Introduction

Welcome to Peace by Youth (PY). We are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our visitors to our website and participants in our various programs and initiatives. In this Privacy Policy, we’ve provided detailed information on when and why we collect personal information, how we use it, the limited conditions under which we may disclose it to others, and how we keep it secure.

The privacy and security of your personal information are extremely important to us. Whether you are visiting our website, participating in our programs, volunteering with us, or supporting us through donations, we want to ensure that your experience is safe, secure, and aligned with your expectations.

This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through our website, www.py.org.pk, as well as any other data we collect in our role as a non-profit organization working for youth empowerment and community development. By using our website or participating in our programs, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

We understand the importance of privacy and are dedicated to protecting the personal information of our website users, volunteers, donors, and beneficiaries, and to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone who interacts with our organization.

Our commitment to your privacy is part of our broader dedication to social responsibility and ethical conduct. We recognize that maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of your personal data is not just a legal obligation but also a crucial component of the trust and partnership we seek to build with communities, individuals, and other stakeholders.

In the following sections, we will outline in detail the types of information we collect, how we process and use this information, our data sharing practices, security measures, and your rights and choices with regard to your personal information.

This Privacy Policy is in effect as of January 1, 2023 and will be updated as necessary to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, and other factors. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting the personal information we collect. Your continued engagement with PY constitutes your agreement to this Privacy Policy and any updates.

For any questions or concerns regarding this policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at privacy@py.org.pk. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we are dedicated to safeguarding it.

Information Collection

Types of Personal Information Collected

At Peace by Youth (PY), we collect various types of personal information to enhance our services and fulfill our mission. The information we collect can be categorized as follows:

1. Identifying Information: This includes basic personal details such as your name, age, and gender. We may also collect your date of birth and other demographic information relevant to our programs.
2. Contact Information: To communicate effectively, we gather contact details including your postal address, email address, and phone number. This information helps us stay in touch with you regarding our programs, events, and updates.
3. Professional and Educational Background: For volunteers, employees, and participants in certain programs, we may collect information about your professional skills, educational background, and work history. This aids in tailoring our programs and volunteer opportunities to your expertise and interests.
4. Donation and Payment Information: When you make a donation, we collect information necessary to process the transaction, such as your credit/debit card details, billing address, and other payment-related information.
5. Website Usage and Preferences: Through our website, we gather data on your interactions, such as which pages you visit, the resources you access, and your preferences. This helps us improve our website and ensure it meets your needs effectively.
6. Voluntary Information: Any additional information you provide voluntarily through surveys, feedback forms, or direct communications with us.

Methods of Information Collection

1. Website Forms: When you visit our website, we collect information through various forms such as contact forms, donation forms, volunteer sign-up forms, and newsletter subscription forms.
2. Event Registrations: We collect personal information during the registration process for our events, workshops, and conferences. This information is crucial for organizing these events and ensuring your participation.
3. Donations: When you donate to PY, we collect necessary information through our secure donation processing system. This includes your payment information and any other details you provide.
4. Direct Communications: When you contact us directly, whether by email, phone, or in person, we collect the information you choose to provide. This may include inquiries about our programs, feedback, or other interactions.
5. Online Interactions: We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website, such as your IP address and browsing behavior. This collection is often done through cookies and similar tracking technologies, which help us understand how our website is used and how we can improve it.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations: In some instances, we might receive personal information from our partner organizations or third parties involved in our programs, but only when you have given consent to them to share your information with us.

It is important to note that we collect this information with the aim of enhancing our services, complying with legal obligations, and better serving our community. Your participation in our programs and use of our website constitutes your consent to such collection and use of information as described in this policy.

Use of Information

How Collected Information is Utilized

At Peace by Youth (PY), we use the personal information collected from our participants, donors, volunteers, and website visitors for a variety of purposes, each aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of our programs and ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone involved. The key uses of this information include:

