By: Brennan Allsworth, board vice-president
Committees play several important roles for our board of directors; they provide research, recommendations, and guidance for the board to vote on. On the Oneota Community Food Cooperative Board of Directors, we have two standing committees: the Board Development Committee and Member-Board Linkage (Member-Linkage) Committee. Additionally, we have ad hoc committees which are created by the board when there is a demand for research into a subject – like discussing the finances of a renovation, or action needed to be taken, such as the annual election cycle. Ad hoc committees are typically dissolved once the specific work has been completed. For instance, the Board Nomination Committee is an example of an ad hoc committee, which serves under the umbrella of the Board Development Committee.
It is commonplace for co-ops throughout the country, whether big or small, to have both standing and ad-hoc committees just like we do at the Oneota Co-op. Diversity is apparent when you look across the plethora of committees that exist within these various co-ops. There are co-ops with committees on matters such as: resilience, finances, executive leadership, arts, long-term vision and more based on their unique needs at any given time.
To learn more about the governance process utilized by the board of directors, especially in relation to committees, check out G5: Board Committee Principles outlined in our Policy Register on the Co-op website – https://oneotacoop.com/wp-content/uploads/G5-Board_Committee_Principles.pdf.
Below you’ll find further information on three of the committees serving Oneota Co-op. Please contact oneotaallsworth@gmail.com if you are a non-employee member/owner interested in serving on one of these committees:
Board Nomination Committee (BNC)
This committee is responsible for overseeing the election process, cooperating with Co-op staff charged with facilitating election materials, and reviewing candidates in our annual election. Chaired by the VP, the BNC is looking for two member/owners to assist with this upcoming election cycle.
- Responsibilities include recruiting and reviewing candidates. We will meet one to two times a month from November through February 2026.
Board Development Committee (BDC) – Charter
This committee is tasked with education and training of new directors, considering potential candidates for the board, and as of recently, writing blogs! Chaired by the VP, the BDC is looking for member-owners who are interested.
- Responsibilities include identifying and recruiting potential board candidates, developing protocols for board orientation & training, and enjoying camaraderie with your board.
Member-Board Linkage Committee (Member-Linkage) – Charter
This committee is tasked with creating a quality relationship between board and member/owners (think potlucks, surveys, and annual meetings). They have some great projects in the works. Chaired by board president Piper, the Member-Linkage Committee is also looking for member/owners.
- Responsibilities include developing short- and long-term goals for member-board communication strategies, having fun, and seeking ways for quality member feedback.