Board Report June 2025

Run for a Seat on the Board of Directors!

By: Gigi Godwin, Board Member

Hello Co-op Owners! Are you looking for a reason to serve on the Co-op’s Board? Well, I have five!

As a Board Member you will:

1. HELP shape the future of the Co-op by participating in its long-term vision and strategic planning.
2. ADVOCATE for fellow Owners by representing their interests and ensuring that the Co-op remains aligned with their values.
3. CONTRIBUTE to your community by supporting local, equitable, and sustainable food systems.
4. LEARN about Board governance, financial management, and cooperative business practices.
5. ADVANCE the 8 Cooperative Principles, including Principle #1: “Voluntary, Open Ownership”; Principle #7: “Concern for the Community”; and Principle #8: “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”.

Below you will find a short summary of the information found in the Board Candidate Packet. For the full document please go to: willystreet.coop/run-for-board or pick up a Candidate Packet at the Owner Resources Area in any of the three stores.

Board applications are due by August 28 at 3:00 pm and applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be a Willy Street Co-op Owner.
• Attend a Board Information Session with a current Board member OR attend at least one Board meeting in the six months prior to the application deadline.
  • Board Information Session: In this hour-long session, the candidate will meet with a Board member, view a brief presentation, and have the opportunity to ask questions about the Board member’s experience. Scheduled information session dates are:
    • Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Willy Street Co-op Central Office (1457 E. Washington Ave., Madison).
    • Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4:00pm-5:00pm virtually. (Email BDC@willystreet.coop at least 72 hours beforehand to get an invitation.)
  • If the scheduled session times are not conducive to your schedule, you may request an alternate date and time. To do so, potential candidates should reach out to request a meeting no later than August 14. To request an information session, please contact BDC@willystreet.coop with three dates and times when you are available.
  • Board meetings: Attend one of the upcoming Board meetings as an Owner. Board Meetings start at 6:30pm and are held at the Willy Street Co-op Central Office (1457 E. Washington Ave., Madison), but can be attended virtually – email BDC@willystreet.coop at least 72 hours beforehand to receive an invitation. Scheduled Board meetings before the August 28 deadline are:
    • Wednesday, June 25, 2025
    • Wednesday, July 23, 2025
• Submit the application materials listed below no later than Thursday, August 28, 2025, 3:00pm. These materials will be published in the October Reader (our newsletter) and/or in other media we use to promote the election.
  • Candidate name and valid Owner number. (The Owner number will not be shared publicly.)
  • A clear, high resolution headshot. (The file size should be at least 1MB for the image to print clearly in our newsletter). Print photos may also be submitted, but we cannot guarantee return of the photo.
  • A summary statement of up to 50-words about you and/or your interest to run.
  • Answers to the following questions (up to 450 total word maximum between all three answers. You should have three separate answers rather than one long answer that touches on each question):
    • Why do you believe Owners should choose you to represent them? (Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest.)
    • Help the Co-op’s Owners get to know you by describing how you have been active in our local community.
    • How will you use your skills and experience to further the mission and vision of the Co-op?
  • Optional: A website (blog, Facebook page, etc.).
• Strongly recommended but not required: Plan to join the virtual Annual Meeting on October 7. Please come prepared, introduce yourself, and to make a brief statement to the Owners at the meeting.