Welcome to Endependence Center’s website, located at https://endependence.org/ (“Website”). By accessing or using our Website and/or enrolling in our SMS messaging service, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”). If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please discontinue use of our Website and SMS services. Endependence Center reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time without prior notice, and such modifications will be effective upon posting. Continued use of the Website or SMS services constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.
1. USE OF THE WEBSITE
1.1 Lawful Purposes
You agree to use the Website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others or restrict or inhibit their use of the Website. Specifically, you agree not to:
- Engage in any unlawful, harmful, or fraudulent activity.
- Upload or transmit any harmful code, virus, or malware.
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Website, servers, or databases.
- Use the Website to harass, abuse, or harm another person.
- Copy or reproduce content from the Website for commercial purposes without our explicit permission.
2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
2.1 Website Content
All content on the Endependence Center Website, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, logos, videos, and software (collectively, “Content”), is the property of Endependence Center or its content suppliers and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
2.2 Copyright
You may view, download, and print Content for personal, non-commercial use only. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification, or public display of the Content is strictly prohibited.
2.3 Trademarks
All trademarks, service marks, logos, and trade names used on the Website are the property of Endependence Center or its licensors. No license or right to use any trademark is granted under these Terms without our express written permission.
3. USER-GENERATED CONTENT
3.1 Submission of Content
If the Website allows you to submit comments, reviews, or other user-generated content (“UGC”), you agree that:
- Your UGC will not be defamatory, obscene, abusive, or otherwise unlawful.
- Your UGC will not violate the rights of any third party.
3.2 License
By submitting UGC, you grant Endependence Center a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and display your UGC in any media.
3.3 Removal of Content
Endependence Center reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any UGC for any reason, including any UGC that violates these Terms.
4. SMS MESSAGING SERVICE AND TCR COMPLIANCE
SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of the SMS are not shared with any third party or affiliate company for marketing purposes.
4.1 Types of Messages You May Receive
By opting into our SMS Messaging Service (“SMS Service”), you understand and consent that Endependence Center may send text messages to the mobile number you provide. These messages may include, but are not limited to:
- Conversational messages are two-way between you and ECI staff, and are intended to share and collect information in order to provide services.
- Notification messages are intended to share important, time-sensitive information, such as unexpected office closures or event cancellations.
4.2 Consent and Eligibility
- By enrolling in our SMS Service, you represent that you are the owner or authorized user of the mobile phone number you provide and that you are at least 18 years of age.
- Your consent is voluntary, and you are not required to opt in as a condition of receiving services.
- You consent by checking the “I agree” box on a contact form on our website: https://endependence.org/
4.3 Message Frequency
- Message frequency may vary. Endependence Center reserves the right to alter the frequency of messages sent at any time to increase or decrease the total number of SMS messages we send.
- Endependence Center also reserves the right to change the short code or phone number from which messages are sent.
4.4 Opt-Out
- You may opt out of the SMS Service at any time by texting the keyword “STOP” to the number from which you received the message.
- After texting “STOP,” you may receive one final confirmation message stating you have been unsubscribed.
- You acknowledge that our text message platform may not recognize and respond to unsubscribe requests that do not include the keyword “STOP.” Endependence Center and its service providers are not liable for failing to honor such requests.
4.5 Help or Support
- If you require assistance, text “HELP” to the number from which you received the message.
- You can also contact us directly for support:
- Phone: 757-481-8007
- Email: ecinorf@endependence.org
- Additional resources can be found at https://endependence.org/privacy-policy/ and https://endependence.org/website-terms-conditions/.
4.6 Carriers & Fees
- Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.
- You are responsible for any mobile charges that you incur (including any applicable roaming, data, and text charges).
- Not all carriers may support our SMS Service. Endependence Center is not liable for delayed or undelivered text messages.
4.7 Data Protection
- Any personal information, including your phone number, will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and in compliance with The Campaign Registry (TCR) requirements and other governing regulations.
- We take reasonable steps to safeguard your personal information; however, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
5. DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES
5.1 General
While Endependence Center strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the Website and through SMS communications, all information is provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis. Endependence Center makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding:
- The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information.
- The Website or SMS Service being free from viruses, malware, or other harmful components.
- The availability or uninterrupted access to the Website or SMS Service.
6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
6.1 General Liability
Under no circumstances shall Endependence Center, its affiliates, directors, employees, contractors, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or related to your use or inability to use the Website or SMS Service. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Loss of data, revenue, or profit.
- Service interruptions or technical issues.
- Unauthorized access to or theft of personal information.
6.2 Fundamental Elements
You acknowledge that the disclaimers and limitations set forth in this section are fundamental elements of these Terms.
7. THIRD-PARTY LINKS
The Website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not owned or controlled by Endependence Center. We do not endorse or assume any responsibility for any such third-party sites, information, materials, products, or services. Accessing them is at your own risk.
8. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms and any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Website or SMS Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Virginia. All claims shall be exclusively brought in the state or federal courts located in Virginia, and you consent to the jurisdiction of those courts.
9. CHANGES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Endependence Center reserves the right to amend, update, or modify these Terms at any time. We will post any changes on this page and update the effective date above. It is your responsibility to review this page regularly for updates. Your continued use of the Website or SMS Service following any changes indicates your acceptance of the new Terms.
10. CONTACT US
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions or wish to obtain further information, please contact us at:
Endependence Center
6300 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23452
Phone: 757-481-8007
Email: ecinorf@endependence.org
By using this Website and/or our SMS Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Approved 07/09/2025
