EditM. Susan Williams, M.S., Esquire
EditPro Bono, Public Service & Volunteer Work History
Founder and President of Hope Afloat Breast Cancer Survivor Dragonboat Team, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit CorporationThe following is merely a summary of the pro-bono, volunteer and public service work I did as Founder and President of Hope Afloat:
Wrote the Mission Statement
Wrote the Articles of Incorporation
Filed the Articles of Incorporation with Pennsylvania Secretary of State
Filed for the Fictitious Business Name with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Published the Fictitious Business Name in legal journals and area publications
Wrote the corporate By-Laws
Wrote the 501(c)(3) application
Worked with the IRS for approval of 501(c)(3) status (granted)
Filed for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania state tax exemption
Assembled and headed the Board of Directors
Established clear lines of accountability
Developed the budget
Developed a record keeping and accounting system
Applied for a Federal Employer Identification Number
Ran all Board of Directors meetings
Over a two year period, recruited hundreds of women to join the team
Ran all team meetings
Oriented new members
Wrote waiver forms
Created team email group
Partnered with Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation to reach even more women and families
Wrote grants for funding
Established a reliable and diverse stream of revenue
Wrote advertising
Wrote member and paddler handbooks
Designed website
Kept website current
Obtained team liability insurance
Obtained Officers and Directors insurance
Obtained boat insurance
Appeared on television news broadcasts
Wrote and published newspaper and magazine articles
Appeared in newspaper and magazine articles written by reporters
Featured on “Smart Women” a repeating 30 minute television documentary series
Obtained funding from sponsors (Astra Zeneca was our major sponsor)
Imported boats from Canada
Imported equipment from Canada
Customized boats
Worked with manufacturer to design and produce team uniforms
Created and ran fundraisers
Fulfilled all charitable solicitation legal requirements
Insured compliance with all Commonwealth and federal laws
Insured uninterrupted and continuing compliance with 501(c)(3) status
Interviewed and hired team coach
Scheduled practices
Participated in team practices
Wrote weekly motivational emails
Coordinated efforts with Team USA to compete in World Championships
Coordinated all travel arrangements for team to Rome, Italy World Championships
Coordinated all team housing in Rome
Coordinated all team meals in Rome
Coordinated all team transportation in Rome
Won world silver medal in 250m sprints
Won world gold medal in 500m sprints
(Decided to retire after a world gold medal)
Insured smooth transfer of corporation to next president
Hope Afloat still runs strongly today due to my foundation
Please See:
http://www.hopeafloatusa.org/
http://www.hopeafloatusa.org/2002.php (photo of me accepting World Cup from the head of the Italian Dragonboat Federation and additional list of 2002 events I coordinated, managed, headed, and developed for my team)
(Subsequently wrote 6 other 501(c)(3) applications (all granted) for other paddling non-profits, all pro bono work)
EditAdditional work with non-profit corporations at the present time:
USCAMember of the following committees:
Kayak, Camaraderie, Publications, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, Youth, Safety
Goodwill Industries, Inc. Mentor
The Goodwill GoodGuides program helps “youth build career plans and skills, and prepare for school completion, post-secondary training and productive work by providing structured and supportive relationships with trusted, caring adult volunteer mentors. The program targets youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are least likely to have trusting relationships with adults due to a variety of risk factors, such as failure in school due to poor grades or low attendance, or are at risk for delinquency due to issues such as abuse, disability, drug or alcohol dependence, family violence, or gang membership.” Quoted from http://www.goodwill.org/press-releases/goodwill-to-help-mentor-teens-through-goodguides-program/
EditAdditonal volunteer work at the present time:
Widener University School of LawJudge
Judge student moot court oral arguments as well as student negotiation competitions.
Widener University School of LawMentor
Provide valuable guidance in a first year law student’s chosen field of law. Assist students in a variety of ways such as inviting a student for a "day at the office," practicing interviewing, tutoring in writing skills, discussing career goals and career planning, and assisting the student in finding opportunities for internships, summer legal jobs, and/or permanent employment. See http://law.widener.edu/CampusLife/CareerDevelopment/StudentandAlumniMentoring/BecomingaMentor.aspx
EditPrior volunteer work with non-profit corporations:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentor/Big Sister
EditPrior volunteer legal work:
Delaware County Bar Association Volunteer LawyersPro Bono Counsel to indigent clients
Solicitors to the Courts of Delaware County, Civil Pre-Trial DivisionLaw Clerk
The Honorable Dolores K. SloviterJudicial Extern
Law Offices of Ellner and BorrellLaw Clerk
EditRecognition of Community and Non-Profit Service:
Widener University School of Law Alumni Association 2002 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award “in recognition of dedication and service to the law school and the community.”
Recognition at the awards ceremony at the 2010 USCA National Championships by the Rice Creek Boat Club for contributions to their youth program.