Terms and Privacy

RECORDINGS

  • Our presenters are provided with contracts that stipulate the length of time that recordings are available. We are obligated to respect these contracts.
  • No extensions are possible.
  • Reach out if you have any tech challenges related to access of the recordings before the end of the program so that we can help you in the timeframe available.


REFUND POLICY

  • Full refunds will be issued up to 
    Refunds for half of registration fees will be be issued until July 1st 11:59pm.
  • No refunds are possible after July 1st at 11:59pm except in the case of severe illness, death, or other urgent situations determined on a case-by-case basis.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  • We are an organization that cherishes the work of writers and artists. To that end, we ask that all participants respect the intellectual property of our presenters, recordings, and material shared.
  • Do not reproduce or distribute Writing Intensive materials without written permission.
    Similarly, if other participants share information or excerpts from their projects, please respect their intellectual property.


LIABILITY

  • In registering, participants understand and agree that the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW), its board, staff, presenters, and members are not liable for any damages or losses arising and waive any of the above from any and all liability.

  • The FBCW provides a space for presenters to share their experiences and insights with participants. The writing industry is a complex and ever-changing environment. As such, the FBCW does not endorse any specific information shared in our programming as being complete or accurate in all scenarios.
  • Participants have a responsibility to research and make informed decisions on any information given or implied.
    Difficult and triggering topics can arise as part of artistic practices that are unforeseeable for staff, volunteers, and other participants.
  • The FBCW is not liable for any damages or harms caused by participating in our programming.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

  • The FBCW is an organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion and that taking part in the program means that participants are expected to be respectful, inclusive, and support the dignity of all people regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, language, ability, nationality, ability, health status, religion, and socioeconomic status. All people have identities that intersect the categories above.
  • Examples of behaviour that undermine the above are: crude jokes, unwanted communication, statements minimising others’ experiences/histories, and threats.
  • Participants are expected to arrive a few minutes before sessions start. This allows for any technical issues to be resolved without the group being disrupted.
  • If a participant is late, we ask that they refrain from asking “what did I miss” type questions so that the event can proceed smoothly. Staff and facilitators will do the best they can to assist if vital information has been shared, but the recording should be able to resolve any questions of this nature.
  • We ask that participants be mindful of the amount of time they speak at events; all participants should have the ability to join in.
  • Participants are expected to keep comments on topic and under a minute so that as many people as possible can participate.
  • Participants understand that if they are muted, it is not an intentional slight to them, but is needed to keep the session moving forward. Participants can be muted at the discretion of the FBCW facilitators.
  • Difficult topics can arise participants understand that we cannot always know or understand other people’s histories.
  • To help make the space as welcoming and safe as possible, if a participant’s is to share information or read excerpts from works that contain certain themes (outlined below), they will identify this prior to reading it to the group. (e.g. sexual assault, extreme violence, self-harm/eating disorders/suicide ideation, abortion/miscarriage, mental illness, graphic adult content).
  • Participants are expected to understand, be sensitive to, and respect the fact that the work of writers, and their opportunity to read their work may be triggering and/or therapeutic to them. Artistic works require vulnerability and the safety to be vulnerable, especially with sensitive topics.
  • Participants agree to do their best to maintain a safe and supportive space for the sharing of the work, regardless of its nature.


ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY

  • The Federation of BC Writers strives to make our events accessible to folks across ability and neurodivergence. We will do what we can to make our programming available to all people.
  • Our programming is based on zoom which means there are some limitations on what can be accomplished, but also advantages such as closed captioning and the ability to join from anywhere.
  • Accommodations are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Accommodations that would significantly hinder the ability of other participants to be involved or participate are not possible.
  • Some accommodations may be beyond our financial and administrative capabilities. In such cases, we will seek funding or alternatives if possible.
    Sessions normally last for an hour.
  • Participants are welcome to step way from their computers if they need to while turning off their camera and microphone, but we will not be able to fill people in on what they missed.
  • Participants are asked to return to the recording in such instances.

Privacy Statement for the Summer Writing Challenge

Effective Date: 2025

  1. At Summer Writing Challenge (“we,” “us,” or “our”), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit and interact with our community website, summerwritingchallenge.ca
  2. By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Statement.
  3. 1. Information We Collect
    We collect both personal and non-personal information to provide and improve our services.
  4. Personal Information may include:
  5. Name
  6. Email address
  7. Username
  8. Profile information (e.g., bio, avatar)
  9. Messages or posts you submit
  10. Any other information you voluntarily provide
  11. Non-Personal Information may include:
  12. Browser type and version
  13. Device information
  14. IP address
  15. Cookies and usage data
  16. Pages visited and time spent on the site
  17. 2. How We Use Your Information
    We may use your information to:
  18. Provide and maintain our community features
  19. Personalize your experience
  20. Communicate with you about updates or changes
  21. Moderate content and enforce community guidelines
  22. Improve our website and services
  23. Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
  24. 3. Sharing Your Information
    We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share data:
  25. With service providers who assist us in operating the website
  26. When legally required (e.g., court order, law enforcement request)
  27. To protect our rights or investigate potential violations
  28. 4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
    We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze usage patterns. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
  29. 5. Third-Party Links
    Our site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.
  30. 6. Data Security
    We take reasonable measures to protect your data, but no system is completely secure. Please use caution when sharing personal information online.
  31. 7. Your Rights and Choices
    Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
  32. Access, correct, or delete your personal data
  33. Withdraw consent at any time
  34. Object to certain data processing activities
  35. To exercise these rights, contact us at: [Insert contact email]
  36. 8. Children’s Privacy
    Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us.
  37. 9. Changes to This Privacy Statement
    We may update this Privacy Statement from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
  38. 10. Contact Us
    If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Statement or your data, please contact us at:
  39. 📧 Email: [Insert contact email]
    📍 Address (if applicable): [Insert mailing address]