Terms & Conditions

1. About NACSA

NACSA (North America Chattada Sri Vaishnava Cultural Association) is a nonprofit cultural association dedicated to uniting Chattada Sri Vaishnava families across North America. NACSA is a volunteer-led community organization. All decisions are made by an elected board of volunteers acting in good faith on behalf of the membership.

2. Membership Eligibility

Membership in NACSA is open to individuals and families who:

• Are residents of North America (United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean);
• Identify with or have a connection to the Chattada Sri Vaishnava community; and
• Are 18 years of age or older (primary applicant).

NACSA reserves the right to approve or deny any membership application at its sole discretion, without obligation to provide a reason. Submission of an application does not guarantee membership.

3. Membership Fees & Payments

Membership fees are as follows:

• Student Membership: Free (requires valid proof of current enrollment; subject to verification and approval)
• Family Membership: $40 USD (Lifetime)

All membership fees are non-refundable. Payment of fees does not guarantee approval of membership. In the event that an application is denied after payment has been received, NACSA will issue a full refund. Fees are subject to change with reasonable notice to members.

Payments are processed through Zeffy, a third-party payment platform. By making a payment, you also agree to Zeffy's terms of service and privacy policy. NACSA does not store or have access to your payment card information.

4. Member Code of Conduct & Responsibilities

NACSA exists to serve and strengthen the Chattada Sri Vaishnava community across North America. Membership is a privilege, not a right. All members are expected to uphold the values of our tradition — devotion, respect, humility, and unity — in every interaction with the community.

4.1 General Conduct Principles

Members agree to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that:

• Upholds the dignity, respect, and traditions of the Chattada Sri Vaishnava community;
• Treats every member, guest, and volunteer with courtesy regardless of age, gender, background, profession, or family lineage;
• Promotes inclusivity — all members of our Sangham are Bandhus and deserve to feel welcomed;
• Refrains from any form of harassment, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, or abusive behavior, whether in person, in writing, or online;
• Does not use NACSA's name, logo, platforms, or membership lists for personal commercial promotion, political campaigning, fundraising for other organizations, or solicitation of any kind without prior written approval from the NACSA board;
• Complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

4.2 Member Responsibilities

As an active member of NACSA, you are responsible for:

• Keeping your information current. Notifying NACSA of changes to your contact details (email, phone, address) by emailing support@na-csa.org. Membership benefits and communications depend on accurate records.
• Renewing membership on time. Membership is annual. It is your responsibility to renew before expiry to maintain active status. NACSA may send reminders but is not obligated to do so.
• Accuracy of information. Ensuring that all information provided in your membership application — including names, dates of birth, and dependent details — is truthful and accurate. Providing false information is grounds for immediate termination without refund.
• Your dependents. If you have registered family members under your membership, you are responsible for ensuring they are aware of and comply with this Code of Conduct.
• Protecting member privacy. Member contact information, the member directory, and any personal details shared within community communications are strictly confidential. You may not share, publish, screenshot, forward, or otherwise disclose other members' personal information without their explicit consent.

4.3 Event Conduct

NACSA events — including Mahotsavams, cultural programs, heritage ceremonies, and community gatherings — are sacred community spaces. By attending any NACSA event, you agree to:

• Dress appropriately. Attire should be respectful of the heritage and cultural nature of the event. Traditional Indian attire is encouraged at Mahotsavams and heritage ceremonies.
• Respect heritage observances. Follow the customs, rituals, and protocols of Srivaishnava tradition during heritage programs. This includes maintaining silence during prayers, following seating arrangements at ceremonial events, and respecting the sanctity of prasadam and heritage offerings.
• Supervise minor children. Members are fully responsible for the conduct and safety of any minor children in their care at NACSA events. Unattended children are the responsibility of their accompanying adult member.
• Responsibility for guests. Members who bring non-member guests to NACSA events are personally responsible for their guests' conduct. Guests are expected to abide by the same standards of behavior as members.
• Respect venue rules. Comply with all rules, regulations, and instructions of the event venue or facility.
• Respect food and resource boundaries. Abide by any food allotments, seating, or resource arrangements coordinated by NACSA volunteers. Do not remove excess food, materials, or event supplies without explicit permission.
• No recording of other attendees without consent. While NACSA may photograph or record events (see Section 5), members may not photograph, video record, or audio record other attendees without their knowledge and consent. This is especially important for recording children.

