About Us

Part of our mission is doing science. At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences (Nature Museum, CAS/PNNM), we conduct and disseminate scientific research. We do this through hypothesis formulation and evidence-based testing, by curating and making accessible the museum’s extensive collections, by applying what we learn to the conservation and restoration of species and ecosystems, and through exhibits, education, and outreach.

The need and the opportunity for science is great. The United States and other countries are experiencing an uptick in social and political polarization. This leads to contentious assertations often purported to arise out of science. Rejection of science has become strident and science itself politicized. Adding to the confusion is the proliferation of pseudoscience in which explanations carry the appearance being scientific but tend to be developed in opposition to rather than in collaboration with science. Pseudoscience can be recognized by ideas remaining static rather than incorporating new knowledge, and by the absence of evidence or validation through the precision of the scientific
method. Collectively, rejecting science, politicizing science, and the proliferation of pseudoscience results in poorly informed responses to threats affecting humans and nature at both local and global scales.

Fortunately, museums continue be viewed as trustworthy sources of information.

Museums consistently rank among the most trusted institutions in the US. Research commissioned by AAM in 2001 found almost 9 out of 10 Americans find museums to be trustworthy—and no other institution rated a similar level of trust. Subsequent research, including reports issued by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (2008), Reach Advisors (2015), IMPACTS Research (2017), Wilkening Consulting (2018), and IMPACTS Research (2020) tracked sustained high levels of public trust in museums throughout the beginning of the 21st century.[1]

As a scientific and educational institution, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences is well positioned to be a thoughtful and impactful voice in such conversations.

What is science? What is scientific research?

The term science can and should be applied to the idea of a canonical body of information, the process of discovery through observation, the development of theories and ideas as logical constructs, or the application of the scientific method to formulate and test ideas and hypotheses. The kind and quality of scientific information that results can differ, depending on which of these aspects of science apply to the research question and circumstances.

In order to create clarity and minimize confusion, it is incumbent on organizations such as ours to be consistently clear in our presentations, exhibits, education and outreach what aspects of science of are being addressed.

The term research also merits clarity and can be a source of confusion. People are admonished to “do their research.” Yet, the admonition often means just looking online. The quality of online science information varies widely, and the evaluation of such information can suffer from the common tendency to seek confirmation rather than challenge one’s existing beliefs. CAS/PNNM can minimize confusion regarding our own scientific activities and offerings by clarifying and restricting the use of the term research. At the CAS/PNNM, research applies to rigorous scholarship aimed at discovering facts, creating and applying ideas, testing for patterns in data, and applying the scientific method.

Being a Credible Voice for Science

In order to credibly and effectively communicate our mission, content for all of our exhibits and programs should adhere to standards of factual correctness. The information presented should be:

• Scientifically accurate and up to date
• Accurate in representing the state of debate on the topic
• Developed with appropriate content expertise. We don’t always have a particular expertise in-house and may need to develop content through partnership (e.g. Weather to Climate: Our Changing World exhibit)
• Developed from information that is sourced appropriately, with sources correctly acknowledged
• Provided in the proper context. Such context does not require promoting positions held by small minorities of researchers, nor does it mean granting equal time to all opposing views. We anticipate that there will always be areas of tension regarding the point at which multiple viewpoints are held by sufficient numbers of informed people that opposing views should be presented. At what level does a minority viewpoint become sufficiently small as to not require attention in our exhibits? For example, the realities of evolution and of human-caused climate change are both accepted by the vast majority of practitioners in those fields, however it is still possible to find scientists who reject one or both of these ideas.

Our content should represent diverse viewpoints and voices and therefore should:

• Be developed with appropriate cultural expertise. Information that is about or presented in the context of a particular culture should not merely be vetted by members of that cultural group. Members of that group should play an active role in the development of the content
• Present diverse voices

Our content will sometimes require that we endorse a particular position or advocate for a certain set of actions.

