by Ashwini Rao, Board Member
With the Annual Meeting fast approaching, it is time to consider running for the Co-op’s Board of Directors. Usually we have three seats open for an election, but as one Board member resigned before their term was over, we have four open seats this year.
Board candidate materials are up on the Co-op’s website (willystreet.coop/run-for-board) and are due on September 1.
Board Candidate Sessions
- Wednesday, July 20 at 6:00pm (Online via Google Meet)
- Saturday, July 30 at 2:00pm (Willy North)
- Wednesday, August 3 at 6:00pm (Online via Google Meet)
- Wednesday, August 10 at 6:00pm (Willy East)
Why Run for a Seat on the Board?
All Owners who have shopped at the Co-op at least once in the last 12 months can run for the Board. As Owners, we have our own reasons for shopping at the Co-op. For me, it is access to high-quality foods and supporting the local community. I decided to run for the Board as I wanted to maintain the quality of products that I have come to appreciate and to ensure that the Co-op will continue to thrive.
I had some Board experience prior to joining the Co-op’s Board, but that is not a prerequisite if you plan to run.
Board members spend time monitoring policies set by the Co-op and, therefore, performance in different areas throughout the year. The Board Development Committee assists the Board in recruitment of Board members, new Director orientation, and community outreach.
As part of our recruitment process for new Directors, the Board underwent a skills assessment earlier this year. The assessment looked at the current slate of skills that the Board brings, identified other desirable skill sets and community connections/interests that new Directors could bring to the Board. This year, the following skills rose to the top:
- Owner relations
- Cooperative business and governance
- Administration and management
- Strategic planning
- Cultural competency
Jeannine Bindl and Brian Anderson, fellow Board members, also have shared their reasons for joining the Board. You can view their videos at tinyurl.com/WSC-Board-videos.
Board member Tatiana Dennis says “There is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful to serve the Co-op and our Owners. The Co-op has created a Board that welcomes creative ideas, constructive input, and values opinions. Working to ensure the longevity of the Co-op and accessibility to our community members and our Owners is what drives us to do our best everyday. We are constantly embracing growing pains and social change with open arms.
“With that said, I would encourage anyone considering joining the Board to reach out and talk with any of our members about how to become a part of the Willy Street Co-op Board of Directors.”
Please Consider
If you would like to contribute to the growth of the Co-op and represent your community, I’d encourage you to run for the Board. Once again, Board candidate materials are up on the Co-op’s website (willystreet.coop) and are due on September 1.
Send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you’d like to reach out to one specific Board member, let our Board Administrator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) know who you would like to connect with.