Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 25, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how rootgroups.net ("we," "us," "our," or "the site") collects, uses, and protects the information you share with us when you sign up for a home group, apply to host a home group, or use any other part of this site.
Information We Collect
Depending on how you use the site, we may collect:
- Your name, email address, and phone number when you sign up to join a group, express interest in a group, or apply to host a group.
- Church affiliation and a short message about yourself, if you apply to host a group.
- Reference information you provide as part of a host application (a reference's name, location, contact info, job title/status, and how long they've known you).
- Login information (username, email, phone number, and a securely hashed password) if you're given an admin or host account.
- Basic technical information your browser sends automatically (such as IP address and browser type) as part of normal web traffic, which we do not use to individually track you. See our Cookie Policy for details on cookies specifically.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide to:
- Match you with a home group and communicate meeting details, reminders, and updates.
- Review and process host applications, including contacting the references you provide.
- Let you know when a home group matching your interests becomes available.
- Provide hosts and admins with the access needed to run their group (for example, seeing who has signed up for their group).
- Send account-related messages, such as login verification codes and password reset links.
We do not sell your information to anyone, and we do not use it for advertising.
Who Can See Your Information
Only staff and admins have access to your private contact information. When a home group is listed publicly, only limited information is shown — typically your city and, for hosts, a first name and last initial, along with the group's day, time, and format. Full contact details are never posted publicly.
Text & Email Communications
By providing your email and phone number, you agree that we may contact you by email and text message for the purposes described above — including group updates, reminders, host application follow-up, and account-related messages. Standard message and data rates may apply from your carrier. You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time (see Your Choices & Rights below).
Third-Party Services We Use
We use trusted third-party providers to deliver email and text messages and to host our site and database (currently Microsoft Azure for hosting, and email/SMS delivery providers such as Mailgun and Twilio or Textbee). These providers process your contact information only as needed to deliver messages on our behalf, under their own privacy and security practices — they do not use your information for their own marketing.
Data Storage & Security
Your information is stored on secure, access-controlled servers. Passwords are never stored in plain text. We take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no online system can be guaranteed 100% secure.
Your Choices & Rights
You can ask us to update, correct, or remove your information, or to stop contacting you, at any time by reaching out through the contact information below.
Children's Privacy
This site is intended for adults. Host applications require confirming you are 18 or older. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is used, please reach out to the Bitterroot Home Groups team through this site.