Commitment To Change Mission Statement
Commitment to Change (CTC) seeks to positively impact the life of the community by encouraging, mentoring and equipping individuals, schools, and groups. CTC seeks to improve their quality of life by providing new opportunities, tools, and resources. CTC strives to bridge the gap between resources and the community. We will endeavor to support and inspire others through resources, leadership, and subject matter expertise.
CTC By Laws
The Executive Board will meet quarterly and have a minimum of 4 meetings per year. Meeting dates and time will be set by the E Board. The fiscal year for CTC will begin on January 1st and culminate December 31st.
CTC does not engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of CTC activities, in activities that in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.
CTC does not expressly empower any member to engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of your activities, in activities that in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.
CTC does attest that the organizing document contains the dissolution provision required under section 501(c)(3) or that it does not need an express dissolution provision in your organizing document because you rely on the operation of state law in the state in which you are formed for your dissolution provision.
CTC will not conduct a trade or business that is not related to your exempt purpose(s).
Three members must be present to have a quorum. Meetings may be held in person, via Zoom or a combination of both. Meeting minutes will be done for each meeting and signed by the COO or his designee. Members are expected to serve a term of at least 12 months unless unable to do so due to personal or medical reasons.
The CFO will be responsible for maintaining financial records for the organization and submit quarterly and year end reports.
E Board members or designees may serve as spokespersons for the organization to solicit donations, for fundraisers or marketing purposes.
A majority vote is needed to replace a vacant position on the E Board.
E Board Members may resign a position via writing.
E Board members may approve salaries, raises or reductions for members. Approved reimbursable items purchased for CTC must be accompanied by a valid receipt.
Call meetings may be recommended by any E Board Member pending approval of the COO or his designee.
CTC participation and/or monetary awards may only be awarded with a majority vote of the Executive Board. The COO or his designee can make a final decision in case of a tie. If a vote cannot be conducted during the quarterly meetings the COO can approve an email vote. The Exec Asst will document the votes in the next formal meeting minutes. All checks for awards must have 2 signatures to be valid by the COO and Treasurer.
Media requests or interviews must be approved by the COO or his designee. The Executive Secretary is responsible for press releases.
Any CTC E Board Member may initiate contact with individuals or businesses for the purpose of soliciting grants or donations to the organization.
CTC as an entity may partner with other nonprofit or for-profit groups on projects that benefit the community and is in line with the Mission Statement of CTC.
CTC will organize and solicit a community Board of Advisors to offer input on community needs. These recommendations will be included in the meeting minutes and voted on by the E Board.
CTC activities will be limited to the purposes set out in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
CTC organization will not engage in political or legislative activities prohibited under section 501(c)(3).
Upon dissolution of the corporation, any remaining assets will be distributed to another nonprofit, government agency, or for another public purpose.
The power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws is vested in the E Board.
The E Board may select individuals via a majority vote to serve as members of CTC, Advisors, Marketing Agents, Fundraisers, or IT personnel.
CTC does not engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of CTC activities, in activities that in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.
CTC does not expressly empower any member to engage, otherwise than as an insubstantial part of your activities, in activities that in themselves are not in furtherance of one or more exempt purposes.
CTC does attest that the organizing document contains the dissolution provision required under section 501(c)(3) or that it does not need an express dissolution provision in your organizing document because you rely on the operation of state law in the state in which you are formed for your dissolution provision.
CTC will not conduct a trade or business that is not related to your exempt purpose(s).
Three members must be present to have a quorum. Meetings may be held in person, via Zoom or a combination of both. Meeting minutes will be done for each meeting and signed by the COO or his designee. Members are expected to serve a term of at least 12 months unless unable to do so due to personal or medical reasons.
The CFO will be responsible for maintaining financial records for the organization and submit quarterly and year end reports.
E Board members or designees may serve as spokespersons for the organization to solicit donations, for fundraisers or marketing purposes.
A majority vote is needed to replace a vacant position on the E Board.
E Board Members may resign a position via writing.
E Board members may approve salaries, raises or reductions for members. Approved reimbursable items purchased for CTC must be accompanied by a valid receipt.
Call meetings may be recommended by any E Board Member pending approval of the COO or his designee.
CTC participation and/or monetary awards may only be awarded with a majority vote of the Executive Board. The COO or his designee can make a final decision in case of a tie. If a vote cannot be conducted during the quarterly meetings the COO can approve an email vote. The Exec Asst will document the votes in the next formal meeting minutes. All checks for awards must have 2 signatures to be valid by the COO and Treasurer.
