The board is a group of member-owners who are elected by the membership to represent them in the oversight of the Food Co-op. The Food Co-op's Board of Directors writes the policies and crafts the long-range strategies that help us fulfill our Mission and Principles. We write policies to set out the direction and parameters, working with the general manager, who implements these strategies and policies in the day-to-day operations of the store. The board does not direct day-to-day operations—that is, we do not make decisions about what we stock, the specifics of personnel issues, or the layout of the store. Rather, we set the policies and, through monitoring reports, check to make sure the policies are followed.

Simply put, the board sets the direction of the Co-op by crafting long-range strategies to fulfill our mission while upholding our values, and we monitor to see that we go in that direction.
There are many aspects to this work, but in particular, the board creates a strategic plan, which we review and revise every five years; we also periodically update our mission and values statements, which put our aspirations for the Co-op into words; and we write policies that set parameters for how we fulfill our goals. To do this work effectively, the board spends much of our time learning—about the board’s job, about our cooperative and our community, and about what our members and staff think, need, and want.

The board does not make decisions about or direct in any way the daily operations of the store or the organization.

The board only has authority as a whole, not as individuals, so we must be able to work together as a team. Members need to be (or want to learn to be):

• Collaborative—Enjoy working as a team. Accept and support board decisions. Willing to admit mistakes.

• Collegial—Listen carefully. Speak (and email) cordially and respectfully.

• Cooperative—Recognize that opinions can legitimately vary, even on crucial issues. Strive to see others’ points of view and reach workable solutions.

• Strategic Thinkers—Be future oriented and endeavor to see the big picture.

• Flexible—Open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Able to change direction or take on new tasks.

• Patient—Board work is not fast paced!

No, we’ll teach you the job.

Usually around 8-10 hours a month, but sometimes more. Board members attend board and committee meetings, plus we read—and sometimes research and write—board materials. New board members meet monthly with their board mentor. Each year board members also attend work sessions and/or cooperative conferences, which necessitate additional time. Board members receive a stipend of $124 per month.
Interested? Read on!

The Food Co-op candidate process has multiple steps to prepare our candidates to serve on the board. The process takes several months, so it’s best to begin no later than January, but you can always start earlier!

The first step is to contact the Elections Committee at boardsecretary@foodcoop.coop to let us know you are interested. The committee will schedule a meeting with you to provide more information about board service and the candidate process.

Have questions? Contact us at boardsecretary@foodcoop.coop.