1. Processing Donations: We use the payment and contact information you provide to process your donations. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth transaction and for sending you acknowledgments and receipts for your generous contributions.
2. Sending Newsletters and Updates: Contact details, especially email addresses, are used to send newsletters, updates about our work, upcoming events, and other relevant communications. This helps us keep you informed about the impact of your contributions and opportunities to get involved.
3. Responding to Inquiries: When you reach out to us with questions or requests for information, we use your contact information to respond effectively. Whether it’s a query about our programs, a request for partnership, or general feedback, we ensure that your inquiries are addressed promptly.
4. Program Delivery and Management: Personal information, particularly professional and educational background, aids in the effective delivery of our programs. For instance, this information helps us tailor our youth empowerment initiatives, match volunteers with suitable roles, and design training sessions that resonate with our participants’ backgrounds and skills.
5. Event Organization: Information collected through event registrations is used to organize and manage these events. This includes facilitating your participation, ensuring we cater to your needs during the event, and providing follow-up information or materials.
6. Research and Statistics: Aggregated and anonymized data from website usage, program participation, and donor profiles help us in conducting research and analysis. These insights guide our strategic planning, program development, and resource allocation, ensuring that we continually improve and effectively meet our mission objectives.
7. Community Engagement and Feedback: We use your information to engage with you and seek your feedback. This includes conducting surveys, sending out questionnaires, and inviting you to participate in focus groups or feedback sessions. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our programs and approaches.
8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In some instances, we use the collected information to comply with legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations. This may include maintaining financial records, responding to legal requests, or adhering to regulatory requirements.
9. Marketing and Promotion: With your consent, we may use your information for marketing purposes. This could include showcasing the impact of our programs, highlighting success stories, or promoting upcoming events and campaigns.

Contribution to Program and Service Delivery

The information we collect plays a critical role in the delivery and enhancement of PY’s programs and services:

• Tailoring Programs to Community Needs: By understanding the demographics and interests of our community, we can design programs that are more relevant and impactful.
• Enhancing User Experience: Information from website interactions helps us optimize the user experience, making our online resources more user-friendly and accessible.
• Facilitating Effective Communication: Keeping our community informed and engaged is essential. The contact information we collect enables us to maintain an open line of communication with our supporters and participants.
• Building Stronger Relationships: Personalized communication and targeted programs, based on the information collected, help us build stronger, more meaningful relationships with our community members.

In every use of the information we collect, we are guided by our commitment to transparency, respect for privacy, and dedication to the positive impact of our work. Your information is handled with the utmost care and responsibility, aligning with our core values and principles.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

Policy on Sharing Information with Third Parties

At Peace by Youth (PY), we recognize the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the personal information entrusted to us. Our policy on sharing and disclosing data reflects our commitment to privacy and transparency.

1. Limited Sharing: PY only shares personal information with third parties under specific, controlled circumstances. The sharing of information is primarily aimed at enhancing our programs, complying with legal obligations, or providing you with better services.
2. Partners and Collaborators: In certain cases, we collaborate with partner organizations, such as other non-profits, government agencies, or educational institutions. These partnerships are essential for expanding the reach and impact of our programs. When we share information with these partners, it is strictly related to the program or initiative in question, and only the necessary information is shared.
3. Third-Party Service Providers: We engage with third-party service providers for various services, including payment processing, website hosting, data analysis, marketing, and communications. These providers have access to personal information only to the extent necessary to perform their tasks on our behalf and are contractually bound to protect and use it only for the purposes for which it was disclosed, consistent with this Privacy Policy.
   • Payment Processors: For donations and transactions, we use reputable payment processing services. These processors adhere to strict data security and privacy standards to ensure your financial information is secure.
   • Data Analysis and Research: To better understand our impact and improve our programs, we may use third-party analytics services. These services process data in an aggregated and anonymized form.
4. Legal Compliance and Safety: We may disclose personal information if required by law, such as in response to a court order, legal process, or government request. Additionally, we may share information if we believe it’s necessary to detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues, or to protect against harm to the rights, property, or safety of PY, our users, or the public as required or permitted by law.
5. Consent-Based Sharing: In scenarios where your consent is required for sharing your personal data with third parties, we will seek your explicit consent before doing so. This might include sharing success stories or testimonials for promotional purposes.

Security Measures with Third Parties

• Contractual Agreements: We require all third-party service providers to respect the security of your personal data and to treat it in accordance with the law. They are not allowed to use your personal data for their own purposes and are only permitted to process your personal data for specified purposes and in accordance with our instructions.
• Regular Reviews: We conduct regular reviews of our third-party service providers to ensure they comply with our high standards of data protection and security.

It’s important to note that our website may contain links to and from the websites of our partner networks, advertisers, and affiliates. If you follow a link to any of these websites, please note that these websites have their own privacy policies and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies.

In summary, PY is committed to safeguarding your personal information and will only share data with third parties when necessary for our operations, with your consent, or as required by law, always ensuring that your privacy is protected.

Data Security

At Peace by Youth (PY), we are deeply committed to protecting the personal information of our supporters, volunteers, program participants, and website visitors. We understand the importance of securing this data against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. To this end, we have implemented a comprehensive set of security measures.

