Your Co-op Board: What do we do? What is our job?

Sometimes it is easier to understand something by thinking about what it is NOT. The Co-op Board is not a fundraising board. We don’t tap funders on the shoulder or plan events to raise money. It is not a programming board. We don’t come up with ideas for the General Manager to implement. It is not an operational board. We do not fix leaks, stock shelves or help in the deli. The Co-op Board is a governance board.

Our responsibility is two-fold: to hire the General Manager (GM) and to hold the GM and the Board accountable to good business practices that are reflective of the cooperative principles and values– the fabric of the cooperative business model. If you aren’t familiar with them, take a look at the cooperative principles and values (could you send me a link for this?). I guarantee you’ll be inspired. Perhaps they are a bit arm-wavy, but they are woven through our business practice in real ways that make us who we are!

To keep us grounded and on track, we use a framework called Policy Governance. Our policies cover all key areas of the business. The GM reports to the Board on each of the policies. There is a set of policies that guide the Board’s activity as well.

We are a 9-person elected Board that meets once a month on Monday evenings from 5-8pm. Shareholders are welcome at our meetings – in person or via Zoom. Three Board positions are open each fall. Terms are three years and we welcome all shareholders to consider taking a turn to serve!

Interested? Have questions? Know someone you think would be a good candidate? Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].