Privacy Policy for Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap is a program dedicated to helping newcomers in Alcoholics Anonymous connect with temporary contacts in their local area.
What We Collect
In keeping with A.A.'s tradition of anonymity, we collect the minimum needed to safely connect a newcomer with a temporary contact — and nothing more. Specifically:
- Your first name and last initial only — we never ask for or store your full last name.
- Your phone number (required, for SMS contact and verification).
- Your ZIP code (not your full address).
- Your gender — used only to match newcomers and temporary contacts safely, as recommended by A.A.'s own Bridging the Gap guidelines.
- Your language preference, so we can match Spanish-speaking newcomers with Spanish-speaking contacts when requested.
- Confirmation that you are 18 years of age or older.
We do not ask for your email address, your home street address, or any other identifying information.
How We Use Your Information
Your phone number will be used only to:
- Verify your registration and keep your account secure.
- Facilitate communication with a temporary contact or newcomer.
How Matching Works
Connect you with a temporary contact or newcomer. If you're a newcomer, once you're matched, your temporary contact receives your phone number directly so they can reach out — this is how Bridging the Gap has always worked. You do not receive your temporary contact's personal number; any contact you initiate stays routed through this service.
Bridging the Gap does not arrange transportation or pickups. If a temporary contact and newcomer choose to meet in person, they coordinate the details directly with each other.
We do not sell, share, or disclose your information to anyone outside of this program. We do not use any third-party AI or chat service to process your information.
Your Rights
- You can opt out of messages at any time by replying STOP to any SMS we send.
- You can request your data be deleted by emailing us at: bridgingthegap@aadistrict17fl.org
We are committed to protecting your information with care and discretion. This project is built on trust, service, and anonymity — the very spirit of AA.