by Carol Weidel, Board Member
Hello co-operators!
I am half-way into my three-year term on the Board and there is still so much for me to learn. I ran for the Board because I was a long-time Owner who supported our Co-op through my purchases, investing in Owner bonds when there were new stores to open, and attending Owner meetings. Although I served on a number of boards, I wanted to learn more about how this well-oiled machine, Willy Street Co-op, operates. First, you must know that Board members don’t recommend products to carry, discuss store configuration, or make the final decision to open a new store. Some of those decisions, such as opening a new store, are so important, Owners would be asked to vote on them. (Note: we don’t have any impending proposal to open a new store!)
Otherwise, our General Manager Anya Firszt keeps the Board current on new opportunities for the Co-op to engage with the community, remodeling updates, major staff changes, and training opportunities. The professional staff members, collectively, make us successful.
Our local community has so many opportunities in April to make a difference. For April 22, Earth Day, the City of Madison is recruiting volunteers for parks all over the city at www.cityofmadison.com/parks. Volunteers may assist with trash pickup, raking, weeding, and removing sticks. April 4 is election day, and eligible voters will elect a mayor, supreme court judge, and lots more. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.
Our Co-op adheres to the Seven Cooperative Principles as adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance. Principle 2 is Democratic Owner Control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their Owners, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Those serving as elected representatives (the Board) are accountable to the Ownership.
Volunteer for a committee
Our Co-op encourages Owner participation in the governance and activities of the Co-op. Your Co-op Board manages the business and affairs of the Co-op, but we need your input to do that. You elect the Directors. Consider running for the Board later this year, after nominations open. In addition, special committees are created to advise the Board. These committees include Owners as well as Board members. When there are openings announced (in the Reader, on the website, and on social media), please consider applying.
The Finance Committee assists the Board in providing oversight to the financial operations of the Co-op. The last three years have been a financial roller coaster for many businesses. Throughout those pandemic years, your Co-op continues to be a robust business. We did well enough to make patronage refund store credits available to our Owners, based on their purchases. When the Finance committee needs more members, consider stepping up.
The Policy Committee assists the Board in providing oversight with policy monitoring reports at the Board’s direction. Revisions to the policies are sometimes needed.
The Board Development Committee assists the Board in recruiting new Board members, orienting new directors and community outreach. Have you ever considered running for the Board? Owners can attend a Board meeting. Consider running later this year when nominations are open.
The Community Reinvestment Fund Committee is interested in funding innovative, educational, and/or entrepreneurial endeavors that impact a large group of people, reach out to underserved populations, create jobs or develop skills, foster social engagement, and offer opportunities for diversifying partnerships and collaboration. Applications for the 2023 Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) cycle are now closed; learn about the local organizations receiving CRF grants on page 18.
Although there are no current openings for an Owner-at-large on any of these committees, if you’re interested in hearing about when there are such openings or have questions, please email the Board Development Committee at bdc@willystreet.coop. Tell us which committee or committees you’re interested in and we’ll let you know when there is a need for an Owners-at-large member.