• We should not shy away from making recommendations for courses of action in our offerings, however it is essential that we remain very aware, and clear, of when we are being prescriptive and when we are being descriptive.
• We should provide impact hypotheses that provide both known and theorized causal links between human actions and their impacts on nature and natural phenomenon. Our position may be the need to verify or learn more about consequential impact hypotheses.
• We should guide consumers of our content in distinguishing science from pseudoscience.

Unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees on June 23, 2022

[1] American Alliance of Museums, 2021 (https://www.aam-us.org/2021/09...)

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences (Nature Museum) strives to create a positive relationship between people and nature. A key component of our mission is to be the urban gateway to nature and science. Much of our institutional efforts are focused on the greater Chicago region, its biota (including people), and its ecosystems.

Just as ecosystems that are biologically diverse show greater productivity, resilience, and ecological integrity, the Nature Museum embraces and encourages diversity at all levels. Doing so helps make our institution stronger, better able to partner with communities, and to fulfill our mission. We can only effectively function as a gateway to nature and science by actively engaging everyone.

Our commitment to cultivating diversity is perpetual and integrated into all aspects of our operations. We are examining and acknowledging racism, sexism, and all other forms of oppression in both the past and present of our institution and field. Our path forward will not always be clear. We will never stop learning and progressing as we aspire to be equitable, and inclusive in service to our communities.

For a downloadable version of the Nature Museum Diversity Charter, click here.

Unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees on October 22, 2021

At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences (Nature Museum), we share values and responsibilities that represent the bedrock of our institution and are inextricably intertwined. At our core, we are guided by:

Integrity

• Our mission drives our work. We maintain high standards of ethics and honesty in all aspects of our operations and conduct.
• We value and respect each other and all of our stakeholders’ diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, histories, and identities.
• We keep our commitments and hold ourselves accountable to our stakeholders, partners, and communities.
• We are a trustworthy source of information. The content we provide is accurate and reflects our current understanding of the subjects that we present.
  

Equity

• We work as active agents of change and aspire to a more equitable society in the present and future.
• We embrace and encourage diversity at all levels. Our pledge to cultivating diversity is perpetual and integrated into all aspects of our operations.
• We are committed to generating equitable and universal access to our resources through breaking down barriers
  

Teamwork

• Our work does not move forward by just one person but through teamwork. The successes of the Nature Museum are built on the foundation of a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent organization.
• We value collaboration with others, including other organizations, community groups, and the scientific community.
  

Stewardship

• We are stewards of all that comprises the Nature Museum, including our collections, scientific and educational knowledge, and financial resources. We continue to cultivate our collections and knowledge, committed to their preservation and development.
• We aim to foster a universal sense of responsibility toward nature through working with partners and communities. Stewardship is a shared effort through which we can collectively create positive social and environmental impacts.
  

Excellence

• We expect and strive for excellence in all aspects of our work and conduct, both in our individual practices and as a collective. We consider excellence as a an iterative process of improvement that involves moments of vulnerability and self critique.
• Our work is interactive and affects a diverse array of stakeholders—including members, guests, Trustees, donors, volunteers, schools, and community-based organizations. We are responsible for acting according to our values, to the benefit of all people. We take our duties to each of these groups very seriously:

The Institution

• We are charged with ensuring the short- and long-term health of the Nature Museum. Since our founding in 1857, our institutional goals continue to adapt to social and environmental changes.
• We are grateful for our various successes. We recognize our duty to use our collective knowledge to serve and effect positive change.
• We engage all of our stakeholders in the importance of scientific literacy, and reflect this through our research and programs. We ensure that science is, and remains, the foundation for all of our work.
• We recognize our role as stewards of irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage resources, and hold these items in the public trust for future generations.
• We recognize our role as stewards of the financial health of the institution and of the contributions of our donors.
• We have a responsibility to uphold professional, legal, and ethical standards in our operations and activities.
  

