Run for the Board
By: Gigi Godwin, Board President
Greetings Willy Street Co-op Owners!
Summer is in full swing, and perhaps you’ve been hosting backyard BBQs, taking long bike rides, going on roadtrips, and enjoying outdoor music fests. And summer also means it’s time to consider running for the Co-op’s Board of Directors.
Maybe you’ve already thought about running for a seat, but haven’t followed through yet due to a variety of reasons. Here is some information that might put your mind at ease, and guide you toward submitting your application.
No previous Board experience? Not a problem! After new Board members are seated, Board Member Orientation sessions will be scheduled. Topics presented will include:
- An introduction to the Carver Policy Governance model, which covers Board and Management policies;
- How to review Co-op financial documents, plus an overview of Board members’ fiduciary responsibilities; and
- An explanation of the Co-op’s organizational structure along with its Mission and Vision.
You will learn what a Willy Street Co-op Board member actually does—such as focusing on the Co-op’s viability through a Strategic Plan. And you will also learn what a Co-op Board member does not do—such as having a say in the Co-op’s day-to-day operations.
No experience using the Google Workspace platform? That’s not a problem either! Another component of the new Board Member Orientation is a separate session that solely focuses on computer training. You will learn:
- Sending email using Gmail
- How to create and share documents using Google Docs
- How to attend Board and Committee meetings virtually using Google Meet
- How to store and find documents in Google Drive
Concerned that your own work and life experience isn’t “enough” for you to be considered a Board candidate? No worries! The Board is seeking candidates who possess a wide range of skills and who also have diverse backgrounds. There isn’t one specific or “correct” experience to have in order to serve on the Co-op’s Board. All that is required is to be an Owner in good standing, which means having a valid Owner number, being current with your equity payments, and having made at least one purchase at the Co-op in the past 12 months. Having a passion for Willy Street Co-op certainly helps too!
And here is another incentive to apply for the Co-op’s Board of Directors: This year it is easier than ever to submit your application materials! The Board Development Committee has created an email address—BoardCandidates@willystreet.coop—for you to submit your name and Owner number, your headshot, your 50-word candidate statement, and your answers to three separate questions. So no more fretting about whether your email went through or not.
Still unsure? The Board Candidate Packet is an excellent resource that covers Board Duties and Governance along with Qualifications and Expectations. And there’s also a section that contains Frequently Asked Questions. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting some of the Board members at BoardCandidates@willystreet.coop. This might provide a more personal perspective on Board service.
I hope that all of this information was helpful, and I encourage you to run for Willy Street Co-op’s Board of Directors. Candidate materials are due no later than Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Having an array of qualified candidates ensures the Co-op’s continued success. Thank you!
Lear more at www.willystreet.coop/run-for-board/
