Terms of Service
Rules and guidelines for using NextStep
Last updated: May 24, 2026Contents
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using NextStep ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform. These Terms apply to all visitors, registered users, and others who access or use the service.
2. Description of Service
NextStep is a civic engagement platform designed to connect residents of Boca Raton, Florida with local events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives. Features include an interactive map, event listings, a badge/achievement system, a leaderboard (The Podium), an AI chatbot (Compass), and a community blog (Wave).
3. Account Registration
To access certain features, you must create an account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
- Maintain and promptly update your account information
- Keep your password secure and confidential
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
- Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
4. Acceptable Use
You agree NOT to use NextStep to:
- Post false, misleading, or defamatory content
- Harass, threaten, or harm other users
- Spam or send unsolicited messages
- Impersonate any person or organization
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform
- Upload malicious code, viruses, or disruptive content
- Scrape or harvest data without our express written permission
- Violate any applicable local, state, or federal law
5. User Content
When you submit content to NextStep (profile information, event attendance, messages), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with operating the Platform. You retain ownership of your content and are solely responsible for it.
6. Badges and The Podium
Badges and Podium rankings are awarded based on platform participation. NextStep reserves the right to modify, revoke, or reset badges and rankings at any time. These features are for engagement purposes only and have no monetary value.
7. Third-Party Services
NextStep integrates with third-party services including Google (authentication), Firebase (data storage), and Kit (newsletter). Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for the content or practices of third-party services.
8. Intellectual Property
All content on NextStep — including the logo, design, text, graphics, and code — is owned by NextStep or its licensors and protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.
9. Disclaimers
NextStep is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that:
- The Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free
- Event information posted is accurate or up to date
- The Compass AI chatbot responses are complete or error-free
10. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, NextStep and its team members shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of opportunity, or personal injury.
11. Modifications to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of significant changes via email or a site notice. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of Palm Beach County, Florida.
13. Contact
For questions about these Terms, contact us at:
NextStep
Email: nextstep.civic@gmail.com