Donor Privacy Policy

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on the generous contributions of our supporters. We value the faithful support of our financial community and therefore take the privacy of our donors very seriously.

Out of mutual respect we will not rent or sell any personal donor information with outside parties, organizations, or individuals. This includes all relevant information obtained through online donation forms, dispatched appeals, phone calls, and in person solicitation. Online credit card donations are processed securely by our contracted e-commerce service. We maintain this information in our database in order to keep you up-to-date on our future work and related issues that may be of interest. If you wish to refrain from receiving our emails and/or direct mail solicitation, you can contact our office at info@paxchristiusa.org or call 202-635-2741.


Data Protection Policy

What information does Pax Christi USA gather and track?
In principle, access to the information available on or via our website does not require any personal data to be supplied by the user. “Personal data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person; an identifiable person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identification number or to one or more factors specific to his or her identity. However, in order to use certain online services, for example to subscribe to our e-newsletter and general mailing list, or to register for an event via online form on the website, an individual may be asked to supply some information about themselves, such as contact details (name and e-mail address) when filling in a form. Occasionally we may ask an individual to provide further personal information such as address in connection to a particular event (conference, workshop, seminar) he/she may wish to attend.

Any personal data we have regarding an individual can be requested and shared with said individual at any time. We will correct, revise, remove or delete any personal data at the request of said individual at any time. We will give individuals explicit choices as to how they wish us to use their personal data and for what purpose. (For example, an individual can choose what kind of emails she/he wants to receive from us.) It is convenient, quick, easy and accessible for individuals to opt-out of any use of their data. For instance, if they wish to opt-out of our electronic newsletter, we will always have an opt-out or unsubscribe button on every newsletter for them to access.

Purposes of collecting personal data
Pax Christi USA uses personal data as specified by individual users. Individuals may sign up to receive electronic communications from us for a variety of services (newsletters, fundraising appeals, action alerts, general information, event registration, surveys, etc.) Such data will only be used for the purpose it was originally obtained for at the consent of the individual.

Cookies
The Pax Christi USA website may use cookies to enhance its functionality, to help improve its
performance and to provide users with a better user experience. Users have full control over what cookies are set on their devices and can delete cookies that have already been set at any time.

Protection of Personal Data
Pax Christi USA will collect personal information only to the extent necessary to fulfill a precise purpose that will be clearly specified to the user. We will not disclose any of personally identifiable information without permission. Nor will we reuse information a user provides for a purpose incompatible with the original purpose. We will not divulge a user’s personal data for direct marketing purposes, nor will it disclose this information to third parties, except where required by law. Data collected will be kept for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which it is collected. We only retain an individual’s data for as long as they wish to partake of the services for which they have requested access. Individuals may opt-out on their own or ask us to remove their personal data at any time. Any individual concerned has the right to obtain access to and rectification of his or her personal data stored by us. To exercise one’s rights or to obtain any further information, please contact us at info@paxchristiusa.org.

The Pax Christi USA website provides links to other internet sites, including state chapters, partners, etc. We have no control over these sites; nor do we have any knowledge about their respective privacy policies. For any questions/concerns regarding these websites’
privacy policies, we recommend contacting them directly.

Copyright
The Pax Christi USA website includes data and multimedia items such as texts, drawings,
graphics, logos, icons, images, audio and video material, photographs and programs which are protected by the provisions of national and international law applying to intellectual property. These textual data and multimedia items are the exclusive property of either Pax Christi USA or their specified authors and beneficiaries. Reproduction of textual data and multimedia items which are the property of Pax Christi USA or of third parties and for which Pax Christi USA holds the rights of use is authorized for non-commercial purposes only provided that the source is duly acknowledged. For further questions regarding the use/reproduction of particular information, pictures and/or audio-video material on this website, please contact us at info@paxchristiusa.org.

Disclaimer
Pax Christi USA’s goal is to keep this information as complete, accurate and up to date as
possible. If errors are brought to our attention, we will take all possible steps to make any necessary corrections without delay. We cannot guarantee that information from external sources contained on this site is reliable or up to date.


Conflict of Interest Policy

As added to Pax Christi USA’s personnel policy manual and handbook (pending approval)

Each National Council member and employee of Pax Christi USA has an obligation to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest.

