by Gigi Godwin, Board Member
One of the main ways that Willy Street Co-op differs from other business structures is its adherence to the Seven Cooperative Principles that were put forth by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in 1844. These Seven Cooperative Principles reflect social, political, and business concerns, and have been refined, adapted, and reinterpreted over time. They are as follows:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
The ICA is currently considering adopting an Eighth Cooperative Principle: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Willy Street Co-op embraces this potential addition, is incorporating it among the previous Seven Cooperative Principles, and will honor its direction regardless of whether or not it is formally adopted by the ICA. Starting this month, you’ll see our website, digital signage, and printed signage change to include this new Principle.
The Co-op’s interpretation of the Eighth Cooperative Principle is that cooperatives strive to incorporate diversity, perform equitably, and ensure inclusion at all levels of their organizations to better serve members, show Owners they are valued, and ensure Owners receive equitable service.
Another way Willy Street Co-op is continuing its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is that the Board’s Policy Committee (of which I am the Chair) is in the process of reviewing all Board policies using an equity lens. The Co-op’s Board of Directors is a governing body that uses Policy Governance (PG), which is informally known as the Carver Model and contains ten principles. This system of organizational governance defines and guides appropriate relationships between an organization’s Owners, Board of Directors, and Chief Executive, or, in the case of our Co-op, its General Manager.
Policy Governance Principle #4 states that: “[The] Board should formulate policy by determining the broadest values before progressing to more narrow ones.” The Board’s Policy Register is comprised of four broad categories: A: Ends; B: Limits on General Manager Operational Activities; C: Board Process; and D: Board-Management Connection. These broad categories, minus Category A: Ends, then narrow down in scope through category subsections such as B4: Ownership Rights; B7: Communication to the Board; C5: Directors’ Code of Conduct; and D1: Unity of Control. Finally, all policy category subsections narrow down even further, as each contains a varying number of “internal” parts (e.g. D1.1) that explain in detail exactly what the policy’s intention is and how it should be used.
Having the Policy Committee use an Equity Lens in which to view all policy category subsections along with each specific internal part ensures that these policies do not intentionally or unintentionally affect different demographics in ways that favor those who are part of the majority. Some examples of demographic factors are: age; race; sexual orientation; gender identity; religion or atheism; disability status; citizenship status; physical appearance; unemployment status; veteran status; and homelessness.
Questions such as: “When this policy is applied does it impact some demographic differently than others?”; “Does this policy have an opportunity to enable us to reach out and expand services to segments of the community who are underserved or disadvantaged?”; and “Does the policy focus on punishing bad behavior or correcting it?” are some examples that the Policy Committee considers during policy review. These types of questions also aid in dialogue and brainstorming among the group.
I am extremely proud to report that since July 2023, the Policy Committee has drafted policy language and formatting changes that reflect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to policies C2: The Board’s Job; C3: Relationship to Owners; C4: Board Meetings; C7: Board Committee Principles; C10: Policy Development; B1: Financial Conditions and Activities; B2: Planning and Financial Budgeting; and B3: Asset Protection. These proposed changes were presented to the Board of Directors at their July, September, and October 2023 meetings, and also at the January 2024 meeting. All recommendations passed with unanimous “aye” votes, which is excellent news for the Co-op. The Policy Committee is looking forward to continuing this important work in the months ahead.