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accountable empowerment

Discussion and Process Guide for Board Compensation

By |2023-05-05T20:04:37-04:00April 11th, 2023|

Co-op boards periodically need to address questions about board compensation: Should we or shouldn’t we? How much is reasonable? How do we communicate these decisions to our member-owners or include them in the conversation? Allow enough time for the work Before beginning this process, carefully consider how this work will or won’t fit with your other board priorities. Once the board has agreed that [...]

Co-op Cafe Supports DEI Work by Weaver Street Market Board

By |2023-05-05T20:04:54-04:00September 12th, 2022|

The 2022 series kicked off in May with invigorating conversations around how the cooperative principles could advance our commitment to a more equitable future. Co-op members from across the country joined these discussions and grappled with questions such as: Do we need an 8th cooperative principle aimed at equity and inclusion?

How to be an Effective Board President

By |2023-06-21T14:14:52-04:00April 29th, 2017|

What’s the difference between an excellent board president and a so-so one? Being an effective president requires a host of proficiencies, attributes and knowledge—it’s no easy job! A mix of people skills, the talent to manage and a curiosity and willingness to develop a keen understanding of your co-op’s business are key traits of any good board president. From facilitation savvy, the ability to [...]

Policy Register Template Users’ Guide

By |2023-05-05T20:06:48-04:00October 18th, 2016|

Co-op boards that use Policy Governance® write policies as a way to codify their agreements for how they will work together, how they will delegate responsibility to management, and what authority they will then actually delegate. Our CBLD team of consultants created this set of template policies based on what we saw does or doesn’t work for most food co-op boards, and we periodically [...]

Committee Charters Field Guide

By |2023-05-05T20:06:58-04:00July 29th, 2016|

All board committees should have a charter – a description of the committee’s purpose and authority. One person, generally the board secretary, should have primary responsibility for drafting charters as directed by the board. This helps the board have a consistent approach for how charters are written. Committee charters should include: The lifespan of the committee (An ad hoc committee should exist only as [...]

Leadership Means Learning from Our Mis-Steps

By |2023-05-05T20:28:53-04:00March 31st, 2016|

At Onion River/City Market in Burlington, VT mistakes were made involving staff inclusion. Kyle Larson tells the story from his perspective and highlights the strengths in leadership through this harrowing experience that allowed City Market to persevere and build even stronger community in the process.

Components of a Successful System of Accountable Empowerment

By |2023-05-05T20:29:24-04:00December 10th, 2015|

Accountable Empowerment It is always important for a co-op board of directors to have good systems of accountability in place to provide proper and strategic oversight of the general manager.  With strongly increasing demand for natural and organic products resulting in more pressure from competitors, cooperatives need to strengthen operations, and at the same time effectively communicate the value the cooperative brings to its [...]

Video Field Guide: Introduction to the Four Pillars

By |2023-05-05T20:06:36-04:00July 27th, 2015|

Succinct introduction to the Four Pillars of Cooperative Governance: Teaming, Accountable Empowerment, Democracy and Strategic Leadership, and how these concepts strengthen co-ops and communities. This video is a fantastic resource for board training and team-building sessions.

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