The Co-op’s Board will have up to 5 board position openings and we want to fill them with a diverse group of folks with diverse skills that will support our Co-op’s sustaining presence.

We are seeking board members with:
An ability to work collaboratively with others.
Board Development, Training and Recruitment
Conflict Resolution/Mediation
Real Estate- local knowledge
Development- fundraising, grants, funding source contacts
Finance and Lending- for advice and relocation loans

Local business owners
Young people- next generation vision
Education- community outreach- events coordinator
Willingness to understand and follow policy governance
What workload can you expect as a board member?
Monthly board meetings: The official business of the board is conducted in monthly meetings which last about two hours. The board uses consensus decision making.
Board committees: Each director is expected to participate in two of the four standing board committees, which typically meet monthly. Committees are: Board and Manager Evaluation; Finance; Member Connect; Recruitment, Orientation, and Development
Special meetings and trainings: Each director is expected to participate in special meetings, which include: evaluation sessions, member forums, the co-op’s annual membership meeting, and trainings as set by the board.
Spring and/or fall retreats: One or two retreats are held each year to build teamwork or work on a specific task related to the strategic plan.
Regular preparation, attendance, and active participation: Time spent on board work by individual directors varies, but most directors spend about three hours each week, which includes board and committee meetings, task completion, email discussions, and reading of relevant materials.
What is required to become a board member?
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be a Silver City Food Co-op member-owner, in good standing, for at least 90 days prior to the end of the voting period. NOTE: Household members who are not the member-owner who signed the share certificate are ineligible.What are the perks of board service?
Board members are compensated with either a 20% off discount, or a $70 monthly gift card to the Co-op. Officers receive a $75 gift card and the president receives a $90 gift card. Also, some ordinary and extraordinary expenses incurred by board members are reimbursable, such as mileage beyond 75 miles per month, about $10/month for internet/phone/computer costs, about $75/year for paper and toner costs (printing), and up to $200/year for dependent costs. Also, out of town board trainings are reimbursed for travel, food, and lodging costs.
To support younger board members with families, we’ve also set aside funds for childcare.

If you are interested in running for the board, we strongly suggest that you attend a board meeting so you can gain familiarity with the work we do. In addition, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with current (and alumni) board members. All of the board members are available by e-mail. If, after those two steps, you’d still like to run for the board, submit your candidate statement to johnstonjenny40@gmail.com by March 4!

Important Election Dates to Remember:
Candidate statement deadline 03/04/20
Candidate orientation session 03/16-20/20
Printing deadline for ballots 04/01/20
Voting begins 04/10/20
Meet the candidates in the store 04/10-24/20
Voting ends 04/24/20
Last mail-in ballots counted 04/30/20
Election results and term lengths for new board members announced 05/01/20
General Membership Meeting (introduce new board members) 05/10/20
New board member orientation 05/06-13/20
New board seated at May meeting 05/20/20