Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: November 12, 2024
Welcome to Rooted In The Light (“RITL”). These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of RITL’s website, located at:
By accessing this website, you accept these Terms and Conditions in full. Do not continue to use RITL’s website if you do not agree to all the Terms and Conditions stated on this page.
1. Introduction
Rooted In The Light is committed to promoting positive growth and development within our communities by connecting individuals with local community members and organizations that share strong core Christian beliefs.
2. Acceptance of Terms
By using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, partners, and others who access or use the website.
3. Five Star Partnership Criteria
RITL is dedicated to building and maintaining partnerships that promote community growth, Christian integrity, and mutual trust. Our Five Star Partnership Criteria ensure that organizations and businesses partnering with us embody values that align with our mission while providing a pathway for continuous improvement.
3.1 Alignment with Christian Values
• Demonstrated Integrity: Partners must exhibit honesty, transparency, and integrity in their dealings, ensuring actions align with Biblical principles.
• Commitment to Christ-Centered Values: Partners must agree with our core values such as love, grace, humility, mercy, and service to others. Their products, services, and conduct must honor Christian ethics and teachings.
3.2 Community & Family-Focused Practices
• Family-Friendly Environment: Partners should maintain a welcoming and safe atmosphere for individuals and families, promoting values that respect human dignity. Content and services must not contain elements that could be offensive or inappropriate.
• Community Engagement: Partners must actively contribute to the well-being of the community, such as participating in charity work, local events, or creating programs that uplift individuals, particularly those facing challenges.
3.3 Ethical Business Operations
• Fair and Ethical Sourcing: Preference is given to organizations that ethically source materials and manufacture products, ensuring fair trade practices, environmental sustainability, and respect for all workers.
• Positive Reputation: Businesses should have a proven track record of excellent customer service, ethical behavior, and community-minded practices.
3.4 Strong Community Ties
• Local Ownership and Involvement: Preference is given to locally owned businesses or those with strong ties to the community. Partners should be invested in the growth and improvement of the areas they serve.
• Non-Controversial Nature: Partners must avoid activities inconsistent with RITL’s mission. Businesses promoting harmful products or activities, or creating division, will not qualify.
3.5 Growth and Development Support
• Open to Feedback: Partners should be willing to receive feedback from the community and RITL. Adjusting and growing in alignment with community needs and values is vital.
• Five-Star Assessment Plan: Each partner will undergo an annual assessment by RITL, receiving ratings, feedback, and suggestions for improvement to better serve the community and uphold Christian values.
4. Grace Period for Failing to Meet Criteria
RITL understands that setbacks occur. In line with our values of grace, forgiveness, and growth, we have established a “Grace Period” for partners who temporarily fail to meet our criteria:
4.1 Evaluation and Notification
• Partners failing to meet one or more criteria will be formally notified, with specific areas needing improvement outlined based on our Five Star Partnership Criteria.
4.2 Grace Period Duration
• A grace period of 90 days will be granted to address and correct identified shortcomings. During this time, partners will receive support and resources from RITL to make necessary adjustments.
4.3 Revitalization Support
• Specialized Partner Mentorship: Partners may be assigned to work with a specialized RITL advisor equipped to help revitalize business practices and align more closely with our shared values.
• Action Plan: A customized improvement plan will be co-developed, including actionable steps, timelines, and resources needed to achieve full alignment.
4.4 Reassessment and Next Steps
• At the end of the grace period, RITL will reassess the partner. Successful correction of concerns will result in reinstatement as a full partner. Continued failure may result in partnership termination.
4.5 Grace in Restoration
• If partnership is terminated, partners may reapply after six months. RITL will provide a list of support services and partners to assist in strengthening alignment with our values.
5. User Responsibilities
• Users are responsible for their own actions when using the website.
• Users must not use the website in any way that causes damage or impairment of availability or accessibility.
• Users must not engage in any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activity.
6. Partner Responsibilities
• Partners are responsible for maintaining their own content beyond RITL’s domain pages and adhering to their own policies.
• Partners must ensure their actions, products, and services comply with RITL’s Five Star Partnership Criteria.
• Partners are liable for any actions taken outside RITL’s criteria within their own organizations.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
• RITL strives to provide the best quality partners through vetting, but we are not liable for any actions our partners take outside our criteria within their own organizations.
• RITL is not responsible for any loss or damage of any nature resulting from the use of partner services.
• While we aim to assist and provide support to partners, we cannot guarantee the actions of individual organizations, their employees, or volunteers.
8. Intellectual Property Rights
Unless otherwise stated, RITL and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on RITL. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may access this from RITL for your own personal use subject to restrictions set in these terms and conditions.
You must not:
• Copy or republish material from RITL.
• Sell, rent, or sub-license material from RITL.
• Reproduce, duplicate, or copy material from RITL.
• Redistribute content from RITL.
9. Cookies
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By accessing RITL, you agreed to use cookies in agreement with RITL’s Privacy Policy.
• What Are Cookies? Cookies are text files placed on your device to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information.
• How We Use Cookies: To personalize content, analyze our traffic, and understand user behavior.
• Your Choices: You can set your browser to not accept cookies. However, some website features may not function as a result.
10. Hyperlinking to Our Content
10.1 Approved Organizations May Link Without Prior Approval
• Government agencies
• Search engines
• News organizations
• Online directory distributors
• System-wide Accredited Businesses (excluding soliciting non-profit organizations, charity shopping malls, and charity fundraising groups)
10.2 Conditions for Linking
These organizations may link to our home page, publications, or other website information as long as the link:
• Is not deceptive.
• Does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement, or approval.
• Fits within the context of the linking party’s site.
10.3 Requesting Approval to Link
Organizations not listed may contact us to request permission to link to our website. Please include:
• Your name and organization.
• Contact information.
• The URL of your site.
• A list of URLs you intend to link from.
• A list of URLs on our site you wish to link to.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for a response.
11. Content Liability
• We are not responsible for content that appears on your website.
• You agree to protect and defend us against all claims arising from your website.
• No link(s) should appear on any website that may be interpreted as libelous, obscene, or criminal, or which infringes third-party rights.
12. Reservation of Rights
• We reserve the right to request the removal of all links or any particular link to our website.
• By linking to our website, you agree to be bound by these linking terms and conditions.
13. Removal of Links from Our Website
If you find any link on our website offensive, you are free to contact us at any time. We will consider requests to remove links but are not obligated to do so or respond directly.
14. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable in the jurisdiction where RITL operates, and you irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that State or location.
15. Changes to Terms and Conditions
RITL reserves the right to revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. By using this website, you are expected to review these Terms regularly.
16. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
• Email: contact@rootedinthelight.com
Disclaimer
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties, and conditions relating to our website and the use of this website. Nothing in this disclaimer will:
• Limit or exclude our or your liability for death or personal injury.
• Limit or exclude our or your liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
• Limit any of our or your liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law.
• Exclude any of our or your liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.
As long as the website and the information and services are provided free of charge, we will not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature.
Conclusion
By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Note: This Terms and Conditions document is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal advice. For legal matters, please consult a qualified attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.