Welcome to the Grassroots Board Member Corner!

Welcome to the Grassroots Board Member Corner!

We’re so glad you’re here. This series highlights the responsibilities of the RESULTS Grassroots Board, introduces your current members, and keeps you updated on our work. Today, we will start off our series with an introduction of who we are and what we do! 

What do Grassroots Board Members do?

Grassroots Board Members (GRBM) are elected by the grassroots volunteer advocates of RESULTS & Results Educational Fund (REF). Board term commitment is for three years, with a two-term limit. GRBMs have the responsibility of representing the grassroots volunteers to the Board and the Executive Committee. In that capacity GRBMs advocate for the good of the grassroots volunteers by making their positions and concerns known to the Executive Committee. GRBMs educate the grassroots volunteers about the function of the Board and inform them of Board decisions that are pertinent to their function as volunteers. Being both Board members and volunteers, Grassroots Board Members encourage fellow volunteers and also acknowledge the accomplishments and successes of the grassroots network.

GRBM’s represent Grassroots to the Board by:

• Advocating for the Grassroots.
• Communicating with the Grassroots about their concerns/needs and giving feedback to
• the Board.
• Educating the Grassroots about the function of the Board and familiarizing them with the by-laws.
• Acknowledging Grassroots’ accomplishments.
• Encouraging Grassroots participation on Board Committees when appropriate.
• Informing Grassroots about certain Board decisions based on mutual agreement with the Executive Committee.
• Being diligent Board members to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of RESULTS.

Who are my Grassroots Board Members?  

The RESULTS & RESULTS Educational Fund Board of Directors has four Grassroots Board Members. Meet them below! 

Lily Callaway – She/Her/Hers

I am passionate about improving maternal healthcare in marginalized communities. As a new mom, even in my own privileged position in life, it is extremely challenging to take care of my baby, work a full time job, and manage a household. I am a person with health insurance, stable employment, and supported by a husband. I recognize that not all women have the same access to healthcare and employment like I do. I want to support all women to have the same outcomes as myself by advocating for their rights. I love RESULTS because I not only have a chance to help improve maternal care on a global level, but I also get a chance to improve the lives of those in poverty through advocating for issues like vaccines and sustainable housing. I feel really honored to be on the Board and serve in the best way I know possible.

Jennifer M. Koo – She/Her/Hers

My resolution for joining the Grassroots Board is strongly anchored to my commitment to and passion for anti-oppression. Growing up, I never received education about my cultural contributions, histories, and legacies, and as a Southeast Asian woman who is involved in social justice work, I can personally speak to the lived experiences with violence, racism, and oppression that I encounter on a regular basis in advocacy and in my life.

I have so much compassion and respect for our grassroots network. I’m grateful to be in a position where I can continue to offer my support in a more dynamic way. It is so special to me to have the opportunity to include and uplift others as a member of the Board. I look forward to collaborating with our grassroots volunteers to advance equity, intersectionality, anti-oppression, and representation across all sectors of our movement. 

Lindsay K. Saunders – She/Her/Hers

When I found RESULTS in 2013, I didn’t realize how much I was going to learn to be a more effective and helpful global citizen and community member, but it undoubtedly was an incredibly transformative experience that I have cherished and only wish for more to have. I’ve struggled to be heard and to “make it” most of my life, but I persist and with every obstacle, in some way a kind, helping hand has been extended to me. I’m gratefully determined to pay it forward with every effort that I’m able, with special interest in advocating for those who are underrepresented and underserved, including the intersectionality of US and global issues impacting womxn and children as a personal priority. Additionally, I honor our anti-oppression values as a vital prayer supporting our inclusive mission to end poverty. My wish is for more kindness and true progress in equity to make a more fair and just world. 

When not doing activist things, I lead marketing communications for the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF) and am serving my second term on the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board. Prior to NCECF, I worked for the NC Justice Center: North Carolina state government; USAID at the U.S. Embassy in Zambia; in marketing and tech; as a paralegal; and as an elementary school teacher. Having grown up in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I got my undergrad and graduate education at East Carolina University in Greenville, and have now called Raleigh, NC my adopted hometown for 12 years, collectively. My husband, a Zambian immigrant, and I are excited to have started our family, relishing in all the adventure, arts and natural magic this world has to offer.

Maxine Thomas – She/Her/Hers

Maxine exemplifies the true definition of a servant leader. Accordingly, Maxine was awarded the 2017 Bob Dickerson leadership award in recognition for her leadership, courage, persistence, and commitment as a RESULTS Grassroots Volunteer. Serving in her second term as a current board member, some of Maxine’s accomplishments are: The success of the organization’s resources and support on Domestic Poverty. Clear and direct communications from the grassroots body to the board and across the organization. Building a more inclusive and diverse organization through Anti-Oppression work and chair of the Anti-Oppression Council. Contributing a deeper awareness and need of Affordable Housing in the US and now a priority to push legislation as a top issue.

 “I believe as my primary goal, was to add many valuable ideas to improve our networks, sponsors, and allies, we have succeeded. I believe one of the key elements in reaching the masses to help eradicate our mission of ending poverty, is having first hand experience. This understanding has afforded myself and RESULTS opportunities to grow in ways that we may have yet to consider. I believe my membership on the board has increased the visibility of grassroots advocates across our community. We will continue to expand our leadership even further within the grassroots body, to build a greater impact of reaching top sponsors and donors, and drive out the depths of the most stricken countries in poverty.”

How can I get in touch with my Grassroots Board Members?

We host four quarterly town halls per year. These virtual gatherings are an exciting opportunity for volunteers and grassroots partners to come together to share their experiences, receive Board updates, and seek support from the Grassroots Board Members. In addition, you can contact each of us Maxine Thomas ([email protected]), Lily Callaway ([email protected]), Jennifer M. Koo ([email protected]), and Lindsay K. Saunders ([email protected]) with any questions or inquiries to meet!

Coming Up…

• RESULTS Grassroots Board Elections: Happening Now!
• RESULTS Grassroots Board Member Town Hall: Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 9:00 PM EST. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us online!