Mary Poppins was one of the first movies I saw at the theater.  It was amazing to see Julie Andrews’ face on the big screen as she sang so beautifully and articulated all the syllables.  I remember particularly "Spoonful of Sugar.” It seemed to make sense to me-of course you'd want to mix some fun in all the work.  Of course you'’ want to have a good time and keep a lighthearted attitude even though you know the work has to be done.

I had had a lot of non-profit experiences: served on many committees, coordinated special events for a living, did one-day volunteer stints, made donations, raised funds, etc.  I have also worked in a few places in my day.  Serving on the board of the Co-op has been far more of a learning experience than I ever anticipated.  I learned a lot about myself, about group process, about the importance of planning, and new ways to get along with people.  I have sat in meetings with gardeners, lawyers, high-level executives and students.  I’ve met folks who just joined us, and spoken with folks who started this Co-op 30 years ago.  Talk about variety.

I have never felt so empowered to create change as during my time on the Board of HWFC.  I have been honored to serve, and thank each of you for the opportunity.  It is very rewarding, and you should consider it, too.

Where else can you change a management structure, draft bylaws and rules for creating change, pen a section of a personnel or product manual, write membership letters, plan retreats, hire consultants, work on a strategic plan, review a management system, run a cash register the busiest day of the year, buy a city lot, interview architects, learn about construction, etc.?  This is big stuff, and you can have a part in it, too. 

We have come a long way from Quail Street, yet we have much work to do.  We are feathering our nest, which will take many decisions-and in the course of looking ahead, we still have to keep our eye on today.  We need Board members who are capable, communicative, collaborative and curious.  If they had a sense of humor, that wouldn’t hurt either.  It certainly has helped me over the past six years.

If you have any of those qualifications, please consider running for the Board.  I promise you that you will not only be very busy, but you will almost always have a good feeling about the work you do.  Consensus decision making can yield good results (consider leafing through The Company We Keep by John Abrams if you want to hear more) and helps you understand how others think-which is the first step in cooperating if you ask me.

So, in closing, hear this if nothing else: We need you.  We need your time, good thinking and if possible, good humor.  Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman sum it up nicely…