Our Staff

• We acknowledge our responsibility to build a workplace culture rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion, so as to inspire a sense of belonging among our staff members.
• We provide opportunities for personal and professional growth to all staff members, which we recognize and encourage.
  

Our Community

• We act in the best interests of all our stakeholders and serve as stewards of the natural world and its biota, both for today and for future generations.
• We commit to creating and sharing resources in ways that are more equitable, inclusive, and accessible, based on collaborative practices that engage communities and stakeholders as peers and co-creators.
• We strive to increase diversity in scientific fields and inspire curiosity and inquiry among people of all ages.

Our Region and Planet

• Our mission has never been more relevant, nor more important. In the face of a rapidly changing climate, we stand at a pivotal moment for the planet, as we confront environmental, social, and political crises. We shall always provide credible information and collaborate with our partners to serve as a conduit for best practices that can inspire positive action to improve future prospects for humanity and the planet.

For a downloadable version of the Nature Museum Values & Responsibilities Statement, click here.

Unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees on October 22, 2021

Erin Amico- President & CEO

Zack Ater- Senior Director of Guest Experience and Engagement

Chad Coker- Vice President of Finance

Miranda Kerr- Head of Learning Innovation

Dan Moss- Vice President of Advancement

Sara Persky- Vice President of Marketing

Alvaro Ramos- Chief Curator of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum & VP of Museum Experience

Dawn Roberts- Senior Director of Collections

Allison Sacerdote-Velat, Ph.D.- Curator of Biology and Herpetology / VP of Conservation Research

Doug Taron, Ph.D.- Chief Curator Emeritus

Nature Museum trustees shape our mission and purpose and set the strategic framework and long-term plan.

They are some of the Museum’s most generous supporters and articulate ambassadors. They play an integral role in supporting all Museum initiatives. The trustees are a diverse group of leaders from fields such as business, science, law, non-profit, and education.

Chair

Robert Frentzel, Executive Managing Director and President Commercial Banking, CIBC Bank USA

Vice Chair

Michelle Hawver, Civic Leader

Stacie Selinger, GCM Grosvenor

Secretary

Lisa Brown Tribbett, Civic Leader

Treasurer

Meredith Mendes, Civic Leader

Trustees

Dana Arnett, Founder and Chairman, VSA Partners

Michael G. Babbitt, Partner, Willkie Farr and Gallagher LLP

Jennie Huang Bennett, Associate Vice President of Finance, University of Chicago

Nadalie Bosse, Vice President, North American Customer Service Centers, W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Dr. Joel Brown, Dist. Professor of Biology, Emeritus, University of Illinois, Chicago, Senior Member, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa

Leslie Henner Burns, Independent Futures Trader

Gregory C. Case, President and CEO, Aon Corporation

Leslie A. Coolidge, Civic Leader

Dr. Tasha Green Cruzat, President, Children’s Advocates for Change

Peggy Mathy Diamond, Civic Leader

Joseph V. Dolan, Senior Vice President, PNC Financial Services Group

Charles Douglas, Jr., Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

John Edelman, Managing Director, Global Engagement and Corporate Responsibility, Edelman

Meg George, Office Managing Partner, Akerman, LLP

Teresa George, Partner, McKinsey & Company

David Hackett*, Partner, Baker McKenzie LLC

Rich Hanson, Principal, Avison Young

Michelle Hawver, Civic Leader

Bill Jackson, Executive Director, Discovery Partners Institute, University of Illinois

Tanya Jaeger de Foras, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer Ingredion Inc.

Todd Jensen, Managing Director, KPMG LLP

Kaidi Johnson, Vice President- Legal, DEI and ESG, Motorola Solutions Inc.

