“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
02.13.2025
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
1. Agenda
2. Recruitment & Selection Update 02.10.2025
3. Fellowship Workshops & Coaching Program Update
4. Workshop Materials: February 8, 2025
5. Alumni Highlights
6. Botswalle Draft Presentation Deck (Kgosi ‘25 and Mmatlala ‘26)
7. Alumni Program Draft
8. Lekgotla: NOLA – Participants
9. Lekgotla New Orleans Draft Schedule
10. 2024 – 2025 Board, Staff, Fellows, Lekgotla, & Coaches List
11. Ripples of Hope Calendar 2024 – 2025
12. Creative Visions Partnership Update
13. Website Update
14. Ripples of Hope Articles of Organization
15. Ripples of Hope IRS Determination Letter
16. Board Member Agreement and Code of Ethics - Draft 2/2025
17. Conflict of Interest Policy - Draft 2/2025
18. Record Retention - Draft 2/2025
19. Risk Management- Draft 2/2025
20. Role of the Board Policy - Draft 2/2025
21. Whistleblower Policy - Draft 2/2025
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
Board Meeting Agenda
02.13.2025
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Participants: Kristen Atwood, Holly Bonomo, Jennie Eplett Reilly, Vanessa Kirsch, Cindy Laba Venue: Zoom
● Welcome and Ripples 4:30 pm
● Program Update 4:40 pm
○ Investing in Civic Leaders
■ Fellowship
● Recruitment & Selection 2026
● Fellowship Workshops & Coaches Program Update
● Q3 Workshop Curriculum & LinkedIn Profiles
● Coaches Program
● Workshop Materials: February 8, 2025
■ Fellowship Alumni
● Alumni Highlights
● Botswalle Draft Presentation Deck (Kgosi ‘25 and Mmatlala ‘26)
● Alumni Program Draft
Questions: Do we grow to 13 or 14 Fellows? Do we fund the Alumni work?
○ Building a Beloved Community
■ Lekgotla: NOLA – Participants & Budget
■ Lekgotla New Orleans Draft Schedule
■ Ubuntu Talks with Peter Storey
■ 2024 – 2025 Board, Staff, Fellows, Lekgotla, & Coaches List
■ Ripples of Hope Calendar 2024 – 2025
○ Amplifying the Ripples of Hope Effect
■ Creative Visions Partnership Update - Video
■ Pine Street Inn – Christmas Eve Caroling
■ Website
● Operations Update 5:15 pm
○ Finance & Fundraising Update
○ Board Development – Policies
Question: How do we become more sustainable by expanding our network?
● Discussion 5:30 pm
● Adjourn 6:00 pm
RECRUITMENT & SELECTION
FELLOWSHIP CLASS of 2026
SOUTH AFRICAN FELLOWS
1. Donay October, Female, Coloured, University Grad, age 24, Cape Town
2. Jordan Sarah Langenhoven, Female, Coloured, Stellenbosch ’25, age 20, CapeTown
3. Thando Mzimela, Male, Black, UCT ’25, age 20, Cape Town
4. Lwandisile Mhlanga, Male, Black, Stellenbosch ’25, age 24, Cape Town
5. Ephemia Monama, Female, Black, FET College, Age 24, Johannesburg, Alex
6. Mmatlala Lebogang Motau, Female, Black, U Kwazulu-Natal ’20, age 24, Johannesburg
Waitlist
Ashwyne Dames, Male, Coloured, UNISA - 3rd Year, age 20, Johannesburg
UNITED STATES FELLOWS
1. Madison Chacon, Female, White, Master’s Degree, age, 25 Boston, MA
2. Cameron Farrar, Male, Black, Master’s Degree, age 24, Greensboro, NC
3. Jailen Leavell, Male, Black, Bachelor’s Degree, age 23, Louisville, KY
4. Daunte Pean, Male, Black, Northeastern, age 23, Boston, MA
5. Ryan Vaughan, Male, White, Emory & Henry, age 21, Lewisburg, WV
6. Fletcher York, Trans, White, Master’s, age 23, Chicago IL
Waitlist
Jordan Stanley, Female, White, UNH , age 20, Paxton, MA
RECRUITMENT & SELECTION HIGHLIGHTS
NOMINATIONS
TOTAL: 51
34 South African
17 US Applicants
APPLICANTS
TOTAL: 37
22 South African
15 US Applicants
Quinton Apollis (SA)
Kristen Atwood (US)
Holly Bonomo (US)
Wicus Cronje F’ 25 (SA)
Jennie Eplett Reilly
Ariane Hoy (US)
Cindy Laba (US)
Sino Mankayi, F ‘24 (SA)
Lorelle Menné (SA)
Neo Sello (SA)
Aletta Smith (SA)
Arthur Tartee F ’24 (US)
Aneesha Vahle (SA)
Danielle West (US)
NOMINATING ORGANIZATION & PEOPLE
USA
Bonner Foundation
College of Social Innovation
The Foundation to be Named Later
Project 351
Current and Former Fellow Recommendations
City Year South Africa
Stellenbosch University: LLL Program
Dignity in Flow
The African Leadership Institute for Community Transformation (ALICT)
University of Cape Town
SADICO
Alexandra Leadership Academy
Safe House Alexandra
City of Johannesburg
Koena Art Institute
SKY (Brother Bob)
KYP
University of the Western Cape
FELLOWSHIP CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
FOCUS OF THIS QUARTER
January: Expand your Voice
In this session, Fellows will come ready to workshop some of their public facing materials, including their LinkedIn, resume, cover letter, and website. They will have done some additional research to identify individuals with career and personal paths that interest them. They may also have received recommendations from the Leadership Team and Coaches. Fellows will receive training and guidance from career professionals in the U.S. and South Africa on public storytelling and practice sharing their “story of self” through oral and written communication.
February: Expand your Voice Part 2 Training and Development
This session will develop Fellows’ skills and competencies in training and program development. As leaders in their community contexts, Fellows often serve as educators responsible for teaching or facilitating sessions for diverse groups of stakeholders. This session will offer Fellows a foundation for strong,
interactive, and culturally revitalizing pedagogy, which they can apply to a topic of their choice that they will facilitate in groups during the upcoming immersion.
March: Enhance your Vitality
This session will invite Ripples of Hope alumni and coaches to join in for roundtable discussions organized by sector/issue area. In each of these groups, alumni and coaches will have opportunities to share wisdom pursuing their Community Impact projects and problem-solve with Fellows on the progress they are making on their goals. Fellows will also get a chance to practice their verbal “pitch,” building on Martin Ganz’s community organizing model of public storytelling that emphasizes the Story of Self, the Story of Us, and the Story of Now.
CHECK OUT OUR FELLOWS’ LINKED IN PROFILES
Gabby Adams | LinkedIn
Wicus Cronjé | LinkedIn
Kevin James | LinkedIn
Lucky Kubheka | LinkedIn
Nic Miso | LinkedIn
Dolly Modise | LinkedIn
COACHING PROGRAM
Fellows & Coaches
• Kevin James - Elvis Diaz
• Eliza Shaughnessy - Liz Brandt
• Paul Semedo - Jonathan Mayo
• Dolly Modise - Dr. Bianca Joseph
• Dannah Wilson - Kathy Eldon & Pat Chandler
• Gabby Adams - Nicole Kfoury
• Kgosi Tshabalala - Aneesha Vahle
• Lucky Kubeka - Lynette Johnson
• Jenine Scott - Lynda Macdonald
• Nicholas Miso - Mark Beare
• Wicus Cronje - Dion Kandima
• Lorena Munoz - Amari Simpson
Lorena Munoz | LinkedIn
Jenine Scott | LinkedIn
Paul Semedo | LinkedIn
Eliza Shaughnessy | LinkedIn
Kgosi Tshabalala | LinkedIn
Dannah Wilson | LinkedIn
Coaches Zoom Gatherings
November 20, 2024
February 11, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 10, 2025
May 13, 2025
June 10, 2025
Sino Mankayi ‘24
Sino was highlighted in local news for his work with the organization he founded, Khululani Youth Foundation, which provides entrepreneurial training, funding and mentor connections to youth. The goal for the NPO this year is to build relationships with at least 16 schools including community organisations.