Media requests or interviews must be approved by the COO or his designee. The Executive Secretary is responsible for press releases.
Any CTC E Board Member may initiate contact with individuals or businesses for the purpose of soliciting grants or donations to the organization.
CTC as an entity may partner with other nonprofit or for-profit groups on projects that benefit the community and is in line with the Mission Statement of CTC.
CTC will organize and solicit a community Board of Advisors to offer input on community needs. These recommendations will be included in the meeting minutes and voted on by the E Board.
CTC activities will be limited to the purposes set out in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
CTC organization will not engage in political or legislative activities prohibited under section 501(c)(3).
Upon dissolution of the corporation, any remaining assets will be distributed to another nonprofit, government agency, or for another public purpose.
The power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws is vested in the E Board.
The E Board may select individuals via a majority vote to serve as members of CTC, Advisors, Marketing Agents, Fundraisers, or IT personnel.
CTC Plan of Action
CTC will maintain a Board of Advisors who are established professionals in their respective field. This Board will make recommendations of needed resources in the community. CTC will organize, plan and implement a diverse plan that is flexible and feasible to enhance the lives of individuals in our community.
CTC VISION STATEMENT
By utilizing and networking with professionals, administrators, educators, social workers, and civic leaders, CTC will serve as the bridge between needed resources and the community. Encourage others to attain their personal and professional goals, build self-esteem and provide uplift in our community. CTC will present opportunities to exercise and grow leadership abilities through program participation in the community. Increase access to tools and resources to the community that will help build self-esteem, social skills leaders and cultivate a viable and relevant environment. Support the furtherance of higher education with a continued focus on advancing students. Ensure that all levels of the community are represented by a broad cross section of diverse individuals. CTC is committed to becoming a premier organization in providing growth opportunities through sustainable programs and resources that build future generational leaders, and aides the indigent within our community.
Executive Board
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Reginald D. Weeks, B.A., M.S., Chief Operating Officer {COO}
Mr. Weeks serves as the COO of Commitment to Change. He is a graduate of Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana receiving a B.A. in Political Science. He continued his studies receiving a master’s degree in Public Safety/Criminal Justice from Capella University. Mr. Weeks retired from the Department of Justice with 26 years of service as an Associate Warden. He has over 30 years of experience serving the community in various aspects including volunteering, mentoring, providing resources, creating, and implementing programs. Mr Weeks is active in his church and was appointed as a Commissioner for the Planning and Zoning Commission by the Mayor of Lake Charles. He has received awards including Omega Man of the Year, and numerous Service Awards. |
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Dr. Rose Duhon-Sells, B.A., M.S., Ph.D, Sr Advisor
Dr. Duhon-Sells received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She received her master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She earned her Ph.D in Education/Multicultural Education from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Her work experience included McNeese State University, Southern University, Baton Rouge as Dean of the College of Education, Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH, as Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Southern University at New Orleans as Dean of the College of Education and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. |
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Kiah Ford, Executive Secretary
Ms. Ford is a senior student at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in Political Science. She is from New Roads, Louisiana where she serves as the Executive Director of her nonprofit, Pursuing New Roads. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she will continue her studies at Southern University to receive her master’s degree in public administration. As a servant leader in various communities, she believes in providing leadership opportunities, professional development training, and helping others unlock their unseen potential. |
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Stella Brown Miller, B.A., M.S., Sr. Advisor
Known for her advocacy of education as well as promotion of African-American arts and culture, Stella Miller helped organize the Black Heritage Festival in 1987. After 23 years as Executive Director of the Festival, she became Director of the Black Heritage Gallery which is in the Historic City Hall Arts & Culture Center. Miller is a leader and visionary whose career has impacted the lives of so many in Lake Charles and beyond. As an educator, she taught in the public schools in Houston, Texas; Lakeland, Florida; and Lake Charles, Louisiana. After 23 years at McNeese State University, she retired as Director of the MSU Upward Bound Program. |
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Roger B. Seemion, M.B.A., CGAP, Chief Financial Officer {CFO}
Mr. Seemion is currently a Management Analyst with the City of Houston, Texas. Roger has a B.S. degree from McNeese State University and an M.B.A. from Sam Houston State University. He is a retired federal law enforcement officer with 25 years of service. Roger is also a Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) through the Institute of Internal Auditors and has 20 years of accounting and auditing experience in federal, state, and city government. |
