Media, Photo, and Content Use Policy

Effective Date: 02/22/2026

The United Ugandans Association of Colorado (“UUACO,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) celebrates the stories, culture, and contributions of Ugandans and friends of Uganda in Colorado. As part of our community work, we may capture and share photos, videos, audio recordings, written stories, testimonials, and other content from events, programs, and online interactions. This Media, Photo, and Content Use Policy explains how UUACO may use such content, how consent is handled, how minors are protected, and how individuals can request removal or updates.

By attending UUACO events, participating in UUACO programs, or submitting content to UUACO, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy.

1. Scope of this Policy

This Policy applies to:

• Photos, videos, and audio recordings captured at UUACO events, meetings, programs, and activities.

• Media captured by UUACO staff, volunteers, and designated photographers or videographers.

• Stories, testimonials, written content, artwork, or media submitted voluntarily to UUACO (e.g., for newsletters, social media, magazines, or reports).

• Media shared through UUACO’s website, social media channels, digital publications, printed materials, newsletters, reports, and presentations.

This Policy does not override specific written consent forms, releases, or agreements that may be signed for particular projects, partnerships, or media initiatives. Where a separate written agreement exists, its terms will apply in addition to or instead of this Policy.

2. Types of Media and Content

UUACO may collect and use various forms of media and content, including but not limited to:

• Photographs (group photos, candid shots, portraits, event images).

• Video recordings (event footage, interviews, program highlights).

• Audio recordings (interviews, speeches, performances).

• Written stories, testimonies, quotes, and reflections.

• Artwork, graphics, or creative content submitted for UUACO activities.

• Social media posts that tag or mention UUACO and that you explicitly share or submit for UUACO’s use.

Media may be captured in both formal settings (e.g., conferences, galas, cultural shows, workshops) and informal community gatherings, so long as it is done respectfully and in a manner consistent with UUACO’s mission and values.

3. How UUACO May Use Media and Content

UUACO may use photos, videos, stories, and other content for purposes that support its mission, including:

• Sharing updates and stories on the UUACO website and social media channels.

• Including content in newsletters, magazines, brochures, flyers, and promotional materials.

• Presenting highlights in annual reports, grant reports, and impact summaries.

• Showcasing community events, programs, and achievements in presentations, conferences, or meetings.

• Supporting fundraising, membership, outreach, and advocacy efforts that strengthen the Ugandan community in Colorado.

• Preserving a historical record of UUACO events and community milestones.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, UUACO will not sell your image or likeness to third parties for unrelated commercial use. UUACO’s use of media is intended to be consistent with nonprofit communication practices and respectful of community dignity.

4. Consent for Adults

By attending a UUACO event or activity in a space where photography or videography is reasonably expected, you understand and consent that you may be photographed or recorded. UUACO may:

• Display signage at events indicating that photos and videos may be taken.

• Make verbal announcements at the beginning of events when appropriate.

• Use wristbands, name tags, or designated “no photography” areas where feasible to accommodate specific concerns.

If you do not wish to appear in photos or videos, you are encouraged to:

• Inform an event organizer or photographer at the start of the event.

• Avoid participating in group photos or video segments when possible.

• Politely step aside if you see photography or filming taking place near you.

Where you directly submit photos, stories, testimonials, or other content to UUACO (e.g., by email, form, or social media message) with the understanding that they may be shared, you grant UUACO permission to use that content for the purposes described in this Policy, unless you clearly limit or withdraw your consent in writing.

5. Consent for Minors

UUACO is committed to protecting the privacy and safety of children and youth. For individuals under the age of 18:

• UUACO will generally seek consent from a parent or legal guardian before prominently featuring a minor in photos, videos, or stories that are used in external communications.

• Permission may be obtained through event registration forms, media release forms, or other written consent processes.

• UUACO will avoid publishing identifying information about minors (such as full names, exact addresses, or other sensitive details) in public materials whenever possible, especially alongside images.

