Student & Traveler Consent and Release Agreement

Version 1.0 | Required for Participation

1. PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT

This Consent and Release Agreement ("Agreement") exists to ensure that participation in Diaspora Shepherd™ is voluntary, informed, safe, and respectful of personal autonomy.

Diaspora Shepherd™ is a faith-coordination platform, not a monitoring or enforcement system.

2. WHO THIS AGREEMENT APPLIES TO

This Agreement applies to:

  • Students
  • Travelers
  • Young adults
  • Any individual whose relocation information is submitted to the Platform

If you are under the age of majority in your jurisdiction, a parent or legal guardian's consent is required.

3. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

By agreeing to this document, you confirm that:

  • Your participation is voluntary
  • You are not required to join any church or fellowship
  • You may decline contact at any time
  • You may withdraw consent without penalty

Diaspora Shepherd™ exists to offer connection, not obligation.

4. CONSENT TO INTRODUCTION & CONTACT

You consent to the following, only for the purpose of spiritual coordination:

Your name and limited relocation details may be shared with:

  • Verified pastors
  • Verified church leaders
  • Verified campus fellowship leaders

These leaders may contact you through:

  • In-app messaging
  • Voice calls
  • Video calls
  • Shared contact methods (where approved)

No contact occurs without your consent.

5. SCOPE OF RELOCATION COVERED

Your consent applies to:

  • Inter-city relocation
  • Interstate relocation
  • International relocation

The same protections apply regardless of distance or country.

6. COMMUNICATION & SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

You acknowledge and agree that:

  • Communication on the Platform is private by default
  • Communication metadata (timestamps, participants) may be logged
  • Message or call content may be reviewed only if:
    • You submit a report
    • A safety concern is raised
    • Legal or safeguarding obligations require review

🚫 Diaspora Shepherd™ does not monitor your conversations

🚫 The Platform does not evaluate your spirituality

7. RIGHT TO WITHDRAW CONSENT

You may:

  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Block or mute contacts
  • Stop all follow-up immediately

Upon withdrawal:

  • No further contact is permitted
  • Pending follow-up requests are closed
  • Your decision is respected without explanation

8. REPORTING & PROTECTION RIGHTS

You have the right to report:

  • Abuse
  • Harassment
  • Boundary violations
  • Inappropriate communication
  • Any behavior that makes you uncomfortable

Reports may be:

  • Submitted in-app
  • Anonymous
  • Accompanied by evidence (optional)

Your safety takes priority.

9. LIMITATION OF PLATFORM ROLE

You understand and agree that Diaspora Shepherd™:

  • Does not control churches or leaders
  • Does not guarantee outcomes
  • Does not supervise your faith journey
  • Is not responsible for individual actions of users

All spiritual relationships remain voluntary and personal.

10. RELEASE OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree that Diaspora Shepherd™ is not liable for:

  • Decisions you make
  • Actions taken by third parties
  • Outcomes of church or fellowship engagement

The Platform's role is limited to facilitating introductions.

This release does not waive your right to report abuse or seek help.

11. DATA PRIVACY & RETENTION

You acknowledge that:

  • Only minimal necessary data is collected
  • Data is used solely for platform functionality
  • You may request data deletion
  • Certain records may be retained for legal compliance
  • No data is sold or used for advertising

12. ACKNOWLEDGMENT & ACCEPTANCE

By selecting "I Agree", you confirm that:

  • You have read and understood this Agreement
  • You consent freely and without pressure
  • You understand your rights and protections
  • You may withdraw at any time

Digital acceptance constitutes a legally binding acknowledgment.

13. FINAL STATEMENT

Diaspora Shepherd™ exists to support your faith journey—not control it.

You are free.

You are respected.

You are protected.

Version 1.0 | Last updated: December 27, 2025