The Art of Drinking Water Foundation

Board of Directors Packet

The Art of Drinking Water Foundation

Philanthropy through Voice.

Board of Directors Orientation & Governance Packet
2025 Edition

Prepared for
Board of Directors — The Art of Drinking Water Foundation

“Every story we share, every voice we lift, becomes part of the water we all drink from —
the collective renewal this Foundation stands for.”

Purpose of This Packet: To ground our board in our mission, introduce our leadership structure, and clarify how we govern together in alignment with Colorado nonprofit requirements.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

To create spaces where stories heal, voices are restored, and communities find renewal through shared storytelling and reflection.

Our Vision

A world where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported — where storytelling becomes a catalyst for transformation and social good.

Core Values

Authenticity — We honor truth, spoken and unspoken.

Compassion — We listen deeply and act with empathy.

Integrity — We lead with transparency and purpose.

Creativity — We transform stories into tools for healing and awareness.

Community — We build circles of belonging, not stages of performance.

Our Origin Story

The Art of Drinking Water began as a simple act of reflection — a moment of stillness, a story shared aloud. What started as a podcast grew into a movement for renewal: a foundation that amplifies voices often left unheard. Through storytelling, education, and community engagement, we transform the weight of experience into the art of giving back.

Board of Directors

Tamika Atkins

Founder & President (Board Chair)

Leads strategy, partnerships, and the overarching vision for The Art of Drinking Water Foundation.

Priscilla Curry

Vice President / Vice Chair

Supports the President and serves as acting chair; helps drive board priorities and leadership continuity.

Nancy Johnson

Secretary

Maintains records, agendas, and minutes to ensure transparency and organizational accountability.

Deja Rhodeman

Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer

Oversees budgets, reporting, and responsible financial stewardship with integrity.

Courtney Johnson

Director of Community Engagement

Leads storytelling circles, outreach programs, and initiatives that deepen community connection.

Ann Cambigue

Creative Director

Guides brand identity, podcast design, and visual storytelling strategy that amplifies the mission’s voice.

Linda Brown

Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy

Builds strategic collaborations and partnerships to expand impact, visibility, and funding.

Glenda Brown

Director of Operations & Compliance

Ensures governance excellence, ethical standards, and smooth operational processes.

Position Open

Director of Programs / Education

Oversees workshops, storytelling labs, and community learning series that reflect our mission of Philanthropy through Voice.

Board Roles & Responsibilities

Board Purpose

To guide, protect, and amplify the mission of The Art of Drinking Water Foundation through integrity, creativity, and community stewardship.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Uphold the mission, vision, and values of the Foundation.
  • Provide strategic direction and participate in long-term planning.
  • Serve as ambassadors and advocates in the community.
  • Ensure ethical and transparent governance practices.
  • Oversee and approve budgets and financial reports.
  • Support fundraising, partnerships, and philanthropy initiatives.
  • Participate actively in meetings and committees.

Board Member Expectations

  • Attend and prepare for scheduled meetings and retreats.
  • Review materials in advance and contribute thoughtfully to discussions.
  • Maintain confidentiality and respect all board deliberations.
  • Represent the Foundation’s voice with integrity and respect.
  • Support fundraising and storytelling efforts as able.
Board Culture: We strive for a board culture that is grounded, reflective, and collaborative — where questions are welcome, and each voice is valued.

Board Meeting Rhythm & Structure

Meeting Rhythm

Our board meets on a regular schedule (for example, quarterly or bi-monthly), with additional special meetings as needed for major decisions.

Typical Board Meeting Flow

  • Welcome, opening reflection, and agenda review.
  • Consent agenda (approval of minutes, basic updates).
  • Financial and operations updates.
  • Program and impact highlights.
  • Strategic discussion (e.g., partnerships, growth, risks).
  • Executive session, when needed.
  • Closing reflections and next steps.

Committee Work

Depending on the size and needs of the Foundation, the board may use committees such as:

  • Finance & Audit – budget, financial oversight, filings.
  • Governance – bylaws, policies, board development.
  • Programs & Impact – program strategy and evaluation.
  • Development & Partnerships – fundraising and collaborations.
Voice in Practice: Opening and closing reflections can be used to anchor meetings in our mission, allowing space for stories, gratitude, and insight to shape our decisions.

Board Member Commitment

This page can be adapted into a formal board agreement or simply serve as a shared statement of understanding for all directors.

As a Board Member, I Commit To:

  • Support the mission, vision, and values of The Art of Drinking Water Foundation.
  • Serve with care, loyalty, and obedience to our governing documents and applicable laws.
  • Prepare for and participate actively in board and committee meetings.
  • Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all board matters.
  • Act in the best interests of the organization and the communities we serve.
  • Support fundraising, storytelling, and community engagement to the best of my ability.
Reflection: Serving on this board is both a responsibility and a calling. Each of us is entrusted with stewarding not only resources, but also the voices and stories that move through this Foundation.

Optional signature block if you choose to use this as a formal agreement:

Board Member Name: _________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________