Terms of Service

AI-Generated Content and Human Oversight

MELLO uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate, draft, and curate content across the platform, including but not limited to blog articles, resource descriptions, wellness guides, and chat responses from Mel. All AI-generated content is reviewed by human editors before publication. However, we make no guarantee that human review will catch every error, inaccuracy, or outdated piece of information.

• Articles are AI-drafted and human-reviewed for accuracy, tone, and cultural relevance
• Resource descriptions may be AI-generated and sourced from publicly available information
• Mel's responses are AI-generated in real time and are not pre-approved by humans
• We do not guarantee that any content is complete, accurate, or up-to-date
• Information on health, finance, legal matters, or mental wellness may change and should always be verified with a licensed professional

You acknowledge and agree that you bear full responsibility for any decisions, actions, or reliance on content from MELLO, whether AI-generated or human-written.

No Guarantee of Outcomes

MELLO does not guarantee any specific outcome, improvement in wellness, financial result, health benefit, or personal achievement from using the Platform. Every individual's situation is different. The resources, articles, and guidance provided are starting points — not guarantees. Your results depend on your own actions, circumstances, and the professionals you choose to work with.

Resource Directory — Vetting and Accuracy

Our resource directory includes organizations, services, and programs curated for Black and Brown men, boys, and fathers. We make good-faith efforts to verify the legitimacy of listed resources, but we cannot guarantee that:

• Every organization is still active, funded, or operating at the time you access it
• The services or programs described are still available or unchanged
• The quality of services provided by third parties meets your expectations
• Contact information, addresses, or websites are current and accurate

You are responsible for verifying any resource before engaging with it. If you discover an outdated or inaccurate listing, please report it to resources@mellow.org.

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using MELLO ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Platform. These terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Platform.

What MELLO Provides

MELLO is a wellness information and resource directory platform. We provide:

• A curated directory of culturally affirming organizations and resources
• Wellness articles, guides, and educational content
• AI-powered wellness guidance through Mel, our adviser tool
• Community information, mentorship program details, and peer support resources
• A newsletter with curated wellness updates

What MELLO Is Not

MELLO is explicitly not any of the following, and you agree not to treat it as such:

• A licensed mental health, medical, or therapy service
• A diagnostic, prescribing, or treatment service
• A crisis intervention or emergency response service
• A replacement for professional care from licensed providers
• A guarantee of outcomes, results, or improvements in your wellness

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or contact a licensed professional immediately.

No Medical or Therapeutic Advice

All content on MELLO — including articles, resource listings, and responses from Mel — is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional for any health concerns.

Crisis and Emergency Protocols

MELLO provides links to crisis resources (988, Crisis Text Line, Therapy for Black Men) for informational purposes only. We do not monitor conversations in real time, and Mel is not equipped to intervene in emergencies. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 immediately.

Mel — AI Wellness Adviser

Mel is an artificial intelligence tool designed to provide general wellness information and resource guidance. Mel:

• Does not diagnose, prescribe, or provide medical or therapeutic treatment
• Does not have access to your personal medical records or history
• Does not book appointments, schedule sessions, or arrange professional services
• May make errors or provide incomplete information — always verify with the source organization
• Cannot replace a conversation with a licensed professional

You agree to use Mel as a starting point for your wellness journey, not as a substitute for professional care.

User Conduct

When using MELLO, you agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or individuals
• Submit false or misleading information in forms or communications
• Attempt to access, interfere with, or disrupt our systems or data
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to extract data without permission
• Impersonate any person or misrepresent your affiliation with any organization

Intellectual Property

All content on MELLO — including text, graphics, logos, images, and software — is the property of MELLO or its content providers and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

Third-Party Links and Resources

MELLO contains links to third-party websites and organizations. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or services of these third parties. Your interactions with third-party sites are governed by their own terms and policies. We make no warranty about the quality, reliability, or availability of any third-party resource.

Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MELLO DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free from viruses or other harmful components.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MELLO AND ITS FOUNDERS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES.

In no event shall our total liability exceed the amount you have paid to use the Platform (which, for clarity, is $0 for all current services).

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless MELLO, its founders, volunteers, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another person or entity.

Changes to These Terms

We may modify these Terms of Service at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify users via email or by posting a notice on the Platform. Your continued use of MELLO after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State where MELLO is principally operated, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of that jurisdiction.

Contact

Questions about these Terms? Reach us at legal@mellow.org.