The Role of the Board in Co-op Governance
By Gwyneth Bowman, Vice President
After serving on the AFC Board for fourteen years my passion for the Co-op model has strengthened my commitment to the Cooperative Principles and Values. Of special importance is how we work together as a governing body with one voice. We are the ultimate decision-makers of our Co-op and hold a trusteeship for the benefit of our owners and community.
I’m often asked what the difference is between the Board’s role and responsibilities and those of the General Manager. My answer is a bit complicated because we work so closely with the GM for the benefit of our Co-op. The Board holds the GM accountable for managing day to day operations. All corporate powers are under the authority of the Board and all AFC business affairs are managed under the direction of the Board.
Specific Board responsibilities include developing annual objectives, long range goals and strategic priorities. We monitor all financial management and approve our operating budget and capital expenditures. We hire and annually evaluate our GM, define his duties and set his compensation. A large percentage of our time is monitoring the work of our Board Standing Committees. All Directors chair and serve on standing and other committees.
We encourage owner engagement at all levels and will soon hold owner forums to hear your Co-op experience and glean the wisdom of your ideas. We need your active participation on our team. You own our Co-op! Your support, feedback and involvement in governance is vital to our ongoing success.
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February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.
November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
AFC Gives Community Fund
September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.
July Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
June Change for Good Partner: Maslow Project
Celebrate Ashland Food Co-op's 50th Anniversary
Ashland Food Co-op has been a staple in our community for 50 years and invites you to celebrate this anniversary with them on June 3rd, 2022 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, at the AFC employee parking lot for dancing, food, face painting and more!
Music by Eight Dollar Mountain and Wild and Blue.
Siano's Karibbean Cookhouse, Walkabout Brewing Co. and Rogue Kombucha will be joining us with delicious food and beverages available for purchase.