“At first, we only did donations at orphanage homes in the area. We then felt a need to do something more sustainable rather than once-off donations, and that is where we got to where we are today. Providing business training to youth aged 16 to 26 years of age, connecting them with mentors and providing seed funding through partnership. One day we hope to make a very significant contribution toward lowering the youth unemployment rate in the country, which will have a ripple effect in lowering other social ills we face as a country,” he says.
You can read the full article here.
Deborah Vieira ‘24
Deborah began a new role as Director of Brockton’s Promise Alliance for Youth, a revitalized initiative under the leadership of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South and through a $1M, 5-year grant from Boston Children’s Hospital as part of their Metro South West Healthy Communities Initiative.
Deborah also works part time with Ripples of Hope on the Fellowship Program Workshops/
From Deborah: “Brockton is a city built on resilience, resourcefulness, and heart. Like many Brocktonians, my parents came to this city in search of a better life for their future family. I grew up learning to navigating systems and resources, translating documents, and trying my best in school so that one day, I could offer those around me a better life too. This journey has profoundly shaped my passion for youth advocacy, and it’s an honor to return to my hometown to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
This reboot of Brockton’s Promise will unite a diverse and dynamic network of youth-serving nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and civic groups to tackle health inequities and strengthen access to resources for families in the City of Champions. By working collaboratively across sectors, we aim to address the root causes of health disparities and ensure every child in our community has the support they need to thrive.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South (thank you Monica Lombardo and Derek Heim for believing in me!), Boston Children’s Hospital, and our amazing community partners for their commitment to this vision. I know we are building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable future for Brockton’s youth.”
Pontsho Lebepe ‘24, Mpho Maboee ‘23, & Neo Sello ‘23
In partnership with Jenine Scott, Fellow ‘25 Working in tandem with Jenine Scott to build Dignity in Flow. Mpho, Pontsho, and Neo round out Jenine’s leadership team. Pontsho is leading the charge in building the website and digital platforms for DiF. Neo & Mpho are working closely with Jenine to design programming and operationalize the program.
In January , girls gathered for a day of workshops and each received sanitary products, uniforms, and back to school supplies.
And, at the start of February was a special milestone for Dignity in Flow as they hosted a new workshop, led by the incredible director, Mpho! The session focussed on goal setting and study techniques, and each of us had the opportunity to create our own vision boards. It was not only educational but also deeply inspiring, and we truly enjoyed the experience with the girls.
Botswalle’s Creative Presentation
Botswalle is a mental health support sisterhood based nonprofit focusing on mental health providing various resources to young girls 15-21 in Soweto as they are supported through a holistic healing journey.
Botswalle ensures that each girl is instilled with the knowledge that they do not walk their path alone. Operating from the belief that the circumstance of today will not define tomorrow.
Main Objective
Provide mental health support & therapy
HIV/Aids awareness
Teenage pregnancy awareness
Gender based violence
Drug & substance abuse
Homelessness
Skill development
Girl to woman program
Develop a mental health & facility
Social change &
Community building
Youth Building
Promote collaboration with both national and intentional organization, that speak to mental health
Promote woman entrepreneurship & job readiness
Provide hygiene & sanitary pads
Feeding Scheme
Have training camps to promote behavior change, partnership with behavior change specialist and business that aim to bring social change
We prioritize the wellbeing of our mentees, ensuring that our program provides wellness, spiritual support, therapy, sisterhood & skills development
We are new, Therefore we are still growing into our projects, from its branding, facility, program. strengthening the overall functions of the organization
Creating a network, for our mission and goals to grow and expand in
We are still building a team that can be responsible & committed to our mission. developing long - term partnerships with donors & sponsorships
Botswalle journeys in impacting the lives of young pupils by impowering and echoeing the message of mental health. For a healthy mind equals a healthy life. Thus, producing a healthy, mindful and positive society. whereby, life will always be challenging although with a healthy mindset anything can be overcome.
We aim to reflect the African saying “Botho/Ubuntu” on the youth of South Africa and beyond the boarders of Africa. To say that “I AM” because “YOU ARE”. encouraging a life-long relation of sisterhood & friendships, a network of strong willed girls, young women, and mature women who support each other.
Botswalle begins her journey in 2024 with no facility. no staff, no major sponsorship. Just 2 individuals who carried the project’s program, with the mercy of a friend to Botswalle’s who allowed us to use their home to carry the weekly meetings. with just 3 donors who gift from their monthly salaries. We reached a milestone of 6 months, where we had our year end picnic, November 30th 2024. Botswalle is year long program with each year having a new class of mentees/sisters to join the mentorship program, the past class of sisters stay a family to Botswalle as it is its project mission. Creating a line of friendships and sisterhoods. In 2024 we began with the number of 13 mentees, due to healing not being a linear road we ended with a number 6 success stories that will journey their continous 6 month journey in 2025 looking to be the Illuminai of Botswalle.
Botswalle’s takes on her journey as an officially registered NPO, that has a team made of a board, mentors, and social worker. Working together to amplify the develoment of our mentees/sisters in 2025.
You can reach us on our social platforms; Instangram, facebook, tiktok
Support group therapy, child therapy ,parent therapy, and mother & child therapy. Theatre therapy, Yoga and spiritualsupport.
Skills development
Through art development: theatre plays,primarypaintingskillse.g.lining, design, printing, agricultural skills e.g. how to make your own food, cooking classescrochet.
Goods
monthly toiletries, clothes, and lunchtime.
Weekly Saturday Meetings (these consist of our primary program of support group therapy, spiritual therapy this can consist of prayer, song and yoga practice, lesson of the day and other extra-activities then lunch).
Our skills development program will consist of Art classes, Agriculture, Cooking lessons, Crochet classes
Educational Camps (these will be seasonal trips to campsites where the children go through a weekend/ week of learning, un - learning & unwind)
Mental health community workshops (spreading awareness around the topic of mental health)
Community fundraising events (using the art that the children would be creating)
Connecting with other communities, or projects or programs that are in same journey of community development
therapy, food, and frienship
Botswalle’s Creative Presentation
Mme Tabello Motshehwa Mpuru
Mme Tebello aka Meme, spreads the language of love, healing and self mastery through components of yoga, meditation & self defense. to speak to the trauma that sits on the body.
Theatre therapy is a component used, to access the stories untold by the body, mind and voice. it is a tool to break through boundaries where trauma lies with us as a people and we allow the body to breathe as well as the unheard voice.
Fine arts teacher, Senzo will teach the meentes how to draw, paint and printmaking
Art trains the creative muscle, helping to activate certain cells in our bodies. Through Senzo’s partnership with Botswalle, we aim to skill the children through art while taking them on a healing journey
a farm one Smile at a time, one conversation at a time, one heart at a time.
Lehlohonolo is an individual who practices farming in different backyards where he farms in homes around Soweto, he does this teaching the elders and young the importance of cropping your own food and the value of plants in our environment.
With partnering with Botswalle, he will be taking the meentes through the journey of having gardens in their backyards. So, they will be giving back to their community in this way
Rudzani owns a small farm in Moletsane Soweto, this is to speak to food scarcity in our community and inspire more healthy eating. Not only does he do this he also engages with his community and shares his skills with the youth willing to learn from him.
Through its first year, the Ripples of Hope Fellowship engages Fellows in a curriculum designed to support their development as effective lifelong agents of change. From this starting point, the educational program is designed as a “voyage” of personal, vocational, and collective growth that prioritizes:
• Sustainable social change. What are the resources, knowledge, and skills that a young change maker needs in order to sustain and deepen their communitybased work without burning out?
