing or profile card: logos, images, mission statement, and other creative assets.

From event submissions and community participants:

• Contact and event details submitted through our event intake process.

From newsletter and text communications:

• Phone number and/or email address, if you opt in to the NorthStar Newsletter or other Showcase communications.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create, manage, and display your business listing and Constellation profile card.
• To assign Constellation groupings using our proprietary matching method.
• To process membership payments and billing via Stripe.
• To communicate with you about your membership, including Code of Conduct standing notices, billing updates, and general Showcase announcements.
• To send the NorthStar Newsletter and other opt-in communications.
• To maintain the members-only WhatsApp community and its Constellation sub-groups.
• To improve the Showcase and understand general usage patterns.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell Member or visitor information. We share information only in the following circumstances:

• With Stripe, our payment processor, solely to process transactions.
• With WhatsApp, if you join the members-only community, subject to WhatsApp's own privacy practices.
• Publicly, for the specific business information you provide for your Star Charts listing and Constellation profile card (business name, logo, mission statement, links, and similar public-facing content) — this is the core purpose of your membership.
• If required by law, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of Ask Aurora, our Members, or the public.

Birth date, time, and location data is never shared publicly or with other Members under any circumstance, and is used only internally for Constellation matching.

4. Data Storage and Security

Member and business data is stored within our WordPress/ACF backend and associated tools (including Stripe for payment data). We take reasonable measures to protect this information, but no online system can be guaranteed 100% secure. We retain Member information for as long as your membership is active, and for a reasonable period afterward for recordkeeping, billing, and legal purposes.

5. Text and Email Communications

By providing your phone number or email and opting in, you consent to receive communications from Ask Aurora related to your membership, the NorthStar Newsletter, and Showcase updates. You may opt out of non-essential communications (such as the newsletter) at any time by contacting aurora@askaurora.online. Essential account and billing communications may continue as needed to service your membership.

6. Your Choices and Rights

• You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• You may request correction of inaccurate information.
• You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to our need to retain certain records for billing, legal, or Code of Conduct purposes.
• You may opt out of non-essential marketing communications at any time.

To exercise any of these choices, contact aurora@askaurora.online.

7. Children's Privacy

Hometown Community Showcase is intended for business owners and adult community members. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by an updated Effective Date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Showcase after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or your information can be directed to aurora@askaurora.online.