The Board of Directors has a duty to represent all Member-Owners of Flatbush Food Co-op, not a particular constituency, and to act in the owners’ best interests. They do so by providing visionary leadership and oversight regarding our “big picture” mission, not by getting involved with daily operations of the store. This work is done using the Policy Governance Model, wherein policies are written to clearly express the distinct guidelines that the General Manager and the Board must abide by. The will of the board is expressed in one voice through by-laws and policies. The board does not express its values or perspectives apart from by-laws and policies.
Roles of the Strategic Board
- A strategic board creates, leads, assesses and provides accountability. A strategic board maintains focus on the purpose of the organization and set a vision for its future.
- A strategic board creates policy that ensures the organization will produce goods and services consistent with owner interests and protect member owner assets.
- A strategic board leads by understanding owner needs, in the present and with a view to the future.
- A strategic board assesses by monitoring all its policies. The board monitors itself to ensure prudent and ethical oversight of the organization. The board monitors those aspects of management performance that warrant guidance through policy. This safeguards against that which is unacceptable in the course of operating a business.
- A strategic board provides accountability through systems of process. Systems of process that provide accountability include maintenance of records and consistent communication with Member-Owners.
- A strategic board does not micromanage operations and is not involved in operational decisions.
Board Member Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be a member-owner of Flatbush Food Co-op for at least 6 months.
- Current employees of the Co-op may not run for the Board.
Expectations of Board Members
- Be willing to learn and follow the Policy Governance Model.
- Attend regular monthly Board meetings, generally held on the first Sunday of the Month, as well as task force/impromptu meetings when necessary.
- Be prepared for Board meetings, including reading—carefully and thoughtfully—the meeting packet in advance of every meeting.
- Participate in additional trainings/workshops that the Board determines are necessary for educational or planning purposes. The Board currently schedules an annual weekend retreat, generally in October, and director attendance is mandatory. As part of their orientation to cooperative board work, we strongly encourage all directors to attend a Cooperative Board Leadership Development Class offered by Columinate Co-op.
- Attend and participate in our Annual Member-Owner meeting and other Member-Owner events.
Board Election Process
The Board has established a nominations process to identify all candidates who demonstrate the appropriate skills and degree of commitment for board service. Candidates seeking a board nomination must complete the following steps:
- Complete the candidate application form and submit by the stated deadline.
- Participate in an interview with the Nominations Committee.
- Sign an acknowledgement of the Board’s Code of Conduct.
After interviews are complete, the Board will nominate all candidates who are adequately qualified. All, some or none of the candidates may be selected for Board nomination. The Board slate of candidates and ballots will be mailed out at least one month before the Annual Member-Owner Meeting. Election results will be announced at the Annual Member-Owner Meeting. Board vacanies occuring between annual meetings may be filled by the Board via appointment until the next annual election.