Minnesota Council for the Gifted & Talented

Connections. Advocacy. Resources. Equity. Support.

Policy Statements

To bulid a welcoming and inclusive community for MCGT families, MCGT sets policies on use of this website and social media communities. See details below.

Privacy of family and student information is of utmost importance to MCGT. We are committed to the security of our member and website user information and collect only the information we need to facilitate member communications and benefits. 

What’s collected?

MCGT members that register for MCGT activities and/or those who sign up for our e-communications voluntarily provide us with contact information. We may use that information for specific, limited purposes, and members are always able to opt out of any of those communications by using the unsubscribe option in the email or by contacting the MCGT office at [email protected].

MCGT also may use your device’s IP address to help diagnose problems or issues with our server, to administer MCGT.net, and for statistical analysis of our website traffic and usage. 

MCGT.net uses “cookies” to provide services and remind us of user identity and preferences. Cookies let us take you to the information and features you are interested in. They also help track your usage on MCGT.net. You can reject cookies or cancel them by instructing your Web browser accordingly.

How we use that information

We use your personal information to provide you with personalized service; to send e-mail alerts to you; to answer your requests; to process your membership application; to register you for events and other membership administration. You may choose to opt out at any time, which will cease all communications from us. We may also use your information to track visits to our website. 

MCGT will never provide, sell, or rent email addresses to anyone outside the organization. 

MCGT is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of external websites. Your use of any linked website is solely at your own risk.

Always check for updates

As the online world evolves, so may our privacy policy. We encourage members to review this policy periodically, as we will modify it over time, and post it electronically on this website. Your continued use of our website after the date that such notices are posted will be deemed to be your agreement to the changed terms.

Social Media Policy

MCGT Social Media Communities include the MCGT public Facebook page, Members-Only Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram account.

Our goal is to provide an online community where people with varying views, theories, and concerns about giftedness & talent development can express themselves, share information, and interact with one another. The viewpoints, opinions and actions expressed in comments are those of the individuals themselves, and may not reflect MCGT policies or positions.  MCGT recommends consulting with qualified professionals as a resource when making decisions about your family.

Please review the following online platform guidelines regarding your responsibilities and MCGT’s role.

Be Respectful. Please keep your posts civil and non-accusatory. It’s okay to disagree with others but personal attacks and/or insults will result in an initial warning and then your removal from the media platform if attacks continue.

Keep Your Comments on Topic.  We welcome discussion about giftedness and its impact on individuals and families, as well as information, services and connection around giftedness. MCGT may edit or remove inappropriate or off-topic comments at any time.

Protect Your Privacy. Discussing the private information of others, such as ex-spouses, students, or friends is prohibited. Do not give out personal information such as a child’s name, telephone number or street address as doing so may make you susceptible to spam and unauthorized communication.

Posting Privileges: Platinum level MCGT sponsors have access for monthly posting of offerings on online platforms in accordance with sponsorship rules. Gold and Silver MCGT sponsors have access for quarterly posting of offerings on online platforms in accordance with sponsorship rules. All other businesses or organizations will not be allowed to directly post on MCGT platforms. If a member posts information about an event or resource that you wish to share outside an MCGT media platform, please ask the original poster first for their permission.

Links to other resources. MCGT is not responsible for the content of any linked resource, any link contained in a linked resource, or any changes or updates to such resources. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by MCGT of that resource. In addition, please be aware that MCGT is not responsible for the privacy practices of other organizations. MCGT encourages you to read the privacy statements of every entity that requests personal information from you. 

The Bottom Line. MCGT is not the author of all the content on MCGT social media platforms but the MCGT board will endeavor to keep the platforms  supportive and focused on MCGT’s mission. Users who persist in violating community guidelines may be barred from posting to the platforms.

Who to Contact with Questions. Any questions regarding the MCGT social media forums can be emailed directly to [email protected].

updated 5/11/2020

MCGT’s Public Policy Statement

The mission of the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT) is to promote better understanding of, and educational services for, gifted & talented children and their families. We believe that taking stands on appropriate public policy matters, and promoting those positions, are important ways in which we serve our constituents and our community. MCGT pledges to use its voice strategically and thoughtfully. To accomplish its goals, MCGT will:

  • Cooperate and collaborate with appropriate organizations and agencies;
  • Endorse only initiatives, actions or campaigns that relate to its mission;
  • Work in various venues toward accomplishment of MCGT’s broader mission to maintain and strengthen support for gifted kids, recognizing that legislation is only one strategy;
  • Promote the long-term value of a broad-based approach to its advocacy.

Speaking Authority of Members

Any member may express their opinion in their personal capacity. Speaking on behalf of MCGT requires a specific grant of authority from the MCGT board (as required by MCGT’s bylaws, Article VIII, section 2).

Grievance Policy

  • If there is a concern, the MCGT member(s) should discuss their concern with their chapter leaders.
  • If the MCGT member(s) feel that they cannot come to a resolution, they should notify the MCGT State Board in writing.
  • The State board will discuss the concerns with the chapter leaders and ask them to provide a response in writing.
  • Both the chapter leaders and the member(s) may attend a state board meeting to explain the concerns.
  • The board will notify all parties of their recommendations.
  • It is our hope that issues/concerns will be resolved at the chapter level and not with the state board.

Legal Information

Nondiscrimination Policy

Membership in MCGT is open to all who are concerned about nurturing the potential of gifted & talented Minnesotans. Our organization welcomes people from all backgrounds, and our services and resources are available to all members, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MCGT does not discriminate in any of its programs on the basis of these categories or any other category prohibited by law.

Copyright Notice

The contents of this site are copyright 2021 by the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented, all rights reserved. No copyright claimed in United States government works. Please contact the MCGT office for information about requesting authorization to reprint materials on this site.

Disclaimer

This site does not provide professional legal or psychological advice. If you have concerns about individual circumstances in your family, please contact a competent professional.