Owner Participation on Board Committees
By: Ike Ross, Board Member
As March arrives and we inch closer to spring, the Willy Street Co-op Board of Directors is already deep into the new year. We are excited about continuing our strategic goals to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for the Co-op. While our monthly Board meetings, strategic planning, and governance remain central to our work, one of the most significant ways that Owners can participate and contribute to the Co-op’s success is through involvement in one of our many committees.
Committees play an essential role in keeping the Co-op running smoothly and driving growth. They help to guide decisions and maintain the health of the Co-op in various areas. The committees are designed to engage Owners and knowledgeable experts, provide oversight, and ensure that the Co-op remains aligned with its mission to serve the community.
Committees and Their Roles
There are several key committees within the Co-op that focus on different aspects of the organization’s operation and long-term success. These committees include:
The Board Development Committee: This committee is responsible for supporting recruitment of new Board candidates, promoting voting in Board elections, orienting newly elected Board members, making recommendations on the format and content of the Annual Meeting, and encouraging community outreach and Owner engagement.
The Finance Committee: As the name suggests, this committee focuses on providing oversight to the Co-op’s financial operations. They ensure that financial resources are being allocated efficiently and responsibly, contributing to the financial health of the Co-op.
The Community Reinvestment Fund Committee: This committee plays a crucial role in allocating funds to local nonprofits and cooperatives through the Co-ops’s abandoned and donated equity which can’t be used for operational purposes. The goal is to support projects that benefit 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.
The Policy Committee: The Policy Committee is tasked with overseeing the Co-op’s policies, making sure they align with the Board’s vision and strategic direction. The committee helps ensure that policies remain relevant and effective in guiding the Co-op’s operations.
The Access Program Committee: This committee biennially reviews Access Program qualifiers, discount percentage, and enrollment goals.
Why Owner Participation Matters
Committees provide opportunities for Owner participation that are critical to the Co-op’s success. Owners are at the heart of our Co-op, and their involvement on committees helps ensure that decisions are informed by a broad range of perspectives. Having Owners serve on committees also strengthens the Co-op’s connection to the community and provides valuable insights from people who are passionate about the Co-op’s mission.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in a committee is simple. Most committees typically meet once a month, with meetings lasting between one to two hours. The meetings typically include Board Members, Owners, and Willy Street Co-op staff all participating in the discussions.
At times, committees will issue calls for new members to join, but an Owner can express their interest in joining a committee at any time using the Committee Interest Form which is available on the Co-op’s committees webpage at willystreet.coop/committees. Owners who complete the form will be contacted to confirm receipt of the application and notified of when an Owner seat will likely be open again on the committee(s) of interest.
