September Board Reflection
At the September board meeting, directors discussed ways for member-owners to engage in the governance of Open Harvest. No matter how much time you have to share, there are several ways to contribute that have an impact on our co-op.
Board Service
An important action for those with a passion for learning more about co-ops and community leadership is through board service. Expand your knowledge of the cooperative model by joining the Open Harvest board!
Applications for candidates are being accepted now until September 15th. Four applicants will be appointed to fill vacated positions with 1 ½ year and 2 year commitments. There are also three board seats that will be decided by the election.. A full term is 3 years. Current directors will be at Open Harvest from 11 am – 2 pm , Saturday, September 12th to field questions about running for the board.
Vote for new board members online and in the store from October 18th – October 31st.
Ballot Counting
Do you have a couple hours for a specific task? Ballot counting and verification happens at the end of October and is a great way to dip your toes into the board world. It’s a great opportunity to understand board procedures and contribute to an important annual cooperative event.
Committee Work
Another way to learn about board service is to participate in a committee. Current committees include Annual Meeting, Finance, and Election Committee – each require about 2 hrs per month.
Diversity & Inclusion Progress
Board members, the GM, and at least ten Open Harvest member-owners are participating in the 6-month Abolitionists Challenge. In August we read “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem. This month we’re diving into “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo.
Beginning this month, Open Harvest is partnering with Inclusive Communities from Omaha, NE to further our cultural competency, develop leadership skills and promote respectful and inclusive behaviors among staff, management and the board.
Give us your feedback on action items you’d like to see happen. Change takes all of us working together and having deeper conversations.
The next board meeting will be Wednesday, October 7th. To attend our board meetings via zoom please request the meeting link by visiting https://openharvest.coop/board/