Privacy Policy
We collect only what we need, we keep it in CSN's own systems, and we never sell it.
Effective November 10, 2026. This policy explains how Community Search Network ("CSN," "we," "us"), a Virginia nonprofit corporation, handles personal information on communitysearchnetwork.org and in our volunteer programs.
1. What we collect
- What you give us. Your name, email, ZIP code, mobile number if you choose to give it, what you are interested in, and anything you write in an application, form or email.
- Text message consent. If you opt in to texts, we keep your mobile number, the exact consent wording you agreed to, the date and time, and the page you were on.
- Volunteer records. Your level, training progress, availability, verification status and the dates.
- Basic technical data. Our hosting provider keeps standard server logs, such as IP address, browser type and time of visit, to keep the site secure and working.
This site does not use advertising trackers or analytics cookies. Fonts are delivered by Google Fonts, which receives your IP address to send them.
2. How we use it
- To answer you and review your application
- To verify, train and coordinate volunteers
- To send search alerts, training notices and account notices you have asked for
- To keep our website and records secure
- To meet our legal obligations
We do not sell, rent or trade personal information. We do not use it for advertising.
3. Text messages
CSN sends text messages only to people who opt in by checking the text message box on a CSN form. That box is never checked for you, and opting in is never required to sign up, apply or volunteer.
We do not share or sell mobile numbers, text messaging opt-in data or consent with any third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile numbers and consent records go only to the service providers that deliver our messages for us, and only for that purpose. All other categories of sharing in this policy exclude text messaging opt-in data and consent.
Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to any message to opt out, or HELP for help. See our SMS Terms.
4. Identity verification and background checks
Identity verification is done by Checkr, a professional screening company, or by a local police department. Your ID details stay with them. CSN keeps only the result and the date.
Background checks apply to searchers. They are run by Checkr only after you receive a stand-alone written disclosure and give written permission. Your report stays inside Checkr's secure dashboard and is seen only by CSN staff who are cleared to review screenings. CSN's own systems keep only your status, such as cleared, and the dates. See Background checks and your data for your rights.
5. Who we share it with
- Service providers that run our systems for us under their own privacy and security commitments: website hosting, our database, email, text message delivery and screening.
- Police and search leaders, when you take part in a search. Volunteers agree to cooperate with CSN and law enforcement during and after a search, so we may share who took part and how to reach them.
- When the law requires it, such as a valid court order, or to protect someone's safety.
That is the whole list.
6. How long we keep it
We keep information only as long as we need it for the purposes above or as the law requires. If you sign up and later ask us to remove you, we delete your details unless a record must be kept, and we will tell you if so. We keep a record of text message opt-ins and opt-outs so we can honor them.
7. How we protect it
Information is kept in CSN's own accounts, with access limited by role to the people who need it. No system is perfectly secure, and if a breach affects you, we will tell you.
8. Children
This website and our volunteer programs are for adults 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has sent us information, email us and we will delete it.
9. Your choices
- Ask to see, correct or delete the information we hold about you
- Reply STOP to end text messages
- Unsubscribe from any email using the link in it
We answer requests within 30 days.
10. Changes
If we change this policy, we will post the new version here with a new effective date. If a change is significant, we will tell the people it affects.
11. Contact
Community Search Network
11316 Nancyann Way, Fairfax, VA 22030
[email protected]