Weavers Way is looking for a few member-owners to run for the Board of Directors of the Co-op. 

With continued growth and the planned opening of the third Weavers Way store in Ambler, it is an exciting time to be on Weavers Way’s Board. In addition, we are taking on a leadership role in helping other communities in the region start food cooperatives, and we are enjoying record sales and profits. With the addition of Fresh Market and Acme in Chestnut Hill, we must meet the challenges these new competitors bring. Our sales have quadrupled over the last 10 years, and this brings us new opportunities and additional challenges. 

Weavers Way Board members provide essential leadership to this growing and vital effort to expand the cooperative economic model, promote the values our co-op stands for and provide healthy food options for residents of Northwest Philadelphia and beyond. 

The Board operates using Policy Governance. This leadership model results in the Board using very little of its time making operational decisions. We do NOT get involved in telling the produce managers where to put the apples! Rather, the Board focuses on the strategic direction of the cooperative, engaging with members and evaluating management performance.

Being an effective Board member requires a serious commitment of time and talent. We are looking for people who are willing and ready to make that commitment. Members who are interested in running for the Board must be Weavers Way members in good standing, at least 18 years old and able to participate in Board meetings (usually held the first Tuesday of the month 11 months of the year). There is no monetary compensation for Board services.

Prospective candidates must attend at least one of our first-Tuesday Board meetings prior to running; the next dates are Dec. 6, Jan. 3 and Feb. 7, all at 7 p.m. in the Common Room at Summit Church, 6757 Greene St., just down the block from the Mt. Airy Co-op.

Candidates must also attend one informational session with members of the Board Leadership Committee prior to submitting a formal application, due Feb. 28, 2017. These sessions provide important information to help you make the decision that is best for you. All are at 7 p.m.: 

Monday, Jan. 9, in Chestnut Hill: 8419 Germantown Ave., 2nd floor (across from the Chestnut Hill store)

Thursday, Jan. 19, in Ambler: 131 E. Butler Ave.

Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Mt. Airy: Community Room, 555 Carpenter Lane (adjacent to the Mt. Airy store)

In addition to the formal application, available for download from the Weavers Way website, candidates must submit a written statement and a photo, which will be published in the Shuttle newspaper and on the website, and agree to a video interview, which will be available on the members-only section of the website. Go to www.weaversway.coop/board-elections-2017 for more details.

Being on the Weavers Way Board is rewarding and greatly appreciated by the membership. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me at sylviabgentry@gmail.com.