2025 CO-OP Board election
Consider Running for a Seat on Our Board!
WHY become a candidate?
Do you love being a member of the Co-op?
Do you want to help guide the Co-op’s success?
Do you understand or are willing to learn the role and responsibilities of a board?
If you answered yes, you would make an excellent Portland Food Co-op Board candidate!
We suggest a few steps to prepare you for success. Please refer to the next section below.
Candidacy Eligibility & Requirements
To Run for a Seat on Our Board, You:
Must be a Portland Food Co-op Member-Owner in good standing (equity payments up to date and have shopped within the past year)
Must not have an overriding conflict of interest
Can provide a three-year commitment to serving on the Board
Must have a familiarity with and commitment to adherence to the Co-op’s Bylaws and Governance Policies
Can commit to 8-10 hours per month for preparation for and active participation in each monthly Board Meeting
Must have the scheduling flexibility to attend occasional Board training sessions, the all-day annual Board Retreat (held on a Sunday, date TBD), and the annual Member-Owner Meeting, held on the evening of Saturday, April 29, 2025.
Must have the willingness to read and understand financial statements (training provided)
Must have access to the internet, proficiency with Google Drive (the Board uses Google Drive as the primary channel for all of its work), and availability to respond to frequent Board-related online communications within 24 hours
Must have the willingness and capability to manage a separate assigned @portlandfood.coop email address for your Board work
Must have the willingness to take responsibility for Board duties and to work together with understanding, mutual support, and respect
Must have an understanding of and willingness to abide by the Board’s Policy Governance Model and Consensus Model as guideposts for our work
Must have the ability to keep information and materials confidential
Must be willing to work as part of a consensus-based team
Should take some time to get to know the current Board Members you will be working alongside
Next Steps for Candidate Eligibility
the application form will be availabe here on wednesday, january 15th
READ THROUGH THE BOARD CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACKET
The packet will be available on this page on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025.
ATTEND ONE BOARD MEETING
The Co-op’s upcoming Board Meetings will be on Tuesday, January 28th and Tuesday, February 25th from 6:30–8:30pm. Attending one Board meeting is required if you have not attended one in the past twelve months.
Please email us at board@portlandfood.coop to let us know you plan to attend.
FILL OUT AN INTEREST FORM
This connects you with a current Board Member. They will reach out to share more about what it means to be a Co-op Board Member.
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
The application form will become available on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025.