• Diverse and appropriate social change strategies and roles. There is no single way to achieve collective freedom and justice. How do community leaders discern the roles and strategies that are both 1) best suited to their own proclivities and strengths, and 2) responsive to what the world or their community needs?
• Personal and systemic approaches of social change. The need for social change comes from the ways in which the interlocking matrix of oppression unevenly distributes resources, power, and privilege. The Fellowship itself opens up access to these valuable assets. How can young social agents build self-awareness about their own power, privilege, and positionality? How does that knowledge help them to define and tailor their actions and choices, including for employment, education, volunteerism, relationships, and more?
Now, in our third year (and with the fourth cohort), we are working to offer three tangible support structures to Alumni Fellows. These will be optional but tied to specific incentives and benefits. They will range from easier to more rigorous options.
•As many Alumni are involved in work, caring for families and communities, service and social action projects, their time for participating in planned cohort activities is limited. We will develop, using available platforms (like Mighty Networks, Udemy, and others) ways for Fellows and Alumni to access skill and leadership development on a range of topics. Because the Lead Team has deep experience in program and training development, we can also provide access to easy-to-use resources. These must be supplemented, however, by vocation specific content. We want to develop partners who are willing to share their content as well. (Budget needed = $5,000$7,000 including stipends for additional Lead Team members and technology)
Series “Walking the Walk: Continuing Your Journey as a Change Maker”
•Alumni will be offered the opportunity to join a six part series that provides structured guidance in their continued development. Please find the overview of the series on the next page. Through the process, Alumni will gain conceptual, professional, and practical skills to achieve success in their own life and career pathways. We would like to offer participants a stipend of $300 if they complete the series and submit the work involved. We anticipate this will involve roughly 30-40 hours of time. (Budget needed = $5,000-$7,000 including stipends, supplies, etc.)
•We would like to plan two in-person retreats that Alumni can join adjacent to the immersion trips. Through this, Alumni may also be involved in leadership, logistical, and programmatic roles during the immersion and ongoing webinars. These events would also be used for program development and long-range planning for the Alumni, Fellows, and Ripples of Hope as a whole. (Budget needed = $5,000 for each; $10,000 total including stipends for planners, lodging, infrastructure investments, space rental, transportation , etc.)
•Finally, each of these ties to opportunities that the Alumni (and Fellows) will have to apply for funds for their projects. Ripples Lead Team will develop guidelines for the process. Alumni who participate in the series may choose to focus on their proposals as their project (see description below of series). While we hope to grow this fund over time, an initial investment is an important “early win.” (Budget needed = $5,000-$10,000)
This educational program begins with a cultural immersion in the U.S. cities of Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. These immersions offer an intensive experiential education exploring local/national social change movements and cultural histories, leaders, and practices.
In this session, we’ll have a discussion of our personal values, purpose, and how we communicate them, especially in professional contexts and through our expression. We’ll discuss the idea of a personal brand. Practically speaking, we will update our personal statements and visions, as well as our professional resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Alumni Fellows will then be matched with someone for a resume/profile review. Additionally, we will exchange public endorsements (by peers, coaches, and lead team). These can help you build your reputation and network.
In this session, we will engage in Power Mapping. This is a strategy often used by campaign and community organizers to be effective in achieving personal and policy changes. It can also be used on personal or professional goals, like how to gain admission to a program, land a job, or other opportunities. Alumni will refine 1-2 larger aspirations that represent potential next steps in their journey. They will be trained to do power mapping and then complete a power map. Through this process, they will be asked to share a strategy for action and 1-2 target relationships or people they need to reach out to for help.
In this session, Alumni will get creative, making a collage or digital vision board to share with each other. Then, we will take a look at formats and guides for typical business plan, project plan or proposal application including the elements of a narrative, goals, budget, and work plan. Fellows will work on and submit a draft of their choice. Each will be connected with one or more advisors. Ripples of Hope advisors (coach, lead team, colleague, etc.) will provide feedback on draft.
In this session, Alumni will continue to reflect on their power map, goals, and plans to expand their networks of mentors, sponsors, and allies. We’ll engage in a reflective “Who’s on your Board?” Exercise that invites us to consider who are our most trusted connections. We will revisit and expand our thinking on this, using Stacey Abrams book Lead from the Outside and other materials. Alumni will later set up meetings with 1-2 “board members” to formally request help on their plans (recommendation, connection, etc.).
In this session, Alumni will engage in a deeper focus on identifying and securing the financial and material resources they need to be effective in their plans and journeys. We’ll look at how advancement and development professionals cultivate donors, and we’ll also look at how to think creatively about other potential supporters, and champions who can open doors to new resources. Alumni will learn the mechanics of deep relationship building and identify a potential person with whom to begin that work. They will work on creating a pitch or personal ask (for which the timeline is open, depending on the goal and person).
In this session, Alumni will prepare for sharing their progress with the Ripples of Hope Community. They will read literature from the career discernment field and write about and discuss their own growth and development. Through this, they will also engage with current Fellows, as we may prepare in-person connections in both countries.
As a result of their participation, fellows should achieve the following learning outcomes, organized into three categories of aims:
◦ Refined Personal Vision
◦ Clarified (Next Level) Goals (including for professional and personal development)
◦ Clear Personal Brand (Profiles, Documents)
◦ Skills for Relationship Building and Networking
◦ Long-range planning, including budget and program/project development and written communications
◦ Expanded Networks, especially of trusted advisors and mentors
◦ Business Plan, Project Plan, or Applications completed
◦ Sense of satisfaction and ability to articulate growth
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Confirmed Participants (27)
KristenAtwood and Jim Atwood
Jennifer Eplett Reilly and Sean Reilly
Marni Grossman
Cindy Laba*
Cheryl Landrieu* and Mitch Landrieu*
Nicole Felton and Paul Ginsberg
Susan Ascher and Paul Kalb
Liddy Manson and James Boasberg
Geralde Gabeau* and Evans Gabeau*
Kyle Umemba*
MarionMussafer
Catherine Rose
Vanessa Kirsch*
Holly Bonomo and Rich Bonomo
Geralyn Dreyfous
Adrianne Moore
Aletta Smith*
Ariane Hoy*
Jonathan Mayo
Pending Participants (4)
Pat Chandler
Kathy Eldon
Maree Gataeni
Winnifred Ross Reilly
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
Lekgotla: NOLA
March 26 – 29, 2025
NOLA Partners
Erica Johnson and Jay Johnson
Gerri Hobdy
Arquavious Gordon
Rev. Raymond Jetson
Kyle Wedberg
Robert Green
Agnieszka Nance Tulane students
Nonprofit Partners (Draft)
Ashé Cultural Arts Center - Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes
Burnell’s Lower 9th Ward Market
Cafe Reconcile
House of Dance & Feathers
Lower 9th Ward Living Museum/TEP Center
New Orleans African American Museum - Gia Hamilton
Preservation Hall – Ashley Graham
Roots of Music – Derrick Tabb
St. Peter Claver Catholic Church – Fr. Gibson
StudioBe – BMike
Noun • South Africa a meeting or gathering of wise, thoughtful leaders with sharp minds and big hearts
mLekgotla travelers will immerse themselves in New Orleans communities, with a special focus on the 9th Ward, to develop a deeper and more personal understanding of the struggles and triumphs that persist post-Hurricane Katrina.
Join with civic, corporate, academic, and religious leaders in compassionate conversations to build alliances and activate resources. Our hope is that participants will form new friendships through shared common purpose and experiences which will propel change and unite people from diverse backgrounds.
In partnership with the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, activities planned include special access to book festival events Thursday evening and Friday.
