Last updated: February 1, 2026

Welcome to Walpurgis Words for Literacy ("Walpurgis Words," "we," "us," or "our"), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Ohio. These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your use of walpurgiswords.org and any content, programs, contests, and services we offer through it (the "Site").

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

Who may use the Site

You may use the Site to learn about our mission and programs and to participate where eligible. Some of our programs — including student writing contests — are intended for high school students. If you are under the age of 18, you may participate only with the involvement and consent of a parent or guardian as described in the applicable contest rules and our Privacy Policy.

Contests and programs

Each contest or program we run, such as the Halloween Horror Flash Fiction Student Contest, has its own official rules regarding eligibility, deadlines, submission requirements, judging, and prizes. Those official rules are incorporated into these Terms, and if there is any conflict between them and these Terms, the official contest rules control for that contest.

By entering a contest, you represent that:

• The work you submit is your own original, unpublished work;
• Your entry does not infringe the rights of any third party and was not written or edited by generative AI, except as expressly permitted by the contest rules;
• The information you provide is accurate and complete; and
• If you are a minor, your parent or guardian has consented to your entry.

We reserve the right to disqualify any entry that violates these Terms or the applicable contest rules.

Your content and intellectual property

You retain ownership of the stories and other creative work you submit ("Submissions"). By making a Submission, you grant Walpurgis Words a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to review and judge your Submission and, with appropriate consent, to publish, display, and promote selected or winning Submissions in connection with our charitable mission and the applicable contest. The specific contest rules describe how Submissions may be used.

You are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to everything you submit.

Our content

Unless otherwise noted, the content on the Site — including text, graphics, logos, and design — is owned by or licensed to Walpurgis Words and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may view and share our content for personal, non-commercial purposes, but you may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from it without our permission, except as allowed by law.

Acceptable use

When using the Site, you agree not to:

• Violate any applicable law or the rights of others;
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information;
• Upload viruses, malicious code, or content that is unlawful, harassing, defamatory, or obscene;
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Site, its servers, or related systems; or
• Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Site.

Donations

Donations made to Walpurgis Words support our charitable programs. Payments are processed by third-party providers, and any donation-related terms presented at the time of your gift apply. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, we provide acknowledgment of contributions as required, and donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Third-party links and services

The Site may contain links to third-party websites and services, such as our fundraising and social media pages. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of those third parties. Your use of them is governed by their own terms.

Disclaimers

The Site and its content are provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Site will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Walpurgis Words and its founders, board members, volunteers, and agents will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Site or participation in our programs.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Walpurgis Words and its founders, board members, volunteers, and agents from any claims, losses, or expenses arising out of your use of the Site, your Submissions, or your violation of these Terms.

Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Your continued use of the Site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Ohio.

Contact us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Walpurgis Words for Literacy
Email: info@walpurgiswords.org