Board Member Description and Responsibilities:
The Bushwick Food Cooperative is seeking enthusiastic advocates for food justice and community-building to join the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors works to ensure the long-term health of the Co-op and guides the Co-op in fulfilling its mission statement by setting the overall policies and objectives for the Co-op, providing support and advice, and communicating with member-owners. Directors are legally recognized as fiscal stewards of the organization.
As a Director, your primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Understand the mission of the BFC and the goals of the board as guidance for decision-making.
Help to ensure the financial integrity of the Co-op by understanding Co-op expenses and payment schedules; assessing performance through the review and interpretation of reports on a regular basis; protecting assets; and conforming to all applicable laws and regulations.
Act within the limits of the Co-op’s Bylaws and in accordance with the New York State Cooperative Corporation Law.
Regularly attend board meetings and special events such as workshops and trainings.
Stay informed about Co-op matters, prepare yourself well for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports.
Make a serious commitment to participate actively in board work.
Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
Be an active participant in the Co-op’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
Get to know other board and Co-op members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
Remember when deliberating and making decisions that Directors represent the Owners of the Co-op.
Build relationships with current member-owners and keep them informed about board decisions and the state of the Co-op.
Participate in fundraising and member recruitment for the organization.
Build and sustain relationships with community partners.
Take initiative in learning about cooperatives, the solidarity economy, and the grocery industry.
Prior experience in these areas is not a prerequisite to joining the board; we ask only that members demonstrate enthusiasm for the Co-op’s mission and a willingness to further their education in service of the well being of the Co-op and its member-owners.
Board Commitment and Participation:
Per the BFC’s bylaws, directors are elected to serve for a term of three years, and serve no more than three consecutive terms.
Estimated monthly time commitment: 11 hours
Board Meetings: at least twice per month at 2 hours each
Research at home: 5 hours
Attending Additional Events/Meetings: 2 hours
Required Qualifications
Compensation
Board members do not receive monetary compensation. However, board members benefit from working collaboratively towards a common goal centered around health and equity. Board members gain a variety of skills and experiences in leading a cooperative business and participate in personal/professional development trainings.