Rock Khanna, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Citadel

Nicole N. Lacy, Civic Leader

Denise Lintz, VP, Enterprise Portfolio Management & Technology Shared Services, UScellular

Amy Lucas, Senior Human Resources Manager, ITW

Dr. James A. Montgomery, Associate Professor and Director, Environmental Science Program, DePaul University

Gail Moss, Civic Leader

Sheila Mulligan, General Manager, Corporate Advisory, Edelman

John Murphy, Vice Chairman, MB Real Estate

James C. Murray*, Partner, PJT Partners

Nicole Nocera, Civic Leader

Peggy Notebaert, Civic Leader

Erin Ohlms, Chief Investment Officer

Art Reliford, Sr., Retired Educator

Joanne Rodriguez, Founder & CEO, Mycocycle, Inc.

Robert E. Sarazen, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs & Co.

M. Ben Settle, Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners

Christina Speh, Chief Compliance Officer, Wintrust Financial Corporation

Marianne Stanke, Managing Director, Deloitte

Alison Taylor, Chief Sustainability Officer, Archer Daniels Midland Company

Jaclyn Trovato-Wickersham, Vice President, Human Resources, ComEd an Exelon Corporation

Dr. Nancy Tuchman, Founding Dean, School of Environmental Sustainability, Loyola University

Joan H. Walker*, Civic Leader

Brian Walls, Founder, Alternative Investments Group at COEX

Susan D. Whiting*, Director, Kemper Corp., Director, Alliant Energy

Richard J. Williams, Principal, Hlustik, Huizenga, Williams & Vander Woude, Ltd.

Colleen Zambole, Civic Leader

Jeffrey Zdenahlik, Associate Principal, Solomon Cordwell Buenz

Life Trustees

Frank M. Clark, Chairman and CEO (retired), ComEd

Thomas Cox, VP & CFO (retired), Illinois Bell

Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr., Chairman (retired), UBS Global Asset Management, (Americas) Inc.

Cathy Osborn, Civic Leader

Honorary Trustees

George M. Covington

Anne Thompson

*Past Board Chair

Privacy Policy

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (“PNNM”) is committed to safeguarding the privacy of visitors to its website. This Privacy Policy applies to naturemuseum.org and any other websites owned or operated by PNNM, including mobile sites or apps (collectively, the “Sites”). By visiting the Sites, you accept this Privacy Policy and PNNM’s Terms of Use, which are hereby incorporated. If you do not agree with these policies, please do not use the Sites.

Changes and Updates: PNNM may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post any changes on this page and update the date at the top, so be sure to check back periodically to stay aware of any modifications. Your continued use of the Sites after changes have been posted will constitute your acceptance of this Privacy Policy and any changes.

What information we collect: PNNM may ask for and collect from you personally identifiable information at various points throughout the Sites. Depending on what services you receive from PNNM (e.g., camp registration), you may be asked to provide your name, gender, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information, diet and allergy information, medications, health conditions and emergency contact information.

We may also collect any information you post on the blog or other similar publicly accessible system offered by PNNM. These interactive features are accessible to the PNNM community and the general public. Accordingly, use caution before posting any personal or sensitive information on public interactive features, such as the PNNM blog. Please refer to our Terms of Use for more information on the use of these features.

Donor Privacy Policy: PNNM will not share or sell a donor’s personal information with anyone else, nor send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations unless the donor has given PNNM specific permission to do so.

Cookies and Other Online Tracking Technologies: PNNM may also automatically collect information about how visitors use the Sites, and may use cookies or other similar technologies to help use and compile statistics. This information may include log file information such as Internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, browser language, pages viewed, and the date and time of a visit.

While our Sites do not respond to web browser “do not track” signals, we do not track your online activity over time across third party websites when you use our Sites, nor do we engage or permit third parties to track your online activity over time and across different Websites when you use our Sites.

How we use and disclose this information: PNNM may use and disclose your information in the following ways:

To process and respond to inquiries and for the purposes for which you provided the information, such as to process donations, register or renew your membership, provide merchandise, or provide information about a project. In sending us an electronic message, you send us certain personal information (e.g., name and e-mail address). We may store the name and address of the sender in order to respond or otherwise handle the subject of the e-mail.