Key Security Measures

1. Encryption Technologies:
   • To safeguard sensitive information, particularly financial data, we employ robust encryption technologies. This includes the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmitted over the internet, ensuring that your information is protected when you make donations or submit personal information on our website.
2. Secure Servers:
   • Our servers, where personal data is stored, are secured with advanced security measures. These servers are housed in facilities with strict access controls and are protected against unauthorized access both physically and digitally.
3. Data Access Controls:
   • Access to personal data within our organization is strictly controlled. We grant access only to authorized personnel who need the information to perform their job functions, such as processing donations or communicating with you.
   • Regular training is provided to our staff regarding the importance of data privacy and the ways to protect it, ensuring a high level of awareness and compliance with our security protocols.
4. Regular Security Audits:
   • We conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement corrective measures. These audits help us stay ahead of emerging security threats and safeguard your data effectively.
5. Data Breach Response Plan:
   • In the unlikely event of a data breach, we have a response plan in place to promptly address the situation. This includes measures for securing our systems, investigating the breach, notifying affected individuals, and taking steps to prevent future incidents.
6. Secure Communication Channels:
   • For communication involving sensitive information, we use secure channels to ensure that your data remains confidential. This includes encrypted email systems for sensitive correspondences.
7. Third-Party Vendor Security:
   • We rigorously vet any third-party vendors or service providers who handle personal data on our behalf. They are required to adhere to similar, if not more stringent, security measures and are regularly monitored for compliance.
8. Data Minimization and Retention Policies:
   • We adhere to data minimization principles, collecting only what is necessary for our operations and retaining it only for as long as needed. We have clear data retention policies in place, after which personal data is securely destroyed or anonymized.

Ongoing Commitment to Data Security

Our commitment to data security is ongoing and evolving. We continually update and refine our security practices in response to new technologies and changing online threats. Ensuring the security of your personal data is a responsibility we take seriously, as it is fundamental to maintaining your trust and our integrity as an organization.

We encourage our users to also take precautions in protecting their personal information online, especially when using public computers or unsecured networks. If you have any concerns or questions about our data security practices, please feel free to contact us.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

At Peace by Youth (PY), our website utilizes cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, gather useful information about website usage, and improve the functionality and efficiency of our online presence. Understanding the role of these technologies is important for our users.

1. Types of Cookies and Their Purposes:
   • Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the basic functioning of our website. They enable core features such as security, network management, and accessibility. Disabling these cookies may affect how the website functions.
   • Performance and Analytics Cookies: These cookies collect information about how visitors interact with our website, including pages visited and time spent on the site. This data is used in an aggregated form to help us understand how our website is being used and how we can improve it.
   • Functional Cookies: These improve the functional performance of our website and make it more personalized for the user. For example, they may remember your preferences and settings for future visits.
   • Advertising and Targeting Cookies: If used, these cookies track browsing habits and are used to deliver targeted advertising that is more relevant to the user. They also limit the number of times an ad is shown and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
2. Third-Party Cookies:
   • Our website may include features from third-party sites, such as social media icons or video hosting. These third parties may use cookies, and while we do not have direct control over these cookies, they are included to provide additional functionality and enhance your user experience.

Managing Cookies and Tracking Technologies

1. Cookie Consent:
   • When you visit our website for the first time, you will be prompted with a cookie consent banner where you can choose whether to accept or decline the use of non-essential cookies.
2. Browser Settings:
   • You have the ability to manage and control cookies through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies for a site. Please note that if you delete or choose not to accept cookies, some features of our website may not function as intended.
3. Third-Party Tools:
   • For more precise control over specific cookies, you can use various third-party tools available online that can help you manage your cookie preferences.
4. Opting Out of Analytics:
   • If we use analytics cookies, you will have the option to opt-out. This is usually done through a toggle in the cookie consent banner or via your browser settings.
5. More Information:
   • For more detailed information about the specific cookies used on our website and their purposes, we may provide a cookie policy or detailed section within our privacy policy.

We are committed to using cookies and tracking technologies responsibly and in a manner that respects your privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about our use of these technologies, please do not hesitate to contact us.

User Rights and Choices

Overview of User Rights

At Peace by Youth (PY), we recognize and respect your rights regarding your personal information. Our commitment to your privacy includes ensuring you have control over your data. Below are the key rights you have in relation to the personal information we hold:

1. Right to Access:
   • You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. This includes knowing the nature of the information, how it’s being used, and to whom it has been disclosed.
2. Right to Correction:
   • You have the right to request the correction of your personal information if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated.
3. Right to Deletion:
   • You can request the deletion or removal of your personal data where there is no compelling reason for its continued processing. This is also known as the ‘right to be forgotten’.
4. Right to Object:
   • You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data in certain circumstances, including for marketing purposes or when the processing is based on legitimate interests.
5. Right to Restriction of Processing:
   • You have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal data, which means we can store it but not use or process it further under certain conditions.
6. Right to Data Portability:
   • Where applicable, you have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit that data to another controller.
7. Right to Withdraw Consent:
   • If you have given consent to the processing of your data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time, though this will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