At events where families and children are present, UUACO may capture group images, crowd shots, and general atmosphere photos. If a parent or guardian prefers that their child not be photographed or featured, they are encouraged to:

• Inform UUACO staff or volunteers at check-in.

• Request a “no photography” indicator, if available (e.g., a lanyard or badge).

• Politely ask photographers not to capture images of their child or request deletion of a specific image on-site if feasible.

UUACO will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests and will prioritize child safety and dignity in all media practices.

6. Privacy, Dignity, and Sensitive Situations

UUACO seeks to portray individuals and the community respectfully. To that end, UUACO will:

• Avoid using images or stories that are degrading, exploitative, or misleading.

• Strive to obtain additional, explicit consent in situations involving sensitive topics (e.g., health, legal issues, immigration status, personal hardship) before publicly sharing related images or stories.

• Use discretion when sharing content that could inadvertently place individuals at risk or cause unnecessary distress.

If a situation is highly sensitive, UUACO may anonymize stories, blur faces, use silhouettes, or avoid using identifying images altogether.

7. Ownership and Rights

UUACO or its designated photographers and creators generally own the rights to photos and videos taken by them at UUACO events, unless otherwise agreed. When you voluntarily submit content (e.g., stories, testimonials, or images) to UUACO for use, you represent that:

• You have the right to share that content.

• You grant UUACO permission to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, and distribute that content in connection with its mission and communications, without requiring additional compensation, unless a separate agreement states otherwise.

You retain any personal rights you hold in your own likeness and creative work, subject to the permission you grant UUACO through this Policy or through specific release forms.

8. Social Media and Tagging

When you tag UUACO on social media or use event-specific hashtags, UUACO may:

• Re-share or repost your publicly visible content on UUACO’s official channels, while crediting your original handle or name where appropriate.

• Use screenshots, quotations, or excerpts of your posts in newsletters, reports, or presentations, especially when they highlight the impact of UUACO programs.

If you prefer that a specific post not be reused by UUACO, you may contact UUACO and request that it not be shared or that it be removed from UUACO’s channels, where reasonably possible.

9. Requesting Removal or Changes

UUACO recognizes that individuals’ circumstances and comfort levels may change over time. If you wish to request removal, editing, or limited use of an image, video, or story involving you or your minor child, you may contact UUACO using the information below.

Please include:

• Your full name.

• A description or link to the specific media (e.g., screenshot, URL, or publication name).

• A brief explanation of your concern or reason for the request.

• Whether you are requesting removal, anonymization, or limited use.

UUACO will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly and, where appropriate and feasible, to:

• Remove the content from UUACO’s website and active social media channels.

• Avoid using the content in future publications or materials.

• Consider alternative solutions (e.g., cropping, blurring, or anonymizing an image).

Please note that UUACO may not be able to fully control or remove content that has already been printed, distributed, downloaded, or shared by third parties. In such cases, UUACO will take reasonable steps within its influence but cannot guarantee complete removal from all external platforms.

10. Use by Third Parties

UUACO may share selected media with partners, sponsors, or collaborating organizations for purposes aligned with UUACO’s mission (for example, joint program reports or event recaps). Such sharing will be done with reasonable expectations of respectful use and consistent with the spirit of this Policy.

Third-party websites, news outlets, or individuals may also independently capture and share media at public events. UUACO is not responsible for media captured, owned, or published by third parties outside its control.

11. Policy Updates

UUACO may revise or update this Media, Photo, and Content Use Policy from time to time to reflect changes in practice, technology, or community expectations. Any updated version will be posted on the UUACO website with a revised effective date. Continued participation in UUACO events and programs after such updates are posted will signify acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Policy, concerns about how your image or content is used, or a request for removal or adjustment, please contact:

United Ugandans Association of Colorado (UUACO)
Email: uuacolorado@gmail.com

UUACO is committed to honoring the dignity, safety, and privacy of all community members while celebrating the stories and experiences that bring our community to life.