To subscribe to distance learning programs:We collect information through our online subscription form in order to provide distance learning programs to educators and to improve our services by learning about the teacher population it serves. All subscription information is kept confidential and is not distributed or sold to others.

To process membership applications: We collect information from membership applicants to process Museum memberships. This information may be shared with third parties who may have an interest in receiving our membership list information. If you do not want us to share your information, please so indicate at the time you fill out the application.

We collect and store information for statistical purposes. For example, we may count the number of visitors to the different sections of our site to help us make them more useful to visitors. This information is not personally identifiable and may be processed to improve the functioning of our Sites and understand how the Sites are being used.

To facilitate participation in chat rooms: PNNM does not collect any personally identifiable information from chat rooms, however, visitors should be aware that when they voluntarily disclose personal information (e.g., user name, e-mail address) in the chat room, that information can be collected and used by others and may result in unsolicited messages from other parties.

To alert you to new projects, features, special events and services.

To provide feedback to PNNM and to conduct surveys to measure your satisfaction with our service.

To enforce our rights arising from any contracts entered into between you and PNNM.

To protect PNNM’s rights or property or the safety of PNNM, our members, or others.

To comply with any court order, legal process, or respond to any governmental or regulatory request.

To transfer information in the event of a merger, transfer of assets or other organizational restructuring.

To evaluate our Sites and identify where we should make changes or expand services.

PNNM may use third-party service providers or other third party organizations helping to support PNNM’s mission that may collect, store, or process your personal information, including payment information on PNNM’s behalf, in order for PNNM to provide its services to you or to outsource one or more of the functions described above. PNNM does not share or sell personal information with third parties for their own purposes. PNNM processes your information on servers located in the United States.

Children: The Sites are not directed toward children under 13 years of age nor does PNNM knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not use the Sites or submit any personally identifiable information to PNNM.

Third Party Websites: Our Sites may contain links to other websites provided by third parties. Please be aware that we do not control these third party websites or any of the content contained on those websites. Once you have left our Sites, we cannot be responsible for the privacy practices of such other websites. We encourage you to exercise caution and to read the privacy policy for the website you visit. The inclusion of hyperlinks to third party websites on our Sites in no way constitutes an endorsement by us of such websites’ content, actions or policies.

Security: PNNM is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust, and takes steps to help protect the personal information you provide to us. However, no transmission or electronic storage of information is guaranteed to be secure. We therefore urge you to always use caution when transmitting information over the Internet.

Contact Us: If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding this Privacy Policy, or to update any information you have provided us, please send us an email at info@naturemuseum.org.

Terms of Use

Welcome to the website of the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (“CAS/PNNM”, “our” or “we”). The CAS/PNNM website, which includes all content, features, and services (the “Content”) available on naturemuseum.org (the “Website”) is provided to Website users (“you”) under the following terms of use (the “Terms”). Please carefully read the terms and conditions before you use any images, data, text or other materials on this Website. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Website or any Content. Your use of the Website constitutes your acknowledgment that you have the legal authority to bind yourself to these Terms. You acknowledge and agree that you have read and are hereby bound by these Terms and agree to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and/or rules with regard to your use of the Website and Content.

Accessing and Using the Website

You acknowledge and agree that we may restrict, suspend or terminate access to the Website or portions thereof at any time in our sole discretion. We will not be liable if, for any reason, all or any part of the Content or Website is unavailable at any time or for any period.

Intellectual Property Rights

This Website and all Content and other materials on it are the property of CAS/PNNM unless otherwise noted. This agreement gives you no ownership rights to any materials on this site. So long as you comply with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-assignable, nonexclusive, revocable license, without right of sublicense, to access and use the Website solely for your personal, non-commercial use.