How to Exercise Your Rights

1. Contacting Us:
   • To exercise any of your rights, you can contact us directly. We have designated a contact point for privacy-related inquiries and requests:
     • Email: privacy@py.org.pk
     • Postal Address: Behind Royal College, First Family Lane, Jacobabad
     • Phone Number: +92 300 7067257
2. Identification Verification:
   • When you make a request, we may ask you to verify your identity to ensure the security of your data. This is a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.
3. Response Time:
   • We aim to respond to your requests promptly and in any case, within the legally required time frames.
4. Guidance and Assistance:
   • Our team is available to provide any assistance or clarification you may need in understanding and exercising your rights.
5. No Fees Usually Required:
   • You will not have to pay a fee to access your personal data or to exercise any of your other rights. However, we may charge a reasonable fee if your request is clearly unfounded, repetitive, or excessive.
6. Limitations and Exemptions:
   • There may be situations where we are unable to fully comply with your request due to specific legal reasons, which we will explain to you if applicable.

We are committed to upholding your rights and ensuring you have full control over your personal information. If you have concerns or questions about how we handle your data, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

Policy Modifications

Peace by Youth (PY) recognizes that change is a constant aspect of both technology and legal environments, and as such, we reserve the right to modify, update, or amend our Privacy Policy at any time to reflect these changes. Our commitment to transparency and respect for your privacy means we take this process seriously, ensuring that any changes made are in line with our mission and values, and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Communication of Changes

1. Notification of Changes:
   • Should there be any significant changes to our Privacy Policy, we will actively communicate these changes to you. This communication might take the form of a prominent notice on our website, an email notification, or through other relevant communication channels, depending on the nature of the change.
2. Website Updates:
   • The most current version of our Privacy Policy will always be available on our website. We encourage you to periodically review this policy to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
3. Effective Date:
   • Alongside the updated policy, we will always include the date of the latest revision, so you can easily see when changes were made.
4. Continued Use as Acceptance:
   • We understand that your continued use of our services after we publish or communicate a notice about our changes to this Privacy Policy means that the collection, use, and sharing of your personal data is subject to the updated Privacy Policy.

Your Feedback

• We welcome and value your feedback regarding our Privacy Policy. If you have any concerns or suggestions for improvements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We see this as a collaborative process and an opportunity to strengthen the trust and relationship we have with our community.

By staying informed and providing your feedback, you can help us ensure our Privacy Policy always aligns with our shared values and the needs of our community.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, concerns, or questions regarding our Privacy Policy or your personal information, Peace by Youth (PY) has established several channels of communication. We are committed to addressing your privacy-related issues promptly and thoroughly. Below are the contact details you can use to reach out to us:

Privacy Inquiries

1. Email Address:
   • For direct communication and written inquiries, please email us at:
     • Email: privacy@py.org.pk
2. Postal Address:
   • If you prefer to communicate via mail or need to send physical documents, you can use the following address:
     • Address: Peace by Youth, Behind Royal College, First Family Lane, Jacobabad, Sindh, 79000
3. Phone Number:
   • For immediate assistance or verbal inquiries, feel free to call us at:
     • Phone: +92 300 7067257
4. Website Contact Form:
   • You can also reach us through the contact form available on our website:
     • Website: www.py.org.pk/contact

Office Hours

• Our office is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (local time). We encourage you to reach out to us during these hours for a timely response.

Social Media

• Additionally, while not the primary means for privacy inquiries, our social media channels can be used for general questions and information:
  • Facebook: /peacebyyouth
  • Twitter: @py_official1
  • Instagram: py_official1

Response Time

• We aim to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience as we thoroughly address each concern.

We at Peace by Youth are dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication regarding your privacy and the handling of your personal information. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions you may have. Your trust and confidence in our organization are of paramount importance to us.

Effective Date

The Privacy Policy of Peace by Youth (PY) as outlined herein is effective as of January 2023. This policy will govern our practices and your interaction with PY from this date forward.

Please note that any changes or updates to this policy will be communicated as described in the ‘Changes to the Privacy Policy’ section, and the new provisions will take effect from the date they are posted or communicated. We encourage you to review our Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information and to be aware of any updates or changes.

Your continued use of our services, website, and participation in our programs after the effective date of January 2023 indicates your acceptance of this Privacy Policy and any subsequent modifications.

If you have any questions or require clarification regarding this policy or its implications, please feel free to contact us using the provided contact information. We are committed to ensuring that your personal information is handled with care and respect, in accordance with our high standards of privacy and security.