Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Who We Are

NAU — Now As You Are — is a well-being community and social initiative operating across India. We run community chapters, events, outreach programs, and digital platforms focused on mental health awareness, peer support, and human connection.

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, “NAU”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to the NAU initiative and its central coordination team. “You” refers to any individual who visits our website, submits a form, registers for an event, applies to volunteer or partner, or interacts with any of our digital properties.

1.2 Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through:

• The NAU website (nau.org) and all sub-pages
• Contact forms, volunteer applications, and event registrations
• Email communications with the NAU team
• Social media interactions on NAU’s official channels
• Any other digital touchpoint operated by NAU

We do not sell your data. We do not use your information for advertising. NAU is a non-profit, community-driven initiative — your information exists solely to help us serve you and our community better.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you interact with NAU. This may include:

• Name, email address, and phone number submitted through contact or application forms
• Institution or organisation affiliation provided in forms or applications
• Messages and enquiries submitted through our contact form
• Volunteer, chapter, or partnership application details
• Event registration information
• Donation or financial support details where applicable

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically through standard web technologies. This may include:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type, device type, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns on the website
• Referring URLs and search terms used to find the website

This information is used solely to understand how our website is being used and to improve the user experience. It is not linked to any individual’s personal identity.

2.3 Information We Do Not Collect

NAU does not collect and has no interest in collecting:

• Sensitive personal data such as health records, financial account details, or government identification numbers
• Personal disclosures made in peer circles, events, or community spaces — these remain confidential within those spaces
• Information about minors without verified parental or guardian consent

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

We use the information we collect only for the following purposes:

• To respond to enquiries, applications, and messages submitted through our website
• To process volunteer, chapter, and partnership applications
• To register participants for NAU events, workshops, and programs
• To send relevant updates, event information, and community communications — only to those who have opted in
• To improve our website, programs, and community experience based on usage patterns
• To process and acknowledge financial contributions and donations
• To comply with applicable legal obligations

3.2 What We Will Never Do

• Sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party
• Use your information for commercial advertising or targeting purposes
• Share your information with any organisation outside NAU without your explicit consent
• Contact you with unsolicited communications unrelated to your interaction with NAU

4. Sharing of Information

4.1 Within NAU

Your information may be shared internally between the NAU Central Team and relevant Campus Chapter leads where necessary to process your application, enquiry, or participation request. All NAU team members are bound by our confidentiality commitments.

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

NAU may use trusted third-party tools and platforms to operate our website and communications — such as email service providers, website hosting services, or form management tools. These providers may process your data on our behalf, strictly for the purposes outlined in this policy, and are contractually required to protect your information.

We do not permit these providers to use your data for any purpose other than providing services to NAU.

4.3 Legal Requirements

NAU may disclose your information if required to do so by law, court order, or governmental authority — or where we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, safety, or well-being of any individual.

4.4 What We Will Never Do

• Sell your personal information to any third party under any circumstances
• Share your information with partner organisations, sponsors, or institutions without your explicit consent
• Use your information to target you with advertising from any company or organisation

5. Data Storage, Protection, and Retention

5.1 Storage

Your personal information is stored securely on protected servers. Where we use third-party platforms for data storage or communication, we ensure they meet appropriate security standards and are used only for NAU’s stated purposes.

5.2 Security Measures

We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. These include access controls, secure data transmission where applicable, and restricted internal access to personal data.

While we work diligently to protect your information, no digital system can guarantee absolute security. We encourage you to reach out immediately at privacy@nau.org if you believe your information has been compromised.

5.3 Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected — or as required by applicable law. When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

• Contact form submissions — retained for up to 12 months from the date of last interaction
• Volunteer and chapter application records — retained for the duration of your engagement with NAU
• Event registration data — retained for up to 6 months post-event
• Donation records — retained as required by applicable financial and legal obligations

6. Your Rights

You have meaningful rights over your personal information. NAU is committed to honouring these rights fully and without unnecessary friction.

Right to Access

You have the right to request a copy of the personal information NAU holds about you at any time.

Right to Correction

If any information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request that it be corrected.

Right to Deletion

You may request the deletion of your personal information from our systems at any time, subject to any legal retention requirements.

Right to Withdraw Consent

Where your information is processed based on your consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time — without affecting any prior processing.

Right to Opt Out

You may opt out of any communications, mailing lists, or updates from NAU at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe option in any communication.

Right to Complain

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to raise a concern with NAU directly — and, where applicable, with the relevant data protection authority.

To exercise any of your rights, email us at privacy@nau.org. We will respond within 14 working days.

7. Cookies

7.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, understand usage patterns, and improve the overall experience.

7.2 How NAU Uses Cookies

NAU’s website may use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies — required for the website to function correctly. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies — help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it. No personally identifiable information is collected.
• Preference cookies — remember your settings and preferences to improve your experience on return visits.

NAU does not use advertising cookies or permit third-party advertising trackers on its website.

7.3 Managing Cookies

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings at any time. Please note that disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of certain parts of the website.

8. Children’s Privacy

8.1 Our Commitment

NAU is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18 without the verified consent of a parent or legal guardian.

While NAU Saath works with children in orphanages and care facilities, this is done through institutional partnerships and supervised interactions — and does not involve the direct collection of personal data from minors through our website or digital platforms.

8.2 If You Believe a Child Has Provided Data

If you believe that a child under 18 has submitted personal information to NAU without appropriate parental consent, please contact us immediately at privacy@nau.org and we will take prompt steps to remove the information from our systems.

9. Updates to This Policy

9.1 How We Handle Updates

NAU may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal obligations, or the way we operate. When we do, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

For significant changes that materially affect how we handle your information, we will take reasonable steps to notify you — through a notice on our website or via email if we hold your contact details.

Your continued use of the NAU website or services after any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.