Use of the Website or Content for any other purpose requires CAS/PNNM’s prior written approval. Permission for such use is granted on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of CAS/PNNM or the appropriate rights holder and a usage fee may apply. For permission or more information about using the Website contact info@naturemuseum.org.

Changes to the Website, Content and Terms

CAS/PNNM may make changes to the Content and the Website (including adding or removing Content) or to these Terms from time to time in its sole discretion without notice to you. All changes to the Terms are effective immediately when we post them and apply to your access to and use of the Website and Content thereafter. Additionally, CAS/PNNM may require you to follow or expressly agree to supplemental guidelines or conditions in order to participate in certain programs, access certain areas of the Website, or use certain services on the Website. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes to these Terms means that you accept and agree to the changes. You are expected to check this page from time to time to review the current Terms.

Copyright

This Website and all Content and other materials on it are protected under United States copyright laws, which give creators of original works of authorship the exclusive right to use their works for a limited period of time. With certain exceptions, copyrighted materials may not be used or copied without permission of the copyright holder. These Terms describe the uses that you are permitted to make of the materials on this site.

[If you are a copyright owner or agent thereof and believe that content posted on this Website infringes upon your copyright, please submit notice to webmaster@naturemuseum.org with the following information:

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A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in your notice is accurate and that you are the owner or authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.]

Prohibited Behavior

You are responsible for all material, information, questions, comments, or data (“User Content”) you upload, post, email, transmit, or otherwise supply to CAS/PNNM via the Website or by any other means. You may not use the Website to:

Transmit or post any User Content that is illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, pornographic, invasive of another’s privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically, or otherwise objectionable as determined by the CAS/PNNM in its sole discretion;

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Submissions

Any User Content you supply to CAS/PNNM by any means will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary and may be used by CAS/PNNM or its affiliates as described in these Terms.

Public Posting

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CAS/PNNM is under no obligation to monitor or review discussions, chats, postings, transmissions, bulletin boards, or other similar materials on the Website or on its official social media accounts and assumes no responsibility or liability arising from such content or materials or for any error, defamation, libel, slander, harassment, omission, falsehood, obscenity, pornography, danger, or inaccuracy contained in content posted by third parties to the Website or to official CAS/PNNM social media accounts. Users may request the removal of any material that appears inappropriate or in violation of these Terms by contacting webmaster@naturemuseum.org.

Third Party Sites

Some CAS/PNNM web pages may contain links to third party websites. The linked sites are not under the control of CAS/PNNM and CAS/PNNM is not responsible for the contents of any linked website. These links are provided as a convenience only and should not be construed as an endorsement of, sponsorship of, or affiliation with the linked website by CAS/PNNM. Under no circumstances shall CAS/PNNM be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damages caused or alleged to have been caused by use of or reliance on any content, goods or services available on such sites, or as a result of use of any information you provide to such sites. Any concerns regarding any external link should be directed to its respective site administrator or webmaster.

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Limitation on Liabilities

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Term and Termination

These Terms and your right to use the Website and Content will terminate automatically if you breach these Terms. Upon termination of these Terms, you will cease all use of the Website and Content and destroy all copies thereof.

Severance and Waiver

You acknowledge and agree that if any provision of these Terms shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from these Terms and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. Furthermore, if any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties’ intentions as reflected in the provision. CAS/PNNM’s failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless acknowledged and agreed to in writing by CAS/PNNM.

Choice of Law

The Website is controlled by CAS/PNNM from its offices within the State of Illinois. Users choosing to access the Website do so at their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws. You agree that: (i) the statutes and laws of the United States and the State of Illinois, without regard to conflicts of laws principles, will apply to all matters relating to these Terms and your use of the Website and Content and (ii) any litigation will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts in Cook County, Illinois. You hereby consent and submit to personal jurisdiction of such courts and to extra-territorial service of process. You agree that, regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Website or any Content or these Terms must be filed by you within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred. You further agree that any disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with your use of the Website or any Content or these Terms will be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action.