4.4 Digital & Online Community Conduct

NACSA operates and facilitates various digital channels including email communications, WhatsApp groups, and online community platforms. Members using any NACSA-affiliated digital channel agree to:

• Keep communications relevant and respectful. Digital channels are for community connection, event coordination, and cultural sharing — not for debates, political discussions, divisive content, or unsolicited promotions.
• No forwarding without permission. Do not forward messages, photos, or personal information shared in NACSA group channels to outside groups or individuals without the original sender's consent.
• No hate speech or offensive content. Do not post or share content that is hateful, sexually explicit, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive in any NACSA-affiliated channel.
• Respectful disagreement. Community members may hold differing views. Disagreements must be expressed respectfully and constructively. Personal attacks, name-calling, or public shaming are prohibited.
• No misinformation. Do not spread false or misleading information about NACSA, its board, its members, or the Chattada Sri Vaishnava community.
• Social media. When referencing NACSA publicly on social media, members are encouraged to represent the community positively. Members may not make statements on social media that falsely purport to represent NACSA's official position.

4.5 Reporting Misconduct

NACSA takes community standards seriously. If you witness or experience conduct that violates this Code, you are encouraged to report it to the NACSA board at support@na-csa.org. All reports will be reviewed in good faith. NACSA will not retaliate against any member who makes a good-faith report of misconduct.

4.6 Consequences for Violations

NACSA reserves the right to take any of the following actions in response to a violation of this Code of Conduct, at the sole discretion of the board:

• Issuance of a written warning;
• Removal from NACSA digital channels;
• Prohibition from attending future NACSA events;
• Suspension or permanent revocation of membership, without refund;
• Referral to law enforcement where applicable.

The board's determination on conduct matters is final and binding. Members waive any right to legal action against NACSA arising solely from a board decision made in good faith regarding membership or conduct.

5. Photography, Video & Media Release

By attending NACSA events or participating in NACSA activities, you acknowledge and agree that:

• NACSA and its authorized representatives may photograph or video record events and activities;
• Such photos and videos may be used for community publications, the NACSA website, social media, and promotional materials without compensation;
• You grant NACSA a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use your likeness in such materials.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to notify NACSA event organizers in writing before the event. NACSA will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests but cannot guarantee exclusion from all group photographs.

6. Member Directory & Data Sharing

NACSA may maintain an internal member directory accessible only to verified current members. By joining NACSA, you consent to having your name, city/state, and contact information included in such directory. You may opt out of directory inclusion at any time by contacting data@na-csa.org.

NACSA will never sell, share, or disclose member information to external parties for commercial purposes.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

NACSA provides its website, events, communications, and membership services on an "as is" and "as available" basis without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied. NACSA does not warrant that:

• The website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components;
• Any information provided through the website or community communications is accurate, complete, or current;
• Events will proceed as planned or that attendance will meet expectations.

NACSA is a volunteer-run community organization. All content, communications, and services are provided in good faith but without professional guarantee of any kind.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, NACSA, its board members, officers, volunteers, and representatives shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to:

• Your use of or inability to use the NACSA website or services;
• Attendance at or participation in any NACSA event;
• Any injury, illness, loss, or damage sustained at an NACSA event or through NACSA activities;
• Any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in NACSA communications;
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your personal data;
• Any third-party content, platforms, or services linked from our website.

In all cases, NACSA's total liability to any member shall not exceed the amount of membership fees paid by that member in the preceding 12 months.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NACSA, its board, officers, volunteers, agents, and representatives from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your breach of these Terms & Conditions;
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation;
• Your conduct at any NACSA event or within any NACSA community platform;
• Any misrepresentation made by you in your membership application.

10. Event Participation & Safety

Participation in NACSA events is voluntary. By attending any NACSA event, you acknowledge and accept that:

• NACSA is not responsible for personal injury, loss of property, or any other harm that may occur at events;
• You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of minor dependents in your care;
• NACSA reserves the right to remove any attendee from an event for disruptive or inappropriate behavior without refund of any fees paid.

11. Intellectual Property

All content on the NACSA website — including text, graphics, logos, images, and the NACSA name — is the property of NACSA and is protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any NACSA content without prior written permission from the board.

12. Termination of Membership

NACSA reserves the right to terminate or suspend any membership at any time, with or without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms & Conditions or community guidelines;
• Non-payment of membership fees;
• Any conduct deemed harmful to the NACSA community or its reputation;
• Providing false or misleading information in a membership application.

Upon termination, all membership privileges cease immediately. No refund of membership fees will be issued upon termination for cause.

13. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Dispute Resolution: Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your membership shall first be submitted to good-faith mediation between the parties. If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action lawsuit against NACSA.

You agree that any claim must be brought in your individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative action.

14. No Professional Advice

Nothing on this website or in any NACSA communication constitutes legal, financial, medical, heritage, or professional advice of any kind. NACSA is a cultural community organization. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

15. Modifications to These Terms

NACSA reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued membership or use of NACSA services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with the NACSA Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and NACSA regarding your membership and use of our services. They supersede all prior agreements, representations, or understandings of any kind.

18. Contact Us

For any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact: