Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Effective date: September 18, 2025

  1. Who we are and scope of this policy

This Terms of Use & Privacy Policy governs your access to and use of websites, platforms, content, communications, events, and services operated by or for Felicia Ray Owens and affiliated entities under the Greater Brain Group LLC structure.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • FeliciaRay.com
  • NBTXNews.org (formerly FROUSA.org)
  • FRO Media publications and newsletters
  • Submission portals, forms, and contributor tools
  • Events pages and community calendars
  • Podcasts and recorded programming, including Coffee. Cocktails. Culture. Conversation. (C4)

This policy also applies to civic and community initiatives operated through Felicia’s Action Network (F.A.N.), a Texas-based 501(c)(4) organization, including Indivisible Comal County, as well as other programs, campaigns, or projects hosted or promoted on this site.

Some political campaign activity is conducted separately under Forward With Felicia, which maintains campaign-specific compliance requirements. Campaign-related donations, communications, and activities are governed by applicable election laws and any campaign-specific disclosures provided at the point of engagement.

By accessing or using any of our sites, services, or programs, you agree to this policy.

  1. Acceptance of terms

Your use of our sites or services constitutes your acknowledgment that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not access or use our platforms.

  1. Information we collect

We collect information you provide directly to us and information collected automatically when you interact with our sites, communications, or events.

Information you may provide includes:

  • Name, email address, mailing address, ZIP code, phone number
  • Payment or donation information
  • Volunteer, event, or submission details
  • Communications you send to us by email, form, text, or social media

Information collected automatically may include:

  • IP address, device type, browser information
  • Pages viewed, referral sources, and interaction data
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies used to improve site functionality and performance
  1. How we use information

We use collected information to:

  • Provide news, content, events, and services
  • Manage subscriptions, submissions, and communications
  • Process donations or payments
  • Coordinate events, volunteers, and civic engagement
  • Improve site performance and user experience
  • Maintain records, comply with legal obligations, and protect site integrity
  1. How information may be shared

We do not sell personal information.

Information may be shared:

  • Internally across programs and initiatives operated under Greater Brain Group LLC and Felicia’s Action Network for operational, administrative, and communication purposes
  • With trusted service providers who assist with hosting, analytics, payments, communications, or security
  • When required by law, legal process, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of users or the public

Participation in community events or organizing efforts may require sharing limited contact information with local coordinators to provide event-related updates or logistics.

  1. Communications, email, and text messaging

By signing up for newsletters, alerts, events, or volunteer opportunities, you consent to receive communications by email or text message where applicable. Message and data rates may apply.

You may unsubscribe or opt out at any time using the instructions provided in communications. Transactional or administrative messages may still be sent as required.

  1. Payments and donations

Some purchases or donations are processed through third-party payment processors such as Paymattic or similar services. Processor terms apply in addition to this policy. Unless otherwise stated, donations and purchases are final except where required by law.

Political contributions related to Forward With Felicia are handled separately, often through ActBlue, and are subject to campaign finance regulations and disclosures.

  1. Community submissions and contributor content

We welcome submissions including news tips, op-eds, stories, photos, event listings, and other materials.

By submitting content:

  • You grant a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license for us to review, edit, publish, distribute, promote, and archive the material across our platforms
  • You confirm the content is original or you have permission to submit it
  • You acknowledge submissions are unpaid unless otherwise agreed in writing
  • We reserve editorial discretion to edit, decline, or remove content

Bylines are typically used. Anonymous submissions may be declined if they cannot be verified.

  1. Events, media, and recording

Our journalism, events, and podcast recordings may take place in public or semi-public spaces. Attendance or participation may result in incidental audio, photo, or video capture.

Participation in interviews or featured recordings may require a release. Food, beverage, and event participation are at your own risk.

  1. Acceptable use

You agree to use our sites lawfully and respectfully. Prohibited activities include:

  • Disrupting site operations or security
  • Automated scraping without permission
  • Impersonation or misrepresentation
  • Submission of unlawful, defamatory, harassing, or threatening content
  1. Intellectual property

Unless otherwise noted, all site content is owned by Greater Brain Group LLC or its licensors. You may not reproduce or distribute materials without permission. You retain rights to your own submissions subject to the license granted above.

  1. Third-party services and links

Our sites may link to third-party platforms or services. We are not responsible for their practices, policies, or content. Use third-party services at your own risk.

  1. Disclaimers

Our sites and services are provided “as is.” We make no warranties regarding accuracy, reliability, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. News and commentary may include opinion.

  1. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use of our sites or services.

  1. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Greater Brain Group LLC, Felicia Ray Owens, FRO Media, Felicia’s Action Network, and affiliated staff, volunteers, and contractors from claims arising from your use of our platforms or violation of this policy.

  1. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy periodically. Updates take effect when posted with a revised effective date. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

  1. Governing law and venue

This policy is governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for disputes lies in state or federal courts serving Comal County, Texas.

  1. Contact information
  • General inquiries: me@feliciarayowens.com
  • Media tips and submissions: use forms provided on FeliciaRay.com or NBTXNews.org
  • Campaign-related matters: see disclosures on Forward With Felicia pages
  • Rights or takedown requests: include your contact information, a description of the content, and the relevant URL

9. Payments and donations

  • General and non-campaign – Some purchases or donations may be processed through trusted processors such as Paymattic or similar services. Processor terms apply in addition to these Terms. Unless a specific policy states otherwise, all sales or donations are final except where required by law.
  • Campaign – Political donations and activities for Forward With Felicia are handled separately, generally via ActBlue, and are governed by campaign finance rules. See feliciaray.com/forward-with-felicia/terms for campaign-specific terms.

10. Privacy

Your use of our sites is also governed by our Privacy Policy, explaining how we collect, use, and share information, including the use of email, SMS, and CRM tools to manage subscriptions, event updates, and contributor communications. See feliciaray.com/privacy-policy. Where legally required, we will obtain consent for marketing messages and you can opt out at any time.

11. Third-party links and tools

Our sites link to third-party content and services. We are not responsible for their practices or policies. Use third-party services at your own risk and review their terms.

12. Disclaimers

Our sites and services are provided “as is”. We make no warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, reliability, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. News and commentary may include opinion.

13. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, or for lost profits, data, or goodwill, arising from your use of the sites or services.

14. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Greater Brain Group LLC, FRO Media, their officers, employees, and agents from claims arising from your use of the sites, your submissions, or your violation of these Terms or applicable law.

15. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes take effect when posted with an updated effective date. Continued use signifies acceptance.

16. Governing law and venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any dispute will be the state or federal courts located in or serving Comal County, Texas.

17. Contact and notices

  • General and support inquiries: me@feliciarayowens.com
  • Media tips and submissions: use the submission forms provided on FeliciaRay.com or FROUSA.org
  • Campaign matters: see feliciaray.com/forward-with-felicia/terms
  • Rights or takedown requests: include your contact info, a description of the content, and the URL where it appears.

Cross-references

  • Master Terms – this page.
  • Campaign Terms – feliciaray.com/forward-with-felicia/terms.
  • F.A.N. / Indivisible Terms – feliciaray.com/fan/terms.
  • Privacy Policy – feliciaray.com/privacy-policy.

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