Any questions regarding the information here? Contact the Leadership Committee at leadershipcommittee@weaversway.coop.

Information for Prospective Candidates

 

Weavers Way is a growing, dynamic food co-op in a region where competition for our grocery business is increasing. This is a rewarding time to be a part of the Weavers Way Board. You are encouraged to read these materials and decide if you wish to become a candidate.

 

While Board service can be fun, it is also serious business. Members who are interested in running for the Board are strongly encouraged to take both their candidacy and, if elected, Board service seriously. Board terms are three years each, with the option of running for a second consecutive term. Candidates are asked to:

 

• • Attend at least one Board meeting prior to becoming a candidate.  Please RSVP to boardadmin@weaversway.coop.
  • Attend a "Run for the Board Information Session" either Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, February 8 at 10 a.m. You'll receive working member credit for attending. Please RSVP to leadershipcommittee@weaversway.coop.
  • Submit a candidate application by Friday, February 28. (Candidate packages will be available after attending a Board information session.)
  • State all potential conflicts of interest on the application and must not have an overriding conflict of interest.
  • Sign an agreement specifying that, if elected, you will fulfill the expectations of Board service as listed below to the best of your ability.

 

The Board of Directors of Weavers Way operates using the model of Policy Governance. This model of leadership results in the Board using very little of its time making operational decisions. Rather, the Board focuses its attention on the strategic direction of the Co-op, engaging with members and evaluating management performance. Policies have been developed by the Board outlining:

 

• • How the Board functions.
  • How authority is delegated to management.
  • What limitations management may have.
  • To what ends management is working.

Management then reports to the Board in written monitoring reports as to compliance or non-compliance with these policies.

Directors have fiduciary responsibility to Weavers Way's member-owners to act in an informed and prudent manner. Directors have a duty to represent the members at large and to act in their best interests (not those of any faction thereof).

The Process

Interested members are welcome to contact the Co-op's Leadership Committee with questions at leadershipcommittee@weaversway.coop.

 

The official deadline for candidacy is Friday, February 28, 2025. Remember, attendance at a Board meeting  (November 4, December 3, January 7, or February 4 at 7:00 p.m.) and attendance at one of the Run for the Board info sessions is required (either Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, February 8 at 10 a.m.).

Interested candidates must submit a resume (for the Board's use only), a photo and a 250-word (total) response to the following questions:

• • Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities. 
  • Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 
  • What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 
  • What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

 

Both the photo and the responses from each candidate will be published in the Weavers Way Shuttle and on the Weavers Way website.

The signed agreement/conflict-of-interest disclosure and the resume are also due Friday, February 28.  In March, candidate video statements will be recorded.  Voting (now mostly done online) begins in early April and ends at the Spring General Membership Meeting. At that time, votes are counted and winners announced.

Director Requirements

(Per Weavers Way bylaws)

• • Must be a Weavers Way member in good standing.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

Candidate Requirements

• • Must attend at least one Board meeting prior to becoming a candidate.
  • Please RSVP to boardadmin@weaversway.coop.
  • Must attend a Run for the Board information session either Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, February 8 at 10 a.m. Please RSVP to leadershipcommittee@weaversway.coop.
  • Must submit a candidate application by Friday, February 28, 2024. (Candidate packages will be available after attending a Run for the Board information session.)
  • Must state all potential conflicts of interest on application and must not have an overriding conflict of interest.
  • Must sign an agreement specifying that, if elected, you will fulfill the expectations of Board service as listed below.

Director Expectations

• • Commitment to cooperative principles.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to Weavers Way's Ends, Bylaws and Board policies.
  • Willingness to work within Policy Governance model for Board work.
  • Willingness to serve for a term of three years.
  • Availability to attend Board meetings, usually the first Tuesday of the month 11 months of the year (the Board does not meet in August), as well as participate in two half-day retreats per year.
  • Willingness to dedicate significant time to Board work (6+ hours per month), come to each Board meeting having read the materials and be able to participate knowledgeably in discussion.
  • Willingness to engage in educational opportunities and offerings, which may involve travel.
  • Willingness to participate in Weavers Way general membership meetings and community events in addition to Board meetings.
  • An ability to communicate via email and Basecamp (training provided), including transmittal of potentially large attachments.
  • Ability to understand financial statements or be willing and able to learn.
  • Professional attitude, including keeping confidentiality.

Skills, Abilities and Experience Desirable for a Director

Prior experience and professional training are not required to run for the Board. However, these skills, abilities and experience are helpful to Weavers Way Board members:

• • Understanding of food systems and mission-driven organizations.
  • Experience or knowledge in the following: business finance, navigating social services, nonprofit management, risk management, strategic planning and goal setting, food insecurity, human resources and labor relations, program assessment, social justice, grocery business, legal considerations, organizational development, community organizing, leadership development, environmental stewardship. 
  • Experience serving on other boards, for-profit or nonprofit. 

Candidate Application Packet

A nomination packet will be available after attendance at a “Run for the Board Information Session” (see above).