Privacy Policy
Acorn Research Project Focus Group Signup Survey
Last Updated: March 3, 2026
1. Overview
This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, and protected through the Acorn Research Project Focus Group Signup Survey.
This survey is part of the ACORNS! research project, conducted in partnership with UC Cooperative Extension, the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, and the Alameda Native History Project.
The purpose of this form is to identify Indigenous harvesters, processors, and community members who may wish to participate in paid focus groups related to acorn harvesting, processing, and Indigenous foodways.
Participation is voluntary. Completing this form does not guarantee selection for a focus group.
2. Indigenous Data Sovereignty
This research project recognizes and respects the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS).
Information provided through this survey is treated as community knowledge and will be handled with care, transparency, and respect for Indigenous governance over cultural information.
The Alameda Native History Project is committed to responsible stewardship of Indigenous knowledge and community data. Data collected through this survey will be used only for the purposes described in this policy and will not be used in ways that undermine Indigenous communities or cultural practices.
Where appropriate, research practices associated with this project align with the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance:
- Collective Benefit
- Authority to Control
- Responsibility
- Ethics
3. Data Controller
The organization responsible for administering this survey and managing the information collected is:
Alameda Native History Project
2201 Shoreline Drive #6334
Alameda, California 94501
https://NativeHistoryProject.org
Questions about privacy or data use may be directed to:
[email protected]
4. Information We Collect
This survey collects only the information necessary to identify and contact potential focus group participants.
- First name
- Last name
- Email address
- Phone number
- City or region of residence
- Whether the respondent identifies as Indigenous / Native / American Indian / Alaska Native
- Tribal affiliation or community
- Relationship to acorns (for example: harvester, processor, cultural practitioner, educator, or community member)
- Consent to be contacted about this research project
- Optional comments provided by the participant
5. Purpose of Data Collection
Information collected through this survey is used for the following purposes:
- Identifying potential participants for paid focus groups connected to the ACORNS! research project
- Contacting participants regarding focus group scheduling, participation details, and compensation
- Sharing limited announcements related to the research project and community engagement activities
- Supporting community-informed research related to acorn harvesting, processing, and Indigenous food systems
Information collected through this survey will not be used for commercial marketing or unrelated communications.
6. Consent to Contact
Participants are asked to explicitly consent to being contacted by the Alameda Native History Project regarding this research project.
If a participant selects “No”, their information will not be used for focus group invitations or project communications.
7. Data Sharing
Personal information collected through this survey is not sold, rented, licensed, or traded.
Information may be accessed only by:
- Authorized personnel from the Alameda Native History Project
- Approved collaborators from UC Cooperative Extension or the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences who are participating in the research project
- Service providers necessary to operate the survey platform or communication systems
Any shared data will be limited to what is necessary for administering the research project.
8. Data Protection and Security
Protecting participant information is a priority for this project.
Safeguards used to protect survey information include:
- Restricted access to identifiable data
- Encrypted transmission where supported by the survey platform
- Secure storage of contact information
- Administrative controls limiting access to authorized project personnel
Personal identifying information will be separated from research analysis whenever possible.
9. Data Retention
Information collected through this survey will be retained only for as long as necessary to:
- Administer focus groups
- Support the associated research project
- Maintain appropriate research records
Information may be deleted or anonymized once it is no longer required for these purposes.
10. California Privacy Rights
California residents may have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) regarding personal information.
These rights may include:
- Requesting access to personal information collected
- Requesting correction of inaccurate information
- Requesting deletion of personal information, subject to applicable research and legal obligations
Requests may be submitted to:
[email protected]
11. Participation by Minors
This survey is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age.
Minors are not expected to submit personal information through this form.
12. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated as the research project evolves. The most current version will always be made available alongside the survey.
