Call for Nominations

—by Lisa Scribner, co-chair, HPC Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Hampden Park Cooperative invites YOU to become more involved in YOUR cooperative. Unlike most investor-owned corporations, cooperatives are democratic organizations, and the Board of Directors is chosen through an electoral process by you, the owners.

Benefits of serving on the board

Why would you consider running for the board? Here is one board member's response:

“Being on the Board of Directors is a great way to become more involved in HPC. As a relatively new member of the co-op, being elected to the board has given me invaluable insight into the history and future of the co-op. I started to really know HPC after hearing stories and the experiences of others who are on the Board of Directors. It is these relationships that truly make me feel like part of the HPC community.

"In my opinion, one of the best things about working on the board is that the directors are the co-op’s big picture people who are concerned with the purpose and mission of the co-op and the long range viability of the organization. This is the fun part. There is no other volunteer job at HPC that is as directly responsible for the future of the co-op than volunteering on the board. How exciting!”

How to become a candidate

Members that are interested in becoming a candidate for the Board of Directors will need to complete an application, available at the checkout counters. Please complete the application and return it to the co-op by September 15, 2010.

Nominations to the Board of Directors are also accepted from the floor at the annual meeting. The requirements for board members include: must be a Hampden Park Co-op member in good standing; must be at least 18 years old; and must not have an overriding conflict of interest. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend board meetings in order to see how we conduct business.

HPC can use your skills

Prior experience and professional training are not required to run for the board; necessary training will be provided to all new board members. We are always in need of members who can bring legal, accounting, business, marketing, and cooperative experience to our table. Any member that is enthusiastic about committing time and energy to our cooperative is encouraged to apply!

A director has a three year commitment. There is generally one 2½–hour board meeting per month. Directors are part of several committees that also meet once per month. The committees include: Board Development, Membership, Finance, Physical Plant, Long-range Planning, and Personnel.

For more information....

If you have any questions, please ask a current board member: Jay Dregni, Karen Gill-Gerbig, Marcia Hanson, Nicolet Lyon, Huong Nguyen, Roseanne Rivers, Lisa Scribner, Kathy Vaughan, and A. K. Vincent. Contact information can be found in the entryway of the co-op.