Date
Tuesday 3/25
Wednesday 3/26
Thursday 3/27
Friday 3/28
Saturday 3/29
Pre-Journey Dinner
Optional Art Day
Activities
9am Arthur Rogers Gallery
Dawn DeDeaux Home
New Orleans Museum of Art - Besthoff Sculpture Garden Lunch at Alma Cafe
Journey Welcome Dinner
Roots of Music with Derrick Father Gibson from St. Peter Claver Catholic Church Dinner at Ashé
8:30 am Depart Hotel
9 am NOAAM - Welcome by Gia Hamilton
10:15 am Preservation Hall with Ashley Graham
Noon Lunch at Reconcile Cafe
1 :30 pm Tour of Ashé
2:30 pm 9th Ward with Robert Green
4:30 pm Arrive at Tulane
7:00 pm Dinner at Saba
10 am - 5 pm Book Festival
7 pm Dinner at 34 Restaurant & Bar
Book Festival
Book Festival Closing Celebration Community Dinner
TuesdayWednesday March26th
Today is an optional day of art exploration throughout New Orleans. New Orleans is known for rich artistic culture, that combines visual art, local craftsmanship, and performing arts. Art is the soul of New Orleans.
We will begin our day at Arthur Rogers Gallery. The Arthur Roger Gallery is a prominent contemporary art space, showcasing a diverse array of artworks by both established and emerging artists, while also fostering a vibrant dialogue around modern artistic practices.
We will then visit the Dawn DeDeaux Home, an innovative art space highlights the interdisciplinary work, blending elements of installation, sculpture, and digital media to explore themes of nature, culture, and the human experience.
We will continue our exploration at The Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art, a beautifully landscaped outdoor space featuring a diverse collection of contemporary sculptures, offering visitors a serene setting to engage with art in nature.
Today’s Schedule
Optional Art Day
Arthur Rogers Gallery
Dawn DeDeaux Home
New Orleans Museum of Art - Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Lunch at Alma Cafe Journey Welcome Dinner
Roots of Music with Derrick
Father Gibson from St. Peter Claver Catholic Church
Dinner at Ashé
We will finish our day with our Community Welcome Dinner. Derrick Tabb, founder of Roots of Music and Father Gibson of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church will join us to kick off our journey. Roots of Music is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through music education and cultural preservation. St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans holds historical significance as a cornerstone of the African American Catholic community, serving as a spiritual and cultural hub since its establishment in 1850, while honoring the legacy of St. Peter Claver, a champion for the rights and dignity of enslaved people.
Thursday March27th
We will begin our day at the New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM) with a warm welcome from Gia Hamilton, Executive Director & Chief Curator, exploring the pivotal role of African American history in the city’s artistic landscape.
We will then experience the soulful ambiance of Preservation Hall with Ashley Graham, Development Director of the hall, delving into the history of jazz and its vital connection to New Orleans culture.
We will break for lunch at Reconcile Cafe, where delicious food meets the mission of workforce development and community service.
2:30 pm 9th Ward Visit with Robert Green
4:30 pm Arrive at Tulane for Book Festival Reception
7:30 pm Dinner at Saba
In the afternoon we will tour Ashé, a community-based art space that fosters creativity and cultural expression, highlighting local artists and their
We will continue our journey with exploring the 9th Ward with Robert Green. Robert Green is a survivor of Hurricane Katrina who lives in the Lower 9th Ward. Through our visit we will gain insights into the neighborhood's resilience and the ongoing efforts in arts and community rebuilding.
We will spend our late afternoon at Tulane University for the Welcome Reception of the New Orleans Book Festival. This gathering sets the tone for the festival, allowing guests to engage with each other, meet participating authors, and celebrate the shared passion for literature and the arts in the heart of New Orleans.
We will conclude our evening with dinner at Saba, savoring Mediterranean-inspired dishes that celebrate local ingredients and culinary artistry.
March 28th-29th
≠Theme: "Literary Connections: A Day at the New Orleans Book Festival"
We will start the day with a Morning Circle & Breakfast, fostering community and setting intentions for the festival ahead.
Morning: Gathering and Inspiration
We will spend today exploring the book festival.
9:00 AM: Start the day with a "Morning Circle & Breakfast," fostering community and setting intentions for the festival ahead, allowing attendees to connect and share their literary passions.
We will immerse ourselves in the New Orleans Book Festival, participating in panels, author readings, and workshops that celebrate a wide array of genres and voices, enriching your understanding of contemporary literature.
Daytime: Celebration of Literature
We will conclude the day with dinner at 34 Restaurant & Bar, enjoying a culinary experience that reflects the flavors of New Orleans, providing a perfect backdrop for further literary discussions and connections made throughout the day.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Immerse yourself in the New Orleans Book Festival, participating in panels, author readings, and workshops that celebrate a wide array of genres and voices, enriching your understanding of contemporary literature.
Evening: Culinary Experience
7:30 PM: Conclude the day with dinner at 34 Restaurant & Bar, enjoying a delightful culinary experience that reflects the flavors of New Orleans, providing a perfect backdrop for further literary discussions and connections made throughout the day.
Today, we will continue to explore the Book Festival, engaging in a variety of panels, author readings, and workshops that showcase a diverse range of literary voices and genres, fostering dialogue and inspiration among participants.
Conclusion: This day emphasizes the power of literature to connect individuals while celebrating the unique cultural atmosphere of New Orleans.
We will then join the Closing Musical Celebration, where local musicians take the stage, blending the joy of literature with the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans, providing a lively and memorable wrap-up to the festival.
We will end our journey with a community dinnr.
Board of Directors
•Kristen Atwood
•Holly Bonomo
•Jennie Eplett Reilly
•Vanessa Kirsch
Leadership Team
• Samantha Ha DiMuzio
•Ariane Hoy
•Cindy Laba
•Aletta Smith
•Danielle West
Lekgotla South Africa
•Kristen Atwood
•Holly Bonomo
•Pat Chandler
•Kathy Eldon
•Jennie Eplett Reilly
•Evans Gabeau
•Geralde Gabeau
•Marni Grossman
•Angela Jackson
•Ira Jackson
•Lynette Johnson
•Vanessa Kirsch
•Cindy Laba
•Cheryl Landrieu
•Jonathan Mayo
2024 – 2025
•Kevin James - Elvis Diaz
•Eliza Shaughnessy - Liz Brandt
•Paul Semedo - Jonathan Mayo
•Dolly Modise - Dr. Bianca Joseph
•Dannah Wilson - Kathy Eldon & Pat Chandler
•Gabby Adams - Nicole Kfoury
•Kgosi Tshabalala - Aneesha Vahle
•Lucky Kubeka - Lynette Johnson
•Jenine Scott - Lynda Macdonald
•Nicholas Miso - Mark Beare
•Wicus Cronje - Dion Kandima
•Lorena Munoz - Amari Simpson
2023 – 2024
•Lona Magengelele - Dr. Bianca Joseph
•Pontsho Lebepe - Aneesha Vahle
•Athi Ndwebi - Dion Kandima
•Sino Mankayi - Deidre Baartman
•Zackeen Thomas - Mark Beare
•Danielle Santos - Briana Cardwell
•Doan Tran - Edith Bus
•Deborah Silva - Nancy Routh
•Arthur Tartee - Jonathan Mayo
2022 – 2023
•Abe Medeiros - Stephen Spaloss
•Ashley De Pina Nunes - Hanna Atwood
•Mpho Keabetswe Maboee - Nancy Routh
•Kgosi Tshabalala (Withdrew) - Kip Hollister
•Faria Afreen - Lisa Ulrich
•Nicolaas Horn - Jonathan Mayo
•Neo Kgothatso Sello - Lynette Johnson, Jamella Lee
•Thuto Witness Manyama - Xolile Bam
•Maria Alejandra Guevara-Carpio - Melanee
Alexander, Edith Buhs
•Jack Burgess - Heidi Johnson and Jeff Paquette
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
We have confirmed our South African Partners as follows:
1. KYP
2. City Year
3. Uyanda
4. Songo
5. Dignity in Flow
$6,000
$6,000
$4,000
$2,500
$1,500
Ripples of Hope has received payment of $30,000 for this project. We are working with each partner to plan out their specific projects with goals, outcomes, curricula, budgets, and financial disbursements. All but KYP participated in a Zoom training with Students Rebuild staff - you can watch that training here to learn more about the project:
Zoom Link
Passcode: b09@DEEr
Please check out these additional resources:
● Students Rebuild Website
● Students Rebuild Video
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
Website Update 02.13.2025
Morgan LaCasse, Director of Creative Services at InkHouse, is working with a small Ripples team – Ari, Cindy, Danielle, and Kristen – to update our website. We had our first meeting on Monday, 2/10. Morgan has agreed to one full day of pro bono work (Thursday, 2/13) to make the changes we reviewed and will do more as needed for 50% of her normal rate, which is $150/hour.
