As we enter into campaign season for board members, it’s a good time to think – am I interested in serving my cooperative? Do I have a skill set that would complement the current board?  If you do, consider this an invitation to throw your hat into the ring.

The Outpost board has a fiduciary duty to provide oversight of the co-op. It is charged with the safekeeping of its assets, but also with ensuring that it carries out its mission. Board members should bring technical expertise, but especially in a large cooperative like Outpost, they are tasked with representing the varied interests of owners.

I’ve served on a number of boards, but none have provided me with as much satisfaction as my service on the Outpost board. I think this largely stems from the quality of people I serve with. It’s a nine-person board that is composed of highly-qualified community members who take their responsibility very seriously.

It’s also very satisfying to participate in active oversight of one of the largest and sophisticated consumer cooperatives in the country. This comes both in the way of ‘on the board’ learning, as well as formal training.

At best, there’s a reciprocal benefit to board service. The board gets a capable and well-rounded board member on its team, and the board member receives the benefit of an extraordinary experience. Board members are expected to be diligent in their attendance and participation. The work can be hard, but it’s also often enjoyable.

Especially in an increasingly competitive environment, the focus has not only been on how Outpost can serve the community, but how it can survive. If it is going to succeed, it needs an increasingly diverse set of skills and backgrounds.

If you’re interested in running for the board, you should consider not just what you have to offer the board, but what it can offer you – both personally and professionally.

The first step is to fill out an application. The application is straightforward, but the deadline for applications is January 20, 2017. If you’re nominated, the second step will be to participate in the election.

If you’re elected, you’ll get a rare opportunity to further your understanding of cooperatives, and the experience of overseeing a sophisticated business enterprise.

Jan Pierce

Board Director