A
Director's Chair:
Should you run for the Board of Directors?
by Susan
Weinrich
On Sunday,
April 29 Honest Weight members will have the opportunity to elect four
new
Board members to provide leadership and guidance to our dynamic
organization. If
you have ever thought that you would like to join the Board, now is the
time to
really consider that possibility; or perhaps you know another Co-op
member who
you think would make a great candidate — why not bring it up and ask
him/her to
consider the possibility?
The Honest
Weight Board is made up of nine members. We currently have eight. Two
members
will be completing their second 3-year terms, and one must run for
reelection if
he would like to remain. It is a dynamic time for Honest Weight. We are
growing
consistently and exploring our possibilities for expansion. We have a
strategic
plan to implement, and an engaged and committed membership and staff to
help us
carry it out.
All working
members of Honest Weight are encouraged to run for Board office. The
decision
should not be made lightly, as it is a large commitment requiring about
20 hours
a month per person for three years. But it does afford the opportunity
to learn
and grow, engage in philosophical and business discussions, and even
have fun. Board
members provide financial oversight, serve as liaisons to our various
committees, meet with the Collective Management Team regularly and
ensure that
we carry out our mission. Participating on the Board provides a rare
opportunity to discuss ideas, implement values and make difficult
decisions cooperatively
and by consensus.
If you are
considering running for the Board of Directors, please consider the
following:
• Can you
make the time commitment?
• Are you
comfortable using email and willing to use it several times a week for
Board
discussion?
• Are you
willing to write — monthly committee reports, newsletter articles, etc.?
• Are you
interested in influencing the future direction of the Co-op?
• Are you
committed to our cooperative principles of inclusive decision making?
• Are you
patient?
• Are you
able to attend 2–3 evening meetings per month and participate in
quarterly
Board retreats?
• Are you
reliable, accountable and responsible?
Beyond
these basics, we are hoping to recruit new Board members who have
skills or interest
in financial and secretarial functions, legal issues, personnel
matters,
community relationships and more.… We are looking for people with an
eye toward
the details, people who are organized and people with a passion for and
dedication to cooperative principles, healthy food and a sustainable
food
supply.
Please help
support democracy at Honest Weight by running for the Board. Please
think about
your decision and take it seriously. This advice is not meant to
discourage you,
but it is intended to ensure that candidates fully understand the
commitment as
well as the opportunity that Board service affords.
Although
our bylaws allow members to run or be nominated from the floor at the
April meeting,
experience has shown that those members are less likely to complete
their terms
of office. We encourage members to take a more thoughtful approach and
learn as
much as possible before running, so that they are more informed and
prepared for
the position they will be taking on. If you are considering joining the
Board, please
feel free to call me — Susan Weinrich at 794-0897 or Weinrich@taconic.net, or
Lynne
Lekakis at 427-7386 or kandl@capital.net
to learn more about the role of Board members.
Please consider
attending a few Board meetings (February 26, March 27, April 17— all at
5:30
pm). Minutes of past Board meetings
are online and filed in the community room.
Applications for Board leadership
are available at the service desk and
on
Honest Weight’s website.
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