Number:200826268170 Date:0511612008 3:12PM
Iherebycertifythat,uponexaminationofthisdocument,dulysubmittedtome,itappears thattheprovisionsoftheGeneralLawsrelativetocorporationshavebeencompliedwith, andIherebyapprovesaidarticles;andthefilingfeehavingbeenpaid,saidarticlesare deemedtohavebeenfiledwithmeon: May16,20083:12PM
WILLIAMFRANCISGALVIN SecretarvoftheContmonwealth
WilliamFrancisGalvin
SecretaryoftheCommonwealth,CorporationsDivision OneAshburtonPlace,17thfloor Boston,MA02108-1512
Telephone:(617)727-9640
Fuhllc Srswse**S $emvc$r - S[$!s'ruNssux$ts
EntityName: RIPPLESOFHOPE,lNC.
!le:{iwiththr$i0rrl
ArticlesofOroanization
200826268I70_l.pdl.5 pgs,43226bytes
AnnualReportsandNo Feechangeshavea retentionperiodoftenyears;thereforethese documentsarenolongeravailablepriorto December31,1997.
O 2001- 2008CommonwealthofMassachusetts AllRightsReserved
MASOCFilingNumber:200826268170Date:05/16120083:12PM
TheCommonwealthof Massachusetts WilliamFrancisGalvin
SecretaryoftheCommonwealth OneAshburtonPlace.Boston.Massachusetts02108-1512
Telephone:(617)727-9640
Federalfdentification Number:262624459
ARTICLEI
Thenameofthecorporationis RIPPLESOF HOPE.INC.
ARTICLEII
Thepurposeofthecorporationistoengageinthefollowingbusinessactivities: CHARITABLEACTIVITIESINVOLVINGSUPPORTFOR NEEDYFAMILIES.
ARTICLEIII
A corporationmayhaveoneor moreclassesofmembers.lf itdoes,thedesignationofsuchclasses,themannerofelectionor appointments,thedurationof membershipandthequalificationsandrights,includingvotingrights,ofthemembersofeach class,maybesetforthintheby-lawsofthecorporationor maybesetforthbelow:
Otherlawfulprovisions,ifany,fortheconductandregulationofthebusinessandaffairsofthecorporation,foritsvoluntary dissolution,orforlimiting,defining,orregulatingthepowersofthecorporation,orof itsdirectorsor members,orofanyclass of members,areasfollows'.(lfthereareno provisionssfafe"NOA/E')
NONE
Note:Theprecedingfour (4)articlesareconsideredto be permanentandmayONIY bechangedby filingappropriate Articles of Amendment.
Theby-lawsofthecorporationhavebeendulyadoptedandtheinitialdirectors,president,treasurerandclerkor other presiding,financialor recordingofficers,whosenamesaresetoutonthefollowingpage,havebeendulyelected.
Theeffectivedateof organizationofthecorporationshallbethedateapprovedandfiledbytheSecretaryofthe Commonwealth.lf a /afereffectivedateisdesired,specifysuchdatewhichshallnotbemorethanthirtydaysafterthedateof filing.
LaterEffectiveDate:
TheinformationcontainedinArticleVll is nota permanentpartoftheArticlesof Organization
a. Thestreetaddress(post office boxesarenot acceptable)of the principaloffice of the corporationin Massacfiusetfs is:
No.andStreet: 11 GRAYSTONE WAY
GityorTown: SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA Zip:O1772 Country:USA
b. Thename,residentialaddressandpoStofficeaddressof eachdirectorandofficeris asfollows: (Apresident,treasurer,clerk,andat leastonedirectorarerequired.)
: PRESIDENT Exp.irationof Term:December31,2010
Name: KRISTEN Middle Name:
ResidentialAddress:591BRIDGESTREET
: DEDHAM State:MA : USA
PostOfficeAddress:591BRIDGESTREET
: DEDHAM State: MA
Title:TREASURER
irst Name; KATHRYN Middle Name: M
Address:11GRAYSTONEWAY
: SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA
LastName:ATWOOD Zip:02026
Zip:02026
Zip:01772 : USA
Country:USA
PostOfficeAddress:11GRAYSTONEWAY
City:SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA
Country:USA
: DIRECTOR
First Name: KRISTEN Middle Name:
ResidentialAddress: 59'l BRIDGE STREET
ity:DEDHAM State: MA : USA
t OfficeAddress:591BRIDGESfREET
ity:DEDHAM State: MA
itle:DIRECTOR
Name: KATHRYN Middle Name: M
Address:11GRAYSTONEWAY
: SOUTHBOROUGH StateMA ntry:USA
Expirationof Term:December31 , 2010
LastName:COOK
Zip:01772
Expiritionof Term:December31,2010
LastName:ATWOOD
Zip:02026
Zip:0202.6
Zip:01772 : USA
PostOfficeAddress:11GRAYSTONEWAY
: SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA
: USA
: CLERK
Name:KRISTEN MiddleName:
Address:591BRIDGESTREET
ity:DEDHAM State:MA : USA
OfficeAddress:591BRIDGESTREET
: DEDHAM : USA State:MA
Expirationof Term:December31,2O1O
LastName:COOK
Zip:01772
Expirationof Term:December31,2010
LastName:ATWOOD
Zip:02026
Zip:02026
c. The fiscal year (i.e.,tax year) of the corporation shall end on the last day of the month of: December
d. Thenameand businessaddressof the residentagent,if any,of the corporationis:
Name: KATHRYNCOOK
No.andStreet: 11GRAYSTONEWAY
Cityor Town: SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA Zip01772 Country:USA
l/We,the belowsigned incorporator(s),do herebycertify underthe painsand penaltiesof perjurythat l/wehavenot beenconvictedof anycrimesrelatingto alcoholor gamingwithinthe pasttenyears.lM/edo herebyfurthercertify thatto the bestof my/ourknowledgethe above-namedofficershavenot beensimilarlyconvicted.lf so convicted, explain:
lN WITNESSWHEREOFAND UNDERTHE PAINSAND PENALTIESOF PERJURY,l/we,whose signature(s)appear below as incorporator(s)and whose name(s)and business or residentaladdress(es)are beneatheach signaturedo hereby associate with the intention of forming this corporation underthe provisions of General Law, Ghapter 180and do hereby sign these Articles of Organizationas incorporator(s)this 16 Day of May, 2008 (lf an existing corporation is acting as incorporator, type in the exact name of the corporation, the stateof otherjurisdiction where it was incorporated, the name of the person signing on behalf of said corporation and the title he/she holds or other authority by which such actionis taken.)
KATHRYNM.COOK
O 2001SecretaryoftheCommonwealthofMassachusetts AllRightsReserved
SecretaryoftheCornmonwealth,CorporationsDivision OneAshbLulonPlace.lTthfloor Boston.MA 02108I5l2 Telephone:(617)727-9640
tr$trpL$$StrSSffS,f$JS.$**rmang$cn*crn
Theexactnameof the NonprofitCorporation:RIPPLESOF HOPE,lNC.
EntityType: NonprofitCorporation
fdentificationNumber: 262624459
Dateof Organizationin Massachusetts:0511612008
CurrentFiscalMonthI Day:12I 31
Thelocationof its principalofficein Massachusetts:
No.andStreet: I I GRAYSTONE WAY
CitvorTown: SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA Zip 01772 Country:USA
lf the businessentityis organizedwhollyto do businessoutsideMassachusetts,the locationof thatoffice: No.andStreet
CityorTown: State: Zip. Country:
Thenameandaddressof the ResidentAgent:
Name: KATHRYN COOK
No.andStreet: ll GRAYSTONE WAY
CityorTown: SOUTHBOROUGH State:MA Zip.01772 Country:USA
Theofficers andall of the directorsof the corporation:
Consent Manufacturer ConfidentialData DoesNbtRequireAnnualReport
Partnership X ResidentAgent ForProfit MergerAllowed
Selecta type of.filingfrom belowto viewthis businessentityfilings: ALLFILINGS lAr AnnualReport ApplicationForRevival ArticlesofAmendment ArticlesofConsolidation - ForeignandDomestic
@20O1- 2008 Commonwealthof Massachuselts All Riohts Reserved
P. O. BOX 2508
CINCINNATI, OH 45207 DEPARTMENT
Employer Identif ication Number : Dare:FEB1I200326-26244ss DLN: 1705323533203I
RIPPLES OF HOPE, INC.
Contact Person: 11 GRAYSTONEWAY SUSANY MALONEY TD# 31210 SOUTHBOROUGH,MA 01772
Contact Telephone Number: (877) 829-5500
Accountj-ng Period Ending: December 31
Public Charity Status: l-70(b) (1) (A) (vi)
Form 990 Required: Yes
Effective Date of Exemption: May 16, 2OOg
Contribution Deducti-bilitv : Yes
Addendum Applies: No
Dear Applicant:
We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status we have determined thaL you are exempt from Federal income tax under secLion 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to you are deductible under section 170 of the Code. You are also qualified to receive t.ax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gift.s under section 2055, 2L06 or 2522 of the Code. Because this letter could help resolve any questions regarding your exempt status, |ou should keep it in your permanent records.
Organizations exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Code are further classified as cither publrc charities or priwate foundations. I'le determined that you arc a public charity under the Code section(s) l-isted 1n the heading of this l-etter.
Please see enc1osed Publ-ication 422I-PC, Compliance Guide for 501(c) (3) Publj-c Charities, for some helpful information about your responsibilities as an exempt organization.
Letter 947 (DOlCG)
Encl-osures : Publication 422L-PC
Robert Choi Director, Exempt OrganJ-zat.ions Rulings and Agreements
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
DRAFT - February 2025
As a member of the board of Ripples of Hope, I understand and agree that I am responsible, collectively with my fellow board members, for ensuring effective governance of fiscally sound programs as well as strategic direction of the organization. To that end, I understand my responsibilities require me to:
1. Understand and ensure that Ripples of Hope reaches its mission and vision.
2. Understand the values of Ripples of Hope and use them in my decision making.
3. Attend all regular and special board meetings and actively participate in proceedings.
4. Serve on at least one task group or committee.
5. Be accessible, at least by phone or e-mail, to staff and other board members as needed.
6. Participate in board member orientation.
7. Support Ripples of Hope by giving or getting a financial contribution of at least $25,000.
8. Attend as many organization events and fundraisers as possible.
9. Share resources and talents with the organization, including expertise, contacts for financial support, and contacts for in-kind contributions.
10. Serve as an advocate for the organization within my circles of influence — personal, business, faith, civic, etc.
11. Fulfill commitments within agreed-upon deadlines.
12. Maintain and promote high ethical standards including good-faith board decision making and avoiding an actual or perceived conflict of interest with other activities, interests, and/or organizations with which I may be involved.
13. Maintain the confidentiality of the private information of the organization, staff, clients, and other board members.
14. Understand and approve Ripples of Hope policies.
15. Be fiscally responsible for the organization by being familiar with and approving Ripples of Hope’s budget.
16. Communicate effectively and respect the diverse opinions of others.
17. Agree that in the event, for whatever reason, I can no longer fulfill my duties and responsibilities as a Ripples of Hope board member, I will immediately notify the board chair and make arrangements to transfer any outstanding responsibilities to other members of the board.
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
DRAFT - February 2025
The purpose of this Conflict-of-Interest Policy is to prevent the institutional or personal interests of Ripples of Hope board members and staff from interfering with the performance of their duties to Ripples of Hope, and to ensure that there is no personal, professional, or political gain at the expense of Ripples of Hope. This policy is not designed to eliminate relationships and activities that may create a duality of interest, but to require the disclosure of any conflicts of interest and the recusal of any interested party in a decision relating thereto.
A conflict of interest may exist when the interests or potential interests of any director, officer, or staff member, or that person’s close relative, or any individual, group, or organization to which the person associated with Ripples of Hope has allegiance, may be seen as competing with the interests of Ripples of Hope, or may impair such person’s independence or loyalty to Ripples of Hope. A conflict of interest is defined as an interest that might affect, or might reasonably appear to affect, the judgment or conduct of any director or staff member in a manner that is adverse to the interests of Ripples of Hope.
Examples
A conflict of interest may exist if a director, staff member, or close relative
▪ Has a business or financial interest in any third party dealing with Ripples of Hope.
▪ Holds office, serves on a board, participates in management, or is employed by any third partY dealing with Ripples of Hope, other than direct funders to Ripples of Hope.
▪ Derives remuneration or other financial gain from a transaction involving Ripples of Hope (other than salary reported on a W-2 or W-9 or salary and benefits expressly authorized by the board).
▪ Receives gifts from any third party on the basis of his or her position with Ripples of Hope (other than occasional gifts valued at no more than $50, or if valued at more than $50, the gift is made available in a team space or common area for others to share — e.g., fruit baskets, boxes of candy). All other gifts should be returned to the donor with the explanation that Ripples of Hope policy does not permit the acceptance of gifts. No personal gift of money should ever be accepted.
▪ Engages in any outside employment or other activity that will materially encroach on such person’s obligations to Ripples of Hope; compete with Ripples of Hope’s activities; involve any use of Ripples of Hope’s equipment, supplies, or facilities; or imply Ripples of Hope’s sponsorship or support of the outside employment or activity
Directors and staff shall not use information received from participation in Ripples of Hope affairs, whether expressly denominated as confidential or not, for personal gain or to the detriment of Ripples of Hope.
Disclosure and Recusal
Whenever any director has a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest with Ripples of Hope, he or she shall notify the Board Chair of such conflict in writing. Whenever any staff member (paid or volunteer) has a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest with Ripples of Hope, he or she shall notify the Head of School of such conflict in writing.
When any conflict of interest is relevant to a matter that comes under consideration or requires action by the board, or a board committee, the interested person shall call it to the attention of the board chair and shall not be present during board or committee discussion or decision on the matter. However, that person shall provide the board or applicable committee with any and all relevant information on the particular matter.
The minutes of the meeting of the board or its committee shall reflect that the conflict of interest was disclosed, that the interested person was not present during discussion or decision on the matter, and did not vote.
Dissemination
A copy of this conflict-of-interest policy shall be furnished to each director, officer, and staff member who is presently serving this organization or who may become associated with it.
Certification
The policy and its application shall be reviewed annually for the information and guidance of directors, officers, and staff members, each of whom has a continuing responsibility to scrutinize their transactions and outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts of interest, and make such disclosures as described in this policy.
As administered by the board chair, each director will be asked to complete a certification of agreement with the policy and disclosure of any known conflicts of interest upon his or her election or re-election to the board and annually thereafter. As administered by the Head of School, each staff member will be asked to complete such a certification upon his or her employment and on an annual basis thereafter. All certifications shall be reviewed by the board as appropriate.
I have read and agree to abide by Ripples of Hope’s Conflict-of-Interest Policy. To the best of my knowledge, I have no conflicts as described in this Policy.
I have read and agree to abide by Ripples of Hope’s Conflict-of-Interest Policy. To the best of my knowledge, I have no conflicts as described in this Policy, except those noted below or on the attached paper.
Signature
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
Draft – February 2025
Purpose
In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which makes it a crime to alter, cover up, falsify, or destroy any document with the intent of impeding or obstructing any official proceeding, this policy provides for the systematic review, retention, and destruction of documents received or created by Ripples of Hope in connection with the transaction of school business. This policy covers all records and documents, regardless of physical form, contains guidelines for how long certain documents should be kept, and how records should be destroyed (unless under a legal hold). The policy is designed to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, to eliminate accidental or innocent destruction of records, and to facilitate Ripples of Hope’s operations by promoting efficiency and freeing up valuable storage space.
Ripples of Hope follows the document retention procedures outlined below. Documents that are not listed, but are substantially similar to those listed in the schedule, will be retained for the appropriate length of time.
Corporate Records
1. Annual Reports to Secretary of State/Attorney General Permanent
2. Articles of Incorporation Permanent
3. Board Meeting and Board Committee Minutes Permanent
4. Board Policies/Resolutions Permanent
5. Bylaws Permanent
6. Construction Documents Permanent
7. Fixed Asset Records Permanent
8. IRS Application for Tax-Exempt Status (Form 1023) Permanent
9. IRS Determination Letter Permanent
10. State Sales Tax Exemption Letter Permanent
11. Contracts (after expiration) 7 years
12. Correspondence (general) 3 years
Accounting and Corporate Tax Records
13. Annual Audits and Financial Statements Permanent
14. IRS Form 990 Tax Returns Permanent
15. General Ledgers [7 years/Permanent]
16. Business Expense Records 7 years
17. IRS Forms 1099
18. Journal Entries
19. Invoices 7 years
20. Petty Cash Vouchers 3 years
21. Cash Receipts 3 years
22. Credit Card Receipts 3 years
Bank Records
23. Check Registers [7 years/Permanent]
24. Bank Deposit Slips 7 years
25. Bank Statements and Reconciliation 7
26. Electronic Fund Transfer Documents
Payroll and Employment Tax Records
27. Payroll Registers Permanent
28. State Unemployment Tax Records Permanent
29. Earnings Records
30. Garnishment Records
31. Payroll Tax Returns
32. W-2 Statements
Employee Records
33. Employment and Termination Agreements Permanent
34. Retirement and Pension Plan Documents Permanent
35. Records Relating to Promotion, Demotion, or Discharge 7 years after termination
36. Accident Reports and Worker’s Compensation Records 5 years
37. Salary Schedules 5 years
38. Employment Applications 3 years
39. I-9 Forms 3 years after termination Donor and Grant Records
40. Donor Records and Acknowledgment Letters
41. Grant Applications and Contracts
after completion Legal, Insurance, and Safety Records
42. Appraisals Permanent
43. Copyright Registrations Permanent
44. Insurance Policies Permanent
45. Real Estate Documents Permanent
46. Stock and Bond Records Permanent
47. Trademark Registrations Permanent
48. Leases 6 years after expiration
49. OSHA Documents 5 years
50. General Contracts 3 years after termination
Electronic Documents and Records
Electronic documents will be retained as if they were paper documents. Therefore, any electronic files, including records of donations made online, that fall into one of the document types on the above schedule will be maintained for the appropriate amount of time.
Ripples of Hope’s records will be stored in a safe, secure, and accessible manner. Documents and financial files that are essential to keeping Ripples of Hope operating in an emergency will be duplicated or backed up at least every week and maintained off-site.
Ripples of Hope’s Head of School is responsible for the ongoing process of identifying its records, which have met the required retention period, and overseeing their destruction. Destruction of financial and personnel-related documents will be accomplished by shredding.
Document destruction will be suspended immediately, upon any indication of an official investigation or when a lawsuit is filed or appears imminent. Destruction will be reinstated upon conclusion of the investigation.
Failure on the part of employees to follow this policy can result in possible civil and criminal sanctions against Ripples of Hope and its employees and possible disciplinary action against responsible individuals. The Head of School and finance committee chair will periodically review these procedures with legal counsel or the school’s certified public accountant to ensure that they are in compliance with new or revised regulations.
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy
Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
Senator Robert F. Kennedy
Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
Ripples of Hope is committed to protecting its human, financial, tangible, and goodwill assets and resources through the practice of effective risk management. Ripples of Hope’s board and management are dedicated to safeguarding the safety and dignity of its participants, paid and volunteer staff, and anyone who has contact with the organization. To this end, the board will ensure that the organization has a risk management plan for the organization that is reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
The chief executive shall adequately protect and maintain from unnecessary risk Ripples of Hope’s assets. Accordingly, the chief executive shall
● Insure against theft and casualty losses of tangible personal property to at least 80 percent replacement value and against liability losses to board members, staff, or the organization itself at no less than minimally acceptable prudent levels.
● Have sufficient employee dishonesty insurance and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for personnel with access to material amounts of funds.
● Ensure office and equipment is not subjected to improper wear and tear or insufficient maintenance.
● Protect the organization, its board, and staff from exposure leading to claims of liability.
● Protect intellectual property, information, and files from loss or significant damage.
● Seek bids or demonstrate other prudent methods for any purchases over $1,000 and protect against conflicts of interest.
● Receive, process, or disburse funds under financial controls that meet the board-appointed auditor’s (or other grant) standards.
● Invest or hold operating capital in secure instruments, such as insured checking accounts and bonds of greater than XX rating, interest-bearing accounts (except when necessary to facilitate ease in operational transactions or where restricted by the funder).
● Not endanger the organization’s public image or credibility, particularly in ways that would hinder its accomplishment of mission, except when necessary to accomplish its mission.
Ripples of Hope will purchase necessary policies to insure the organization against risk. Types of insurance to be purchased should include
● Insurance against employee theft and dishonesty
● Indemnification
● General liability (personal and property damage and punitive damage)
● Commercial (for physical assets)
● Nonprofit Officers’ and Directors’ Liability (also known as association professional liability)
● Workers’ Compensation
Emergency Response and Recovery
It is the policy of Ripples of Hope to protect its participants and employees and to prevent the interruption of vital operations. Ripples of Hope is committed to employing all appropriate strategies for anticipating and controlling crisis situations.
The Director of the organization is responsible for development and implementation of an emergency response and recovery plan. This plan will establish contingencies and anticipate threats that could harm Ripples of Hope personnel, property, clientele, and reputation. Ripples of Hope’s board is responsible for review and approval of this plan.
Copies of this document and other documents referenced in this plan will be stored off-site and be readily available for reference in the event of an emergency situation that restricts or prohibits access to the normal workplace. This Emergency Response and Recovery plan is intended to
● Anticipate potential threats to Ripples of Hope operations.
● Provide an orderly and efficient transition from normal to emergency conditions.
● Provide specific guidelines appropriate for complex and unpredictable occurrences.
● Provide consistency in action.
● Prevent activity inconsistent with the organization’s philosophy.
● Establish threshold events that may trigger an emergency response.
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
DRAFT - February 2025
This statement elaborates on general and individual board responsibilities by outlining the areas of board focus and stating detailed expectations for fundraising and committee service.
The board of Ripples of Hope is responsible for overseeing the mission and purpose of the organization. Its duties include participation in strategic planning and making policy decisions, then securing the financing of them and the monitoring of their execution. Members must be willing to attend the requisite meetings, follow through on commitments, and participate fully in the decision-making process. The board also presents the organization’s image to the community and solicits its support in achieving Ripples of Hope’s goals.
General Responsibilities
Fiscal
▪ Review revenues and expenses on a quarterly basis to ensure the mission of the organization is being upheld.
▪ Strengthen Ripples of Hope’s financial base by participating in and contributing to the organization’s fundraising efforts.
▪ Participate in strategic planning and the setting of long-term goals.
Legal
▪ Act on behalf of the organization and its interests, putting aside personal concerns, affiliations, or constituencies.
▪ Set procedures and policies to ensure that any affiliate is organized and administered in a manner that is in compliance with applicable law.
▪ Promote our mission, generating good will for the organization, and encouraging support for the efforts of the staff and volunteers.
▪ Make introductions to new communities, corporate sponsors, foundations, and helpful individuals.
▪ Hire the director of organization and review performance annually.
▪ Be willing to use individual expertise to assist in staff organization and development.
▪ Attendance and Contribution at Meetings: We expect everyone to attend and be active in all of the scheduled board meetings each year (in person or via video).
▪ Give or Get: We expect that each board member be responsible for raising (or giving) a minimum of $25,000 annually.
▪ Committee/Task Group Membership: Each board member must sit on at least one committee or task group, and a board member will be asked to lead each of the committees/task groups.
▪ Terms. We expect our board members to sign up for a three-year term with up to two consecutive terms.
It is the policy of Ripples of Hope that board members and employees of Ripples of Hope may not disclose, divulge, or make accessible confidential information belonging to, or obtained through their affiliation with Ripples of Hope to any person, including relatives, friends, and business and professional associates, other than to persons who have a legitimate need for such information and to whom Ripples of Hope has authorized disclosure. Board members and employees shall use confidential information solely for the purpose of performing services as a board member or employee for Ripples of Hope. This policy is not intended to prevent disclosure where disclosure is required by law.
Board members and employees must exercise good judgment and care at all times to avoid unauthorized or improper disclosures of confidential information. Conversations in public places, such as restaurants, elevators, and airplanes, should be limited to matters that do not pertain to information of a sensitive or confidential nature. In addition, board members and employees should be sensitive to the risk of inadvertent disclosure and should, for example, refrain from leaving confidential information on desks or otherwise in plain view and refrain from the use of speakerphones to discuss confidential information if the conversation could be heard by unauthorized persons.
At the end of a board member’s term in office or upon the termination of an employee’s employment, he or she shall return, at the request of Ripples of Hope, all documents, papers, and other materials, regardless of medium, that may contain or be derived from confidential information in his or her possession.
The Executive Committee serves at the pleasure of the Ripples of Hope Board Chair and full board. Its chair is Ripples of Hope’s board chair. The committee shall consist of the elected officers (i.e., board chair, chair-elect, immediate past chair, secretary-treasurer, secretary-treasurer-elect) and chairs of the finance, governance, membership coordinating, and professional development coordinating committees. The director of the organization shall serve on the committee without a vote. The committee chair is the chair of the board, who serves a two-year term to correspond with the 2-year term as board chair. Committee members serve during their tenure as officers and chairs of the finance and governance
committees. The chair is responsible to report to the board all plans, activities, and accomplishments of the committee, in accordance with the following duties and responsibilities, and to formulate and recommend actions by the full board prior to implementation.
1. Participates in selection, supervision, and evaluation of the director of organization.
2. Approves and/or assists in long-range planning.
3. Reviews the financial status of the organization and progress towards goals, annually.
4. Establishes procedures for maximum utilization of board member potential, including
▪ Evaluation of board functions
▪ Yearly evaluation of board members according to job description
▪ Review of each board’s member’s activity and participation
▪ Board development and education
5. Recommends new board members.
The Finance Committee coordinates the board’s financial oversight responsibilities by recommending policy to the board, interpreting it for the staff, and monitoring its implementation. The committee also provides board oversight of the organization’s financial audit.
The Finance Committee monitors the organization’s financial records; reviews and oversees the creating of accurate, timely, and meaningful financial statements to be presented to the board; reviews the annual budget and recommends it to the full board for approval; monitors budget implementation and financial procedures; reviews internal financial controls; monitors budget assets; monitors compliance with federal, state, and other reporting requirements; reviews the organization’s insurance coverage; and helps the full board understand the organization’s finances.
The Finance Committee also ensures that the organization has an independent audit of its financial statements annually, recommends the independent auditors for full board approval, receives the audit report and any other reports relating to the audit or to the assets and collection management practices of Ripples of Hope, and periodically reports the auditor’s findings and rec
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation speech to young people in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966
DRAFT – 02/10/2025
The Code of Ethics adopted by Ripples of Hope requires all staff, board members, participants, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of Ripples of Hope, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Set forth below is Ripples of Hope’s policy with respect to reporting good-faith concerns about the legality or propriety of Ripples of Hope actions or plans.
It is the responsibility of all staff, board members, and volunteers to comply with Ripples of Hope’s Code of Ethics and applicable law and to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.
Ripples of Hope will treat all communications under this policy in a confidential manner, except to the extent necessary 1) to conduct a complete and fair investigation, or 2) for review of Ripples of Hope operations by Ripples of Hope’s board, its audit committee, Ripples of Hope’s independent public accountants, and Ripples of Hope’s legal counsel.
Ripples of Hope will not permit any negative or adverse actions to be taken against any employee or individual for making a good-faith report of a possible violation of its Code of Ethics or applicable law, even if the report is mistaken, or against any employee or individual who assists in the investigation of a reported violation. Retaliation in any form will not be tolerated. Any act of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly investigated. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within Ripples of Hope prior to seeking resolution outside the organization.
Employees and others may communicate suspected violations of its Code of Ethics, applicable law, or other wrongdoing or alleged retaliation by contacting Ripples of Hope’s Executive Director or Board Chair. If you wish to remain anonymous, it is not necessary that you give your name or position in any notification.
Whether or not you identify yourself, for a proper investigation to be conducted, please provide Ripples of Hope with as much information as you can, sufficient to do a proper investigation, including where and when the incident occurred, names and titles of the individuals involved, and as much other detail as you can provide.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the kinds of improprieties that should be reported:
• Supplying false or misleading information on Ripples of Hope’s financial or other public documents, including its Form 990
• Providing false information to or withholding material information from Ripples of Hope’s board or auditors
• Destroying, altering, mutilating, concealing, covering up, falsifying, or making a false entry in any records that may be connected to an official proceeding, in violation of federal or state law or regulations
• Altering, destroying, or concealing a document, or attempting to do so, with the intent to impair the document’s availability for use in an official proceeding or otherwise obstructing, influencing, or impeding any official proceeding, in violation of federal or state law or regulations
• Embezzling, self-dealing, private inurement (i.e., Ripples of Hope earnings used for the benefit of a director or staff member) and private benefit (i.e., Ripples of Hope assets being used by anyone in the organization for personal gain or benefit)
• Paying for services or goods that are not rendered or delivered
• Using remarks or actions of a sexual nature that are not welcome and are likely to be viewed as personally offensive, including sexual flirtations; unwelcome physical or verbal advances; sexual propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; the display of sexually suggestive objects, cartoons, or pictures; and physical contact of a sexual or particularly personal nature.
• Using epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, and threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability
• Circulating or posting written or graphic material in the workplace that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, nationality, age, or disability
• Discriminating against an employee or potential employee due to a person’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental impairment, or veteran status
• Violating Ripples of Hope’s Code of Ethics, Conflict-of-Interest Policy, or Human Resources Policy
• Facilitating or concealing any of the above or similar actions