The communications committee manages the co-op’s communication and marketing strategy, ensuring that our values and mission are consistently and uniquely expressed and the co-op brand stays active and relevant in the community. We are are looking for writers, designers, photographers, videographers, illustrators, market researchers, direct response and brand strategists, and web programmer/database administrators to join our team. Our projects include: website management, social media content, membership- and fundraising-related promotional materials, event info-graphics, and publicity.

The process of opening a co-op involves creating events that bring the community together in fun and engaging ways. To that end, the event planning committee is responsible for dreaming up, planning, and executing events that range from fundraisers to potluck dinners to town meetings. We work closely with the fundraising committee to ensure that our events align with the co-op’s development goals, as well as with the communications and outreach committees to make sure our events are well publicized and attended. As part of the event planning committee, the world is your oyster—of creativity! Bring your event planning skills or come learn how to plan an event with us.

The outreach committee is responsible for planning and implementing the initial outreach campaign to enroll the first 300 co-op members. This includes organizing coffees in people’s homes to help spread the word about the co-op, making telephone calls, and meeting with interested community members one-to-one. We also work closely with the communications committee to provide updates for the website, social media, newsletters, and emails.

The finance committee establishes the financial structure of the co-op—a critical component of the co-op’s success. Our primary task is to research and prepare a start-up budget and expenditure guidelines. We identify and recommend sources of funding (such as grants) to meet the financial needs of the co-op, work with financial consultants to prepare initial pro forma financial projections, and research options for banks, credit unions, and accountants. We also provide a monthly written report to the Founders Group about our activities and the financial activities and condition of the co-op.

Working closely with the finance and event planning committees, the fundraising committee establishes a calendar for fundraising events and plans fundraising activities. We create and implement programs