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Qualifications

Board Candidate Ideal Qualifications

 

  • Co-op member in good standing [for at least one year - after initial start-up year]

  • Previous board, committee or other group experience 

  • Collaborative approach 

  • Understanding of cooperative principles and values 

  • Ability to engage in respectful debate and dialogue 

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

  • Offer unique perspectives and skills

  • Strong leadership, organizational and communication skills 

  • Ability to put the interests of the whole organization above the interests of the few

  • Ability to understand financial issues and financial statements 

  • Intelligence and integrity 

  • Creativity, vision and flexibility 

  • Ability to empower others and delegate authority 

  • Respects multiple elements of diversity and diversity of thought 

  • Computer proficiency 

  • Understand the responsibilities and duties of MFC Board Directors 

  • Knowledge of natural and organic foods 

  • Passion for the Co-op and our community


Board Roles & Duties 


What Does the Magdalena Food Coop (MFC) Board of Directors Do?


Board Directors are volunteers who are elected for terms of 1-3 years, on a rotating basis. The Board of Directors has  four primary duties:

  • Make key decisions to oversee and guide the business and affairs of the Co-operative

  • Act as trustees for MFC owners and inform owners about the status of the Co-operative

  • Ensure sound management of the Co-operative 

  • Set long-range goals and plans for the future

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The Board of Directors acts as a single body and speaks with one voice. 


The Board holds the General Manager (GM) accountable for their decisions and performance in conducting the store’s daily business.

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  • Monitor financial management to ensure adequate capitalization and profitable operations

  • Approve capital and operating budgets

  • Authorize loans and leases and capital expenditures 

  • Represent the Co-operative in major legal matters 

  • Recommends updates to the Bylaws

 

Board Values

  • Cooperation

  • Empowerment

  • Integrity

  • Involvement

  • Responsibility

  • Passion

  • Vision

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Board Responsibilities 

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Policy and Planning

 

  • Define the purpose and values of the Co-operative  

  • Establish long-range and strategic goals 

  • Set major policies and standards to achieve goals and objectives

  • Look after the best interests of the Co-operative as a whole

  • Make decisions about the Co-operative’s governance system and development of policies

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Financial and Legal

 

  • Hire the GM of the Co-operative, define their duties, and set their compensation 

  • Supervise and evaluate the performance of the GM

  • Ensure that MFC is well managed according to all store values and policies 


Internal

  • Establish and serve on Board committees

  • Monitor progress towards goals and achievement of objectives

  • Perpetuate a strong Board through recruitment, elections, and training

  • Review election procedures and ensure smooth transitions between Board terms


Ownership and Community

 

  • Organize owner meetings

  • Establish and maintain effective avenues of owner input and involvement consistent with MFC goals 

  • Establish standing and ad hoc committees of the Board, and recruit owner volunteers as needed

  • Establish and review policies for Co-operative participation in social and community activities, including endorsements and donations

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Code of Ethics

 

  • Directors shall hold the good of the Co-op to be above that of any interest group, individual Board Director, owner or Co-op employee at all times. Directors act in accordance with the MFC Board Director Code of Ethics. (in progress)


Director Responsibilities and Participation

 

  • Being a Board director requires an average commitment of 10–20 hours per month.

  • Understand MFC Bylaws and policies

  • Attend monthly Board Meetings, Closed Work Sessions and Executive Sessions

  • Serve on one or more Board Standing Committees

  • Prepare for Committee and Board meetings

  • Serve as Chair of a Board Committee at least once during a term

  • Serve as a Board Officer at least once during a term

  • Join an Ad Hoc Committee as needed

  • Prepare annual GM evaluation

  • Attend trainings, retreats and strategic planning sessions

  • Plan and attend the Co-op Annual Meeting

  • Fulfill the duties listed in the Board Director job description

  • Maintain confidentiality and actively support all decisions made by the Board

  • Fulfill commitments within the agreed-upon deadlines

  • Financially support MFC by being an active owner and shopper

  • Recruitment and mentoring of new Directors

  • Participate in other Board/employee/owner events as assigned

 

References:

Ashland Food Coop, Ashland OR

https://ashlandfood.coop/board-directors#duties 

La Montanita Coop, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Gallup, NM

https://lamontanita.coop/board-of-directors/ 

Director Responsibilities and Participation
Board Responsibilities
Board Roles
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