An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when a National Council member or employee is in a position to influence a decision that may result in personal gain or gain for oneself or a relative as a result of Pax Christi USA’s dealings. For the purpose of this policy, a relationship can be a relative—any person who is related by blood, marriage, or domestic partnership, or whose relationship with the Council Member or Staff Member is similar to that of persons who are related by blood, marriage, or domestic partnership — a business or trade relationship, or a romantic relationship.

Improper personal gain may result not only from situations in which a National Council member, an employee, or one of their relatives has a significant ownership in an organization with which Pax Christi USA does business, but also when a National Council member, employee, or a relative of a National Council member or employee receives any kickback, bribe, substantial gift, or special consideration as a result of any transaction or business dealing involving Pax Christi USA.

Policy conflicts of interest may result from undisclosed relationships to policy-oriented, political, faith-based, or peace and justice organizations, or undisclosed relationships with individuals associated with those organizations. Examples include members of Congress, lobbyists, journalists or media professionals, campaign staff or volunteers, advocacy organizations and their staff, peace organizations, or faith-based organizations, especially Catholic ones.

If a National Council member or employee or one of their relatives has any actual or potential conflict of interest in any proposed transaction between Pax Christi USA and another entity, it is imperative that that National Council member or employee fully disclose to the National Council Chair, as soon as possible, the nature of that actual or potential conflict of interest, so that the National Council can examine the matter and establish safeguards to protect all parties.

When any actual or potential conflict of interest is relevant to a transaction or other matter that comes under consideration or requires action by the National Council or a National Council committee, the interested person shall call to the attention of the National Council Chair that actual or potential conflict of interest, and shall not be present during any National Council or committee discussion or decision on the matter. However, that person shall provide the National Council applicable committee with any and all relevant information regarding the particular matter.

Upon being apprised of such a situation involving a potential or actual conflict of interest, the National Council chair shall notify the full National Council, which shall in turn determine whether an actual conflict of interest indeed exists and is material to a transaction or other matter before the Board, and in the presence of an actual material conflict, whether the contemplated matter or transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable to Pax Christi USA.

The decision of the National Council on these matters will rest in its sole discretion, and its concern must be the welfare of Pax Christi USA and the advancement of the organization’s purposes.

The minutes of the meeting of the National Council or a National Council committee shall reflect

  1. That the actual or potential conflict of interest was disclosed,
  2. That the interested person was not present during discussion or decision on the matter, and
  3. That the interested person did not vote.

A copy of this Conflict-of-Interest Policy shall be furnished to, acknowledged by, and signed and dated by each National Council member and employee who is presently serving Pax Christi USA or who may become associated with either of those organizations. The signed and dated copies shall be retained by Pax Christi USA.


Whistleblower Protection Policy

As added to Pax Christi USA’s personnel policy manual and handbook (pending approval)

Pax Christi USA requires board members, employees, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of Pax Christi USA, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Reporting Responsibility

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Pax Christi USA can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, employees, and volunteers to report concerns about violations of Pax Christi USA’s code of ethics or suspected violations of laws, policies or regulations that govern Pax Christi USA’s operations.

Any employee who believes that they have been subjected to illegal discrimination or harassment, or who becomes aware of harassment, whether or not it is directed at them, has a responsibility to report the matter immediately to the Executive Director.

No Retaliation

It is contrary to the values of Pax Christi USA for anyone to retaliate against any board member, employee, or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, harassment, suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of Pax Christi USA.

Pax Christi USA will not retaliate, and does not tolerate retaliation, against an employee for making a complaint under this policy in good faith or for participating in good faith in an investigation of a violation of this policy. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

Reporting Procedure

Pax Christi USA has an open-door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with their supervisor. Employee concerns will be heard, considered, and answered without fear of reprisal. If you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Executive Director. Employees should consult and follow the grievance procedures (section XV) as outlined in the personnel policy manual.

Employees may also make use of Pax Christi USA’s anonymous reporting mechanism to report complaints or concerns to the National Council Chair. Reports may be submitted on a confidential basis and will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

National Council Chair Responsibilities Upon Receiving Reports

Pax Christi USA’s National Council Chair is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The National Council Chair will advise and consult with the Executive Committee of the National Council  regarding all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Finance Committee on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.

Accounting and Auditing Matters

The National Council Chair and Executive Director shall immediately notify the Finance Committee of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing, and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.