Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: 05/2026

Welcome to MBACJC

These terms explain how you can use our website and participate in our digital community. By using our website, you agree to these terms. We've written them in plain language to be accessible to all community members.

Our Collaborative Values

Our website reflects the same values that guide our offline work:

Respect: Treat all community members with dignity
Inclusion: Create welcoming spaces for all voices
Equity: Recognize that fair treatment may require different approaches
Consensus: Prefer collaborative problem-solving over conflict

Acceptable Use

You May

Learn and Share: Use our resources for education and community organizing
Participate: Engage respectfully in online discussions and feedback
Download: Use our educational materials for non-commercial purposes
Translate: Share our resources in other languages with proper attribution
Adapt: Modify our materials for your community's needs (with attribution)

Please Don't

Harm Others: Post content that threatens, harasses, or discriminates
Violate Privacy: Share other people's personal information without consent
Spread Misinformation: Post false information about climate change or community issues
Commercial Use: Use our content for profit without written permission
Overwhelm Systems: Attempt to damage or overload our website

Intellectual Property and Community Knowledge

Our Content

Educational Materials: Available for community use with attribution
Reports and Research: May be shared for educational and organizing purposes
Images and Graphics: Contact us for permission to use in other contexts

Community-Shared Knowledge

Traditional Knowledge: We respect Indigenous intellectual property rights
Community Stories: Shared with permission and remain owned by storytellers
Collaborative Work: Credit belongs to all participating organizations

Attribution

When using our materials, please include:

"Source: Monterey Bay Area Climate Justice Collaborative (MBACJC)"
Link to our website when possible
Note if you've modified the original material

Accessibility and Language

Our Commitment

Bilingual Content: All major content available in English and Spanish
Plain Language: We avoid jargon and explain technical terms
Multiple Formats: Alternative formats available upon request
Interpretation: Mixteco and other language interpretation by appointment

Accessibility Features

Screen Reader Compatible: Website designed for assistive technologies
Large Print: Text size can be adjusted in your browser
Alternative Contact: Phone and in-person options for those who prefer not to use digital tools

Disclaimers and Limitations

Information Accuracy

Best Efforts: We strive for accurate, up-to-date information
No Warranties: Information provided "as is" without guarantees
Community Input: We welcome corrections and updates from community members

External Links

Not Our Responsibility: We don't control content on other websites
No Endorsement: Links don't necessarily mean we endorse other organizations
Use Caution: Evaluate external content critically

Problem Resolution

Our Approach

We prefer collaborative problem-solving over legal action. If you have concerns:

Talk to Us: Contact us directly to discuss the issue
Community Mediation: We can involve neutral community members
Consensus Process: Use our standard decision-making process
Cultural Mediation: Indigenous peacemaking models when appropriate

Serious Violations

For serious violations (harassment, threats, privacy breaches):

Immediate Response: We will respond quickly to protect community safety
Investigation: Fair process that hears all perspectives
Community Standards: Consequences determined by community values
Legal Action: Reserved for situations that threaten community safety

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Legal Framework

California Law: These terms governed by California state law
Federal Rights: All applicable federal civil rights protections apply
Tribal Sovereignty: Respect for Indigenous legal systems and sovereignty
Community Justice: Preference for restorative over punitive approaches

Changes to These Terms

Update Process

Community Input: We seek feedback before making major changes
Clear Notice: Changes announced via website and email
Bilingual Updates: All changes available in English and Spanish
Transition Period: Time to review and ask questions before changes take effect

Acknowledgment

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these terms and our privacy policy. More importantly, you join our commitment to creating inclusive, respectful digital spaces that serve our broader mission of climate justice.