Blog ›



join the Board of Directors! application process now open!!

Join the Board of Directors!

Take this opportunity to be an active participant in our Co-op’s future and the future of our community

All materials due by
9pm on September 15th, 2019

PDF of the Application


Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Board do?
The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors is the body elected to represent the membership, and hold ultimate legal responsibility for the operations and actions of the Co-op. The Board of Directors establishes policies, oversees the operating and capital budgets, approves plans and recommendations, and sets general guidelines for staff and working members.

When and where are the Board meetings?
Once a month, third Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Interested persons are encouraged to attend the meetings.
610 Columbia St SW. Olympia. 98502

How long is one term?
Three years.

What is the time commitment for a Board member?
Board members volunteer around 10 or more hours monthly. This includes Board meetings and work within the Committees of the Board (each Board member is required to join 2 – 3).

What are the Committees of the Board?
They are made up of members-at-large, Board members, and staff members. Each committee develops and recommends plans and policies that are passed to the Board for approval. Committees include Co-Sound, Eco-Planning, Expansion, Finance, Local Products, Member Relations, and Standing Hiring.

How do the Board and Committees make decisions?
Guided by the Olympia Food Co-op bylaws and consensus decision making practices, the members work together to build consensus.

Will there be training for the newly elected Board members?
Yes. They will receive an in-depth training on consensus decision making, finance, organizational overview, and more.

Who is eligible to run for the Board?
Board of Director seats are open to all current members of the Co-op who have accurate contact information on file and agree to the following commitments: attend the monthly Board meetings, serve on Committees of the Board, and volunteer 10+ hours each month.

How do you run for the Board?
Complete the application process by 9pm on September 15th. Here is the application PDF. For further accommodations, email boardapplication@olympiafood.coop

What happens after you apply?
The Board and staff will prepare the election materials for the October 15th – November 15th elections. And, December will be the first meeting with our newly elected Board Members!

Will there be opportunity to communicate to the membership?
Yes. Each Board applicant will be invited to the make a short speech to the membership at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Also, the election materials will consist of the photograph, and the answers to the questions in the application. These materials will be available online and in printed formats in the stores.

PDF of the Application

Board of Directors Application

Please provide the requested information.
Limit your entire response to 500 words.

Attach a current .jpeg photo of yourself

For questions / accommodations, email
boardapplication@olympiafood.coop

1a) Name     1b) Email Address     1c) Phone Number

2) Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

3) What general abilities and skills would you bring to the Board?

4) What vision do you have for the Co-op?

5) What else would you like to share?

Submit all materials by email only to
boardapplication@olympiafood.coop