Join Our Board of Directors

Bethlehem Co-op Market is gearing up for our Annual Member Meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, and with it comes an exciting opportunity: we're seeking new Board members to help shape our future.

Directors are active ambassadors for the co-op, and are fully engaged in the governance needed to bring a cooperatively-owned grocery store in Bethlehem!

Our Board continues the transition from a 'working' group of volunteers managing the tasks of a start-up food co-op, to a 'governance (policy-making)' board.

Why Consider Running?

  • Be a voice for your community
  • Guide the strategic direction of our co-op
  • Gain valuable leadership experience
  • Help transition our Board to a governance-focused model

The Criteria:

  • Candidates must be a designated primary or household Member-Owner, or the designated primary Member-Owner of an organizational membership with their membership in good standing.
  • It is suggested that candidates volunteer at a tabling or community co-op event (see these opportunities on our Volunteer page; if you have never volunteered, you will be paired with a veteran).
  • It is advantageous, but not required, that candidates possess board governance experience.

Interested?

  • Learn more about the three steps in play and the timeline below.
  • Please fill out the Board Member Application below, and we will contact you.
  • If you would like to connect with a current Board Member to understand commitments and responsibilities better, drop us a note at election@bethlehemcoopmarket.com, and we'll set that up for you.

Board member terms run for three years. The terms are staggered so only three directors come up for election each year. The new term begins at our Annual Member Meeting on Monday, Oct. 19.

Board members should expect to spend on average 10-15 hours per month on various Board related work. A constant is the 3+ hours you will invest in the monthly Board meeting and executive session.  In addition, there are other activities, like committee participation and events, that require time and effort.  

Communication is essential for sharing information and supporting the work of other Board members and volunteers in between meetings. Board members should be accessible to other Board members, committee members, and the general membership. Many Board materials are provided and worked on electronically. Therefore, Board members should have access to a reliable, up-to-date computer and internet service.

Steps & Timeline

Check out a step-by-step breakdown of our election timeline below. If interested in becoming a candidate, make sure you check each step off your list and note the important dates.

Submit an Application

Applications for Board candidates are being accepted now. Please complete this online application, which is due by noon on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Please note: Your name and the answers you provide for the application questions will be shared with co-op members. This same information will be made public when it is posted on our Bethlehem Co-op Market website. We reserve the right to edit your answers for length.

Learn More About the Board & Responsibilities

If you have specific questions, you are welcome to email us at election@bethlehemcoopmarket.com and we'll connect you with a current Board member who can answer any questions you have.

Introducing Candidates to Our Member-Owners

As part of introducing the candidates to our member-owners, we will share the answers you provide on your application, along with your headshot, prior to the opening of the voting window on Friday, Sept. 18. These will also be shared on our website.

Voting Period Begins

  1. The names, headshots, and answers to the application questions of the applicants for the Board positions will be shared with member-owners prior to the opening of the voting window (the same information will also be posted on our website).
  2. Electronic ballots will be sent to the primary member-owner of each household and organizational member on Friday, Sept. 18. Member-owners who do not vote will be prompted at least two times before voting closes on Monday, Oct. 19. There will be NO in-person voting at the Annual Member-Owner Meeting.

Election Results Announced

The election results will be announced on Monday, Oct. 19 at the co-op's Annual Member-Owner Meeting – meeting details TBA. The new board members will immediately take office and attend their first board meeting on Nov. 16.

Ready to apply?

Submit your application and we will be in touch. Thank you for your interest, and good luck!

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