Join the Board

Do you want to join Open Harvest's Board of Directors?

Learn more below about the application process & becoming a candidate in the 2024 board election.

Applications for candidacy are OPEN between July 15th -September 15th

Applications for candidacy will be accepted from July 15th – September 15th

Calling all Cooperators! The future of Open Harvest requires committed, purposeful leaders and we are looking for the next set of owners who have an interest in joining the Open Harvest Board of Directors. Open Harvest Co-op Grocery is owned and democratically governed by our owners, and each year they vote to elect representatives to serve a three-year term for the co-op. Applications for candidacy are due by September 15th, 2024. Below you’ll find more information about the board and the election process. If you have any questions or want to talk with someone about serving, don’t hesitate to contact us at board@openharvest.coop. We’ll be happy to set up a phone call or meeting to talk more. Our handy Candidate Application Packet contains more detailed information about board service and the candidate application. When you’re ready to apply, click below to download the packet and application, or stop by the customer service desk at the store to pick up a hard copy.

The slate of candidates will be approved at the October 1st board meeting. The election cycle will follow and conclude at the 2024 Annual Owner Meeting in November.

About the Board of Directors

If you want to be part of a high functioning board, where meetings are not only efficient and productive, but also inspiring and motivating—the Open Harvest Board is it. As directors, we hold each other accountable for coming to meetings prepared to contribute thoughtfully, respectfully, and with due diligence. We like to get our business done and make time for strategic conversations, ongoing education, and checking in with our priorities.  The board uses a formal system known as Policy Governance to establish a structure for our work. The Policy Register is the document which sets out the details of how we apply policy governance. The Register describes the roles and responsibilities of the board, and the methods it uses to oversee the co-op. Read more about this governance structure in the Candidate Election Packet or check out the Board Policy Register for the complete set of board policies.

Directors serve for a term of three years and commit to working at least 5-10 hours per month. That time is spent reviewing the Board Packet materials prior to a meeting; the monthly, 1.5 hour board meeting; and it’s typical to have at least one committee meeting, action items, and/or activities per month. The board also has events and trainings to attend throughout the year.

There are many benefits to board service including leadership development, personal and professional growth, having a positive impact on our community and co-op, building financial acumen, practice in strategic thinking and planning, and learning about Policy Governance. In addition, directors receive the following compensation, provided as a store gift card:

2024-25 Board Chair: $1200

2024-25 Board Officer or Committee Chair: $720

2024-25 Board Director: $480

Duties Include:

  • Support and develop the Ends Statement and other policies to reflect the needs of owners.
  • Ensure financial solvency and integrity of the co-op by reviewing monitoring reports.
  • Support the mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives of the co-op.
  • Keep informed on the affairs of the co-op and come prepared to discuss issues before the Board.
  • Evaluate GM and co-op performance based on monitoring reports and external audits.
  • Learn about the natural foods industry and cooperative organizations.
  • Learn about and practice Policy Governance.
  • Consider at all times owners input in decision making.
  • Keep owners informed about the affairs of the cooperative.

These are some of the skill sets that lend well to work with the Open Harvest Board, and are desired, but not required, in our next set of directors. Most important, we encourage anyone with passion, commitment, and time to apply. See the Board Candidate Packet for more details on requirements for candidates.

  • Critical thinking: Capacity to be objective and open-minded to evaluate information with reason, reflection, and analysis.
  • Continuous learning: A passion for learning new concepts through training and independent research, and contributing to building the board’s collective wisdom.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to write articles, speak in public, and other communication with small and large groups. To also convey ideas, problem-solve, listen, and participate in consensus decision making processes with respect.
  • Social justice experience: Understand systems of oppression.
  • Natural food and retail industry: Knows the trends, opportunities, and challenges of the retail industry, specifically the natural food market.
  • Board experience: Knowledge of the qualities of effective boards.
  • Legal knowledge: Ability to read and understand legal language, concepts, bylaws, and other legal materials.
  • Financial acumen: Understand financial benchmarks and documents.
  • Community representation: Experience representing a community through engagement.

2024 Election Process

See the Board Candidate Application PDF for more details.

Attend at least one of the following Board Meetings, held via Teams. Board meetings start at 6:30 pm.

  • August 6th, 2024 (In Person)
  • September 3rd, 2024
  • October 1st, 2024

Complete and submit your application for candidacy by the end of the day on September 15th 2024. The slate of candidates who have applied and have met the requirements are approved by the board at the October 1st meeting. Candidates are featured on social media, the website, e-newsletter, and other election materials. Get out the vote! The election cycle starts mid-October and concludes at the 2024 Annual Owner Meeting (date TBA). If elected, you’ll attend a board orientation in November and be officially installed on the board at the meeting in December.

Ready to Apply?

Download the Candidate Election Packet or Apply Online.