As board members, we have a fiduciary responsibility to every owner of Outpost Natural Foods. In other words, the nine of us have been elected with trust and confidence to help manage and protect the co-op’s interest. We do this through sound decision making and representation. 

At first, this concept seems pretty easy. Those who voted for us have reasons behind their ballot checks and we feel a strong connection with them in return. Owners gave us the privilege to represent them for three years, and for that we are grateful.

But, reality has a way of making things a little more complicated.

For example, as I read through the 550 comments from the 2013 Owner Survey, I found it an interesting endeavor. For every comment that says we should do “this” another says they are grateful that we don’t. Some are happy that we are “here” and others liked it better when we were “there.” It can literally be a ping pong match between opinions.

Yes/no, do this/do that, should/should not, grow/stay the same, good job/could be better, more of that/less of this… the list is quite long.

In the past year I’ve attended quite a few Outpost related functions and more often than not owners I engage with do not have any suggestions or specific comments for me to consider.

So, I found myself asking: how does a board member represent owners who don’t express their opinions, or who may not be aware of hot topics that concern the cooperative? How about owners who don’t take the time to fill out the Owner survey?

The answer is simple: board members need to balance the opinions of those who voice their thoughts through suggestions with those that only communicate with their shopping dollars. We need to make sure we serve the co-op without letting a minority voice sound louder than those who are silent. All of this is wrapped into making sure our owners have a healthy, diverse, and sustainable community while maintaining the long-term strength of the cooperative.

Our democratic process gives us strength and integrity. Sure, things can get complicated, and it’s not always possible to incorporate every owner’s request into every decision made, but I would not have it any other way.

My encouragement for you in 2014: stay active in the co-op, voice your opinion, and let’s grow the good food movement together!

– Douglas Spencer, director