Become an Owner-Volunteer with the AFC Board

The AFC Board of Directors is looking for owner-volunteers for three board committees: the Owner Engagement Committee (OEC), Board Development Committee (BDC), and AFC Gives Committee. 

In addition to working with a group of great people, you will be assisting in a process that greatly benefits the community in which we live. Owner volunteers serve a one-year term and receive the benefit of a special coupon for a 10% discount on all AFC purchases for every four hours they volunteer for the Co-op.  Owner Volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year.
 
Owner volunteer applications are due online by Thursday, February 6.  Please be sure to indicate the committee(s) you are interested in.   If you have any questions, please contact the Board Administrator, [email protected]
 

Click the link below to read more about each committee, or begin the application below:
Board Development Committee - The BDC assists with yearly Board elections, education and development training programs for Board directors. 
Owner Engagement Committee - The OEC advises the AFC Board of Directors on matters of Board engagement with owners including the annual meeting, owner forums, and other Board owner events.
AFC Gives Committee - The AFC Gives Committee coordinates the management and distribution of grant funds to local non-profit organizations through a variety of AFC Board approved programs. 

Click here to fill out the application in a new window.

Board Development Committee

Owner Volunteer Position

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the AFC Board Development Committee (BDC). Here is some information to help you complete your application. 
The BDC generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Conference room of the Pioneer Street building. The meetings typically run 60 minutes. Monthly meetings are on an as-needed basis for the months of July and December. 
The committee advises the AFC Board of Directors (BOD) on matters of Board Development including, BOD elections, trainings, retreats and Board structure and compensation. Activities may include Board candidate interviews, attending Board candidate information night and helping plan the logistics of the Board retreat. 
The BDC consists of at least two Directors, the General Manager, the Board Administrator and at least one Owner Volunteer. One Director is appointed Chair of the BDC and the Board Administrator is responsible for meeting minutes. 
Necessary Skills: Must be familiar with Google docs and Excel. Board experience and/or cooperative business experience is beneficial. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with a consensus decision process. 
Benefits: In addition to working with a highly experienced group of great people, you will be working to ensure that the governance of the AFC is a highly competent, thoughtful, and well supported group of volunteers that have the long-term interests of the AFC in the forefront of their efforts. Owner volunteers receive a 10% discount coupon, for one shopping trip at AFC, after they have served a minimum of 4 hours. This discount may not be combined with any other offers and will expire after ninety days. Owner volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year. 
Application Process: You must be an AFC owner to apply. Think about what skills you would bring to this committee. If you have specific questions about the BDC, please address your questions to [email protected]. Then fill out the application online by Thursday, February 6. Interviews will be held at a later date. Apply here.

 

Owner Engagement Committee

Owner Volunteer Position

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the AFC Owner Engagement Committee (OEC). Here is some information to help you complete your application. 
The OEC generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the Board Conference room of the Pioneer Street building. The meetings typically run 60 minutes. Monthly meetings are on an as-needed basis for the months of July and December. 
The OEC advises the AFC Board of Directors on matters of Board engagement with owners including the annual meeting, owner forums, and other Board owner events.. 
The OEC consists of at least two Directors, a representative from the Market Department, the Board Administrator and at least one Owner Volunteer. One Director is appointed Chair of the OEC and the Board Administrator is responsible for meeting minutes. 
Necessary Skills: Must be familiar with Google docs. Board experience and/or cooperative business experience is beneficial but not required. Interest in cultivating community engagement is important. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with a consensus decision process. 
Benefits: In addition to working with a highly experienced group of great people, you will be working to ensure that the governance of the AFC is a highly competent, thoughtful, and well supported group of volunteers that have the long-term interests of the AFC in the forefront of their efforts. Owner volunteers receive a 10% discount coupon, for one shopping trip at AFC, after they have served a minimum of 4 hours. This discount may not be combined with any other offers and will expire after ninety days. Owner volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year. 
Application Process: You must be an AFC owner to apply. Think about what skills you would bring to this committee. If you have specific questions about the OEC, please address your questions to [email protected]. Then fill out the application online by Thursday, February 6. Interviews will be held at a later date. Apply here.

AFC Gives Committee

Owner Volunteer Position

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Ashland Food Co-op Gives Committee. Here is some information to help you complete your application.

The AFC Gives Committee generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Conference room of the Pioneer Street Building. The meetings typically run 60 minutes. Monthly meetings are on an as-needed basis for the months of July and December. 

The AFC Gives Committee coordinates the management and distribution of grant funds to local non-profit organizations through a variety of AFC Board approved programs. Specifically, there will be significant time requested the end of April and beginning of May to review Grant applications.

Necessary Skills:
Familiarity with Google Docs and Excel, Cooperative Committee experience and consensus decision process all are beneficial.

Benefits:
In addition to working with a group of great people, you will be assisting in a process that greatly benefits the community in which we live. Owner/Volunteers will receive a coupon good for a 10% discount on a one time shopping trip to the Co-op, after serving a minimum of 4 hours. The discount may not be combined with any other offers and will expire after ninety days. Owner Volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year.

Application Process:
You must be an AFC Owner to apply. If you have specific questions please address them to [email protected]. Then fill out the online application by Thursday, February 6. Apply here.

More Co-op News

A Visit with Magnolia Farms

 

 

 

Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.

A Visit with Emerald Hills

Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.

A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker

Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.

January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring

Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.

Rogue Valley Mentoring Circle

Shopping Safely & Efficiently

 

As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees. 

To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.

In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:

10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times

By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.

 

Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.

Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers

To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask. 

From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror

By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee

Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk? 

November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges

It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered. 

End of year wrap-up on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op

Hi there. I hope this finds you well. It’s me, Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management (SEM) intern for the Ashland Food Co-op. The global and local crises have only devolved into further chaos since we last spoke. As we sit with the reality of coworkers, neighbors, and friends who’ve lost their homes and businesses to the recent fires, and thousands more across the nation losing their loved ones to COVID-19, I imagine many are feeling frozen and powerless to help those that are suffering.

SNAP in the Co-op Kitchen and Thanksgiving

Use your SNAP EBT benefits for all Co-op Kitchen items through November 20th, 2020!

Recognizing the difficulties in food preparation for families who lost their homes in the local wildfires, the State of Oregon has expanded SNAP benefits to be used for hot foods, like made-to-order and hot bar meals from the Co-op Kitchen, through November 20.

And starting on November 16, you can get an early taste of Thanksgiving as the Co-op Kitchen hot bar rolls out the full Thanksgiving spread. 

Black Lives Matter

We acknowledge that the Ashland Food Co-op has not had a culture where all employees and community members felt safe sharing their experiences of discrimination in our store. We apologize for this. We are on a learning journey. We have reached out for help, and are listening to our Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) employees and owners who want to be part of the positive change we seek.

* * * * *