BOARD CANDIDATE INFORMATION

BRIARPATCH BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Board of Directors holds the cooperative corporation in trust for the owner-members, and is legally responsible for the corporation.
2. The Board of Directors creates and evaluates our self-governing policy manual.
3. The Board of Directors leads the strategic planning process. The Board of Directors creates objectives and policies based on its vision; and give those policies and objectives to the General Manager for implementation.
   
4. The Board of Directors updates its legal governing documents (i.e, the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws).
   
5. The Board of Directors hires and evaluates the General Manager.
   
6. The Board of Directors schedules and facilitates an annual owner/member meeting.
   
7. Any other activity of The Board of Directors shall concur with our governing documents.

DIRECTOR OF THE BOARD - JOB DESCRIPTION

The Board of Directors are committed to carrying out the Mission of the BriarPatch Co-op as stated in our Mission Statement and in our Articles of Incorporation (section II B (1)). The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving the budget; fiscal stability, vision, long range planning, and corporate policies. We provide collective leadership, advice, and objectives to the General Manager of the BriarPatch Community Market on behalf of owner/members.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare for each Board of Directors meeting by reading committee reports, financial statements, and other materials distributed one week prior to the meeting.
• Attend all regular and special Board meetings, participate in the proceedings, and follow the agenda.
  
• Serve on at least one committee and actively participate in meetings of the committee.
  
• Maintain knowledge of current corporate policies and the objectives of the corporation.
  
• Financially support the Co op by being an active owner and shopping there regularly.
  
• Actively recruit new Co op owners, and encourage them to serve on the Board, on standing committees, or to volunteer their time in the store.
  
• Share expertise and talents with the co-op as appropriate.
  
• Serve as an advocate of the corporation to the community.
  
• Be accessible to the GM and other Board Members as needed.
  
• Contribute at least six (6) hours per month in working for the corporation.
  
• Fulfill commitments within the agreed upon deadlines.
  
• Hold in confidence any sensitive information, for example, disputed or confidential corporate actions, policies, or issues with co-op members, employees, or the general public unless all Directors agree to do so. All issues related to personnel, real estate, market strategy and goals, pending litigation, contract negotiations, and financial status (member loans, bank loans, GM salary, etc.) will be considered sensitive issues subject to confidentiality unless or until full disclosure is approved by the Board as a whole.
• Read and comprehend the Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and the Policy Manual of the BriarPatch Board of Directors.