It's that time again! In preparation for the October 3 membership meeting & election, nominations are now being accepted for three three-year terms on the Bethlehem Food Co-Op board of directors. Nominations are accepted through August 29.

We are moving into a crucial time for our co-op's development, with location selection and capital campaign on the horizon. Board members will have key responsibilities in moving the co-op forward through these phases. Though the co-op understands that this is a volunteer role, therefore work or family conflicts of schedule may arise from time to time, board members will be expected to make their service for the co-op a priority.

Specific board positions and descriptions are defined in our bylaws, but all board members are expected to:

• Attend all board and appropriate committee meetings and functions, such as special events.
• Volunteer at a minimum of 3 events per calendar year (not including standard public, board, or committee meetings)
• Be informed and able to communicate about the Bethlehem Food Co-Op mission, services, policies, and programs.
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
• Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments.
• Follow through on assigned tasks relating to Co-Op development.
• Make a personal financial contribution to the Co-op by becoming a full member-owner.
• Inform others about the Co-op.
• Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the Co-op.
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the cooperative business and food realms.
• Follow conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies.
• Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements.
• Follow all other policies as defined by the bylaws.

Board members should possess the following traits:

• Ability to: listen, analyze, think clearly and creatively, work well with people individually and in a group.
• Willing to: prepare for and attend board and committee meetings, ask questions, take responsibility and follow through on a given assignment, contribute personal and financial resources in a generous way according to circumstances, open doors in the community, evaluate oneself.
• Develop certain skills if you do not already possess them, such as to: cultivate and solicit funds, cultivate and recruit board members and other volunteers, read and understand financial statements, learn more about the substantive program area of the organization.
• Possess: honesty, sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views, a friendly, responsive, and patient approach, community-building skills, personal integrity, a developed sense of values, concern for the co-op's development, a sense of humor.

If you or someone you know matches these requirements, please send a nomination to [email protected] by 8/28/15. Prospective board nominees are encouraged to visit the board meetings on 7/18 and 8/15 at 6:30pm to observe. Those meetings will be held at the Bahnson Center at Moravian College, 60 W. Locust St. Bethlehem, PA.