Dear Watch Light Pathways Board of Directors,
We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your commitment to Watch Light Pathways means everything, and we are beyond excited to be building this mission alongside such an incredible group of leaders. Your willingness to contribute your time, expertise, and passion is already shaping the future of this organization in powerful ways.
For those who were able to attend our first Board of Directors meeting, your insights and engagement were invaluable. For those who could not make it, we want to ensure you are fully informed of what was discussed and what comes next.
Board Member Commitments
We are honored to officially welcome the following individuals who have committed to serving on the Board of Directors:
- Neil Campbell
- Jarrid Lezcano
- Judarrah Hawkins
- Shunta Lingard
- Calvin Robertson
- Stephanie Thames-Harris
- Marc Harris
- Karen Campbell
- Rhonda Alexander
Your dedication to this work is deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for your leadership and guidance as we move forward.
Meeting Highlights and Key Takeaways
Understanding the Role of the Chairperson
A major takeaway from our discussion was the realization that the position of Chairperson must be voted on rather than assumed. We want to extend a huge thank you to the board for helping bring clarity to this process. It was through this discussion that we recognized the importance of electing a Chair rather than appointing one.
At our April meeting, we will formally vote to appoint a Chair for the board. This role will be essential in guiding the strategic direction, governance, and decision-making of Watch Light Pathways.
Bylaw Adoption and Conflict of Interest Policy
Two critical governance documents have been sent via DocuSign for review and signature:
- Watch Light Pathways Bylaws – The official guiding document for our operations and governance.
- Stand-Alone Conflict of Interest Policy – Ensuring transparency and ethical leadership within the board.
Once we receive all board member signatures, we will immediately begin working with Neil Campbell to execute the 501(c)(3) application. Our goal is to submit this application as soon as possible, so please be sure to read and sign both the Bylaws and the Conflict of Interest Clause no later than Monday, March 24, 2025. This will enable Watch Light Pathways to move forward in securing funding and focusing on the next steps to expand our impact.
Organizational Progress
We are pleased to share that these legal and financial steps of Watch Light Pathways has either already been completed or are in progress:
- Registered with the Secretary of State [COMPLETED]
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) secured [COMPLETED]
- Bank account setup scheduled for Monday [IN PROGRESS]
- File Form 1023 for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status [IN PROGRESS]
- File Form ST-5 for Sales Tax Exemption [NOT STARTED]
- Register for Charitable Solicitations in Georgia [NOT STARTED]
- File Annual Form 990 Filing (IRS) [NOT STARTED]
With these foundational pieces in place, we are in an excellent position to finalize our 501(c)(3) status, enabling us to pursue grants, donations, and other funding opportunities.
Committee and Leadership Role Appointments
At our April meeting, we will vote to appoint not only the Chairperson, but also additional leadership roles and committees that will help guide the development and operations of Watch Light Pathways. These committees will play a crucial role in ensuring efficiency and accountability as we execute our vision.
Program Development and Funding Prioritization
One of our key strategic focuses is identifying which of our programs are closest to securing funding. Prioritizing these programs will allow us to allocate resources efficiently and begin implementation as soon as possible. We will discuss funding priorities in our April meeting to determine which initiatives should launch first.
Refining the Organizational Vision
Watch Light Pathways is a living, evolving initiative, and we will continue refining our approach to best serve creatives through workforce development, financial literacy, and recovery support. The most recent version of our business plan is attached for review.
Access the Meeting Recording
For those who could not attend the meeting, we encourage you to listen to the full discussion:
[Listen to the Meeting Recording Here] Passcode: f#A21r!D
Attachments in This Email
To ensure everyone has the most up-to-date materials, we have attached:
- Watch Light Pathways Logo (Current version)
- Watch Light Pathways Living Business Plan (Still in development)
- Meeting Transcript 3-14-2025
Please review these documents at your earliest convenience.
Next Board Meeting
- Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Agenda:
- Vote to appoint a Chair
- Vote to appoint board leadership roles and committees
- Prioritization of programs with the closest funding opportunities
- Further refinement of governance and operational strategies
Action Items for Board Members
Board Member Features for Website
Each board member is encouraged to submit the following:
- A high-quality headshot for our official website.
- A short personal statement or fun fact you would like visitors to know about you.
DocuSign Documents
If you have not yet signed the Bylaw Adoption and Conflict of Interest Policy, please do so as soon as possible. These are essential to moving forward with our nonprofit application.
Organizational Timeline and Public Launch
Determining an official public launch date for Watch Light Pathways is an important next step. We must first assess our progress in securing funding, developing programs, and structuring operations before making a formal announcement. A proposed launch timeline will be discussed at an upcoming meeting, based on our milestones and readiness.
Staying Connected
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@arealpathway)
- Website: www.watchlightpathways.org
Moving Forward
All email correspondence will now be moved to Watchlightpathways@gmail.com. Please look for your documents to come from that email address.
We cannot thank you enough for your commitment to this mission. Watch Light Pathways is being built with intention, integrity, and impact, and your leadership is at the heart of it all. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on April 16, 2025, as we take the next steps together.
With deep gratitude,
Juice + Self
Watch Light Pathways