Board news
January 2014 6
MEMBERSHIP is
OWNERSHIP
I N T E R G E N E R AT I O N A L D I A L O G U E AND THE CO-OP COMMUNITY
ty members for an evening of intergenerational dialogue. Participants, whose ages ranged from twenty to seventy, took part in a lively conversation and shared their perspectives on the importance and future of the cooperative model.
regardless of age, it is relatively simple to communicate their importance. Perhaps there is actually less of a generation gap than was initially expected. While we have much in common, at times it’s just the methods for achieving the goals that differ somewhat.
BY JESSICA ROWLANDS There was wide agreement that the Co-op’s illennials—those born from the structure and principles align with individuals’ involving early 1980s to the early (of all ages) personal values. The Co-op proYOUNG 2000s—have been described as a vides a sense of belonging, and a way to constakeholders generation that places heavy emphasis on tribute to and support the local community. community engagement and social entreThe challenge was to brainstorm ways to preneurship. They value collaboration, describe the importance of cooperatives to accessibility, sustainability and self-expresfolks who are unfamiliar with the model. sion in their careers and personal lives. In fact, their practices mirror many of the CoYounger generations may understand the coopop values and principles. It appears that erative model best through the lens of collaboMillennials are uniquely suited to become ration and experiential learning. Working engaged in the cooperative community and move into positions of together and sharing ideas often results in more leadership. This transition will be more effective if dialogue is faciliinnovative, lasting solutions. In contrast, the concept tated and relationships are built between younger generations and of the co-op as an alternative (potentially more stalongtime Co-op veterans. ble) economic model that is an investment in the community may resonate more readily with older As La Montanita Co-op grows over the coming years, it will be critgenerations. ical to involve young stakeholders in the Co-op mission. To address this opportunity, the Co-op Board of Directors recently hosted a All in all, participants were surprised to realize that study hour that brought together a wide range of Co-op communimost of us share similar values and goals, and that
M
A key theme throughout the course of the discussion was the importance of relationship building and working with mentors. One-on-one mentorship does not necessarily have to be older-toyounger, but can also be peer-to-peer. The key will be to provide these opportunities to a small, but diverse group of community members and ensure multidirectional flow of ideas and expertise. The Board will continue to work on facilitating a dialogue among people of all ages and promoting the relevance of the cooperative model to the wider community. We welcome members’ thoughts and suggestions (email: bod@lamontanita. coop) and invite you to attend a Board meeting to get to know us better!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UPDATE FREE! VETERAN FARMER
PROJECT
CLASSES COME FOR ONE SESSION OR THE WHOLE SERIES: Jan. 16: Identifying Key Values and Resources for Success Jan. 30: Creating a Whole Farm Goal Feb. 6: Value-based Decision-Making Feb. 20: Whole Farm Financial Planning Feb. 27: Easy and Effective Enterprise Analysis Contact Robin Seydel at 505-217-2027 or robins@lamontanita.coop to register.
ELECTIONS!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE WINNERS ARE... The Co-op’s annual Board of Directors election was held this past November. The votes have been counted and the Board formally approved the results at its December meeting. These results are as follows: JEFF ETHAN GREEN 202 • ARIANA MARCHELLO 234 • LEAH ROCO 229 • JESSICA ROWLAND 251 • HARRY SNOW 79 • BYLAW AMENDMENT 1, LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Approve: 321, Disapprove: 11 • BYLAW AMENDMENT 2, CAPITALIZATION Approve: 313, Disapprove: 14 • TOTAL
NUMBER OF MEMBERS WHO VOTED:
352
Leah Roco, Ariana Marchello and Jessica Rowland have all been elected to three-year terms. We’ve included the winning candidates’ photos here. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the candidates for offering to serve the Co-op. In addition to electing the three board members, voters overwhelmingly passed two bylaw amendments. The Board wants to thank voters for supporting the Co-op by passing these important
amendments. They will help us to continue to serve members as well as the larger community, while remaining competitive in the marketplace. This is the second year of electronic balloting, with only a small improvement in voter turnout. Only 352 members voted, out of a total of 8,000 members who had provided us with their email address. While the response was far less than what we would like, it’s similar to what other co-ops around the country experience. If you did not provide us with your email address this year and would like to vote electronically next year, please stop by the information desk at any store. We’d very much like to hear from you about what went well and what needs improving. Please contact Marshall Kovitz, chairperson, Nominations and Elections Committee. Email is marshall@swcp.com. Phone is 2561241. You may also leave a written message for him at the Nob Hill Information Desk. As always, you are welcome to attend monthly board meetings and join us for dinner. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month and start at 5:30PM. Location is Immanuel Presbyterian Church across the street from the Nob Hill store. Enter through the northern most of the two doors facing Carlisle. The above information has also been posted on the Co-op’s website www.lamontanita.coop. BOARD
ELECTION
RESULTS!
LEAH ROCO ARIANA MARCHELLO JESSICA ROWLAND WELCOME NEW BOD MEMBERS!
Y O U VOTED! JOB OPENING:
R E S E A R C H A S S I S TA N T
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LA MONTANITA FOOD CO-OP
Premium Compost • Our locally made Premium Compost is approved for use on Certified Organic Farms and Gardens.
Topsoil Blend • Ready for planting in raised beds or flower pots!
Mulch • A variety of decorative and functional mulches.
Foodwaste Recycling • Albuquerque’s only restaurant foodwaste recycling pick up service
Greenwaste Recycling • Bring your Yardwaste to us and keep it out of the Dump!
9008 Bates Rd. SE Open Tues. through Sat. 8am to 4pm Please come down and see us • www.soilutions.net
BACKGROUND Each month, the Board of Directors spends one hour of its meeting time considering topics relevant to La Montanita’s mission, and envisioning the Co-op’s future in a changing environment. Past study topics are diverse and have included the study of social media, social capital, the Farm Bill, local economies, systems of organization, cooperative economies in other countries, alternative economic models and sustainability, among others. La Montanita Co-op’s Board of Directors seeks a research assistant to support the board in its learning and development through the creation, organization and facilitation of our study work. JOB SUMMARY • Based on direction from the Board Development Committee, the Research Assistant will increase her/his knowledge around the concept of sustainability, staying up to date on relevant topics and trends through self-directed, independent learning. • Under the guidance of the Board Development Committee and in the context of determined study topics, utilize the information and knowledge garnered to focus the study areas, prepare detailed monthly study plans, and compile and submit study materials. As appropriate, identify individuals and organizations who are potential presenters. When appropriate, organize and guide monthly discussions. • Participate in the annual board retreat and/or other major visioning and planning events.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND APTITUDES • Excellent research skills. • Familiarity with current social, political, environmental and economic conditions as they relate to the idea of sustainability. • Strong facilitation skills. • Collaborative work approach. • Self directed and capable of working independently. EMPLOYMENT STATUS, HOURS AND COMPENSATION • Employment status: Contract labor. • Hours: 6-12 hours per month. The Research Assistant is expected to attend the monthly board meetings, (third Tuesday of each month), for the second hour of work, approximately 6:30PM to 7:30PM. On occasion, attend Board Development Committee meetings, usually held after 5PM on weekdays. Once a year attend all or part of the board’s day-long planning retreat, held on the weekend. • Compensation will be $25/hr for research up to 8 hours per month and one 18% discount card per hour spent at meetings/gatherings up to four hours (cards) per month. Email resume and cover letter to: MARSHALL KOVITZ, Vice President, Board of Directors, La Montanita Food Co-operative. marshall@swcp.com. Place the words, “Board Research Assistant” in the subject line.