Privacy Policy

I. Introduction

A. Commitment to Privacy: Bassé Root ("Basseroot," "we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information of individuals who visit our website located at www.basseroot.com (the "Site"). Basseroot is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated and operating within the United States. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, protect, and disclose your information when you interact with our Site. Building trust and demonstrating transparency regarding data practices are important to us.  

B. Scope: This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through the Site, including information you provide via contact forms, inquiry forms, applications for retreats or other activities, and information collected automatically through cookies and analytics. It does not apply to information collected offline or through other means unless explicitly stated.  

C. Acceptance: By accessing or using the Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy and our data handling practices described herein. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Site. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms of Use.  

D. Website Owner: The Site is owned and operated by Bassé Root.  

II. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our services, communicate with you, and fulfill our non-profit mission. The types of information we collect fall into two categories: information you provide directly and information collected automatically.  

A. Information You Provide Directly:*   Contact Information: When you fill out contact forms, inquiry forms, or application forms, we may collect personal identifiers such as your name, email address, phone number, and postal address.*   Application Information: For applications related to retreats or other specific programs (e.g., Bwiti Iboga retreats), we may collect additional information necessary for screening and participation, which could include details about your background, intentions, and potentially sensitive health-related information (such as medical history, conditions, medications, mental health history) required for safety assessments and determining eligibility. Providing this information is voluntary, but may be necessary to participate in certain activities.*   Communication Content: We collect the information you provide in your communications with us via email or forms on the Site.*   Donation Information (If Applicable): If you make a donation through the Site (or a linked third-party platform), we or our payment processor may collect payment information (like credit card details) and billing information. Basseroot itself typically only receives confirmation of the donation and donor contact details.  

B. Information Collected Automatically:*   Usage Data: When you visit the Site, we may automatically collect information about your device and how you interact with our Site. This can include your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, links clicked, time spent on pages, and dates and times of access.*   Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies (small text files stored on your device) and potentially other tracking technologies (like web beacons or pixels) to collect Usage Data, enhance user experience, analyze site traffic, and understand user preferences. Cookies may be session-based (disappearing after you close your browser) or persistent (remaining until deleted).  

III. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes related to our non-profit mission and operations, including :  

  • To Provide Services and Respond to Requests: To respond to your inquiries, process your applications for retreats or other programs, provide spiritual support information, and communicate with you about our activities and events.
  • Screening and Safety: To review application information, including health details, to assess suitability and safety for participation in specific activities like retreats, in conjunction with our screening protocols.  
  • Website Operation and Improvement: To operate, maintain, and improve the Site's functionality, content, and user experience; to analyze usage trends and gather demographic information.  
  • Communication: To send you informational updates, newsletters (if you opt-in), or other communications related to Basseroot's mission and activities. You can opt-out of non-essential communications.  
  • Donation Processing (If Applicable): To process donations, issue acknowledgments, and comply with financial reporting requirements.  
  • Legal Compliance and Protection: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or governmental requests; to enforce our Terms of Use; to protect the rights, property, or safety of Basseroot, our users, or others.  

IV. How We Share Your Information

We respect your privacy and limit the sharing of your personal information. We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances :  

  • Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party vendors, consultants, and other service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, data analysis, email delivery, payment processing [if applicable]). These providers are typically obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which it was disclosed.
  • Internal Access: Information, including potentially sensitive application data, may be accessed by authorized Basseroot personnel or facilitators involved in the screening process or the administration of retreats and programs, on a need-to-know basis for safety and operational purposes. We implement controls to limit access to sensitive data.  
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect and defend our rights or property, prevent fraud, act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users or the public, or protect against legal liability.  
  • With Your Consent: We may share your information for other purposes with your explicit consent.
  • Aggregated or De-Identified Data: We may share aggregated or de-identified information (data that cannot reasonably identify you) for research, analysis, or other purposes.  

We take particular care regarding sensitive health information provided during application processes, treating it as confidential and sharing it only as necessary for safety assessments and program administration, or as required by law.  

V. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures designed to protect the information we collect from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.[2, 7, 8, 9, 15, 11] These measures may include encryption, secure servers, and access controls. However, please be aware that no internet transmission or electronic storage method is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.  

VI. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including providing services, responding to inquiries, processing applications, complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements, or as otherwise permitted or required by law. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the context. Information related to retreat participation may be retained as necessary for safety records and program administration.  

VII. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These may include :  

  • Right to Access: You may have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.
  • Right to Correction (Rectification): You may have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
  • Right to Deletion (Erasure): You may have the right to request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (e.g., legal obligations).  
  • Right to Restrict Processing: You may have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal information under certain circumstances.
  • Right to Object: You may have the right to object to the processing of your personal information under certain circumstances.  
  • Right to Data Portability: You may have the right to receive your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.  
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on your consent to process information (e.g., for certain communications or cookies), you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.  
  • Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of receiving promotional or newsletter communications from us by following the unsubscribe instructions in those emails or contacting us directly. You may still receive essential communications related to your inquiries, applications, or participation in activities.  

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section XIII. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.  

VIII. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for purposes such as analyzing site traffic, understanding user activity, remembering preferences, and ensuring site functionality.  

  • Types of Cookies: We may use session cookies, persistent cookies, first-party cookies (set by us), and third-party cookies (set by partners like analytics providers).
  • Your Choices: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. You can usually set your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Site. Depending on your location, we may also provide a cookie consent tool allowing you to manage your preferences for non-essential cookies.  

IX. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to or intended for use by individuals under the age of eighteen (18). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 18 without verifiable parental consent where required, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.  

X. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Basseroot. This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of these third parties. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.  

XI. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States or other countries where our servers or service providers are located.[2, 21] Data protection laws in these countries may differ from those in your jurisdiction. By using the Site or providing us with your information, you consent to the transfer, processing, and storage of your information in these countries. We take steps to ensure that transfers of personal information are subject to appropriate safeguards as required by applicable law.  

XII. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised policy on the Site, with the "Effective Date" at the top updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about our data practices. Your continued use of the Site after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.  

XIII. Contact Information

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

We will endeavor to address your inquiries promptly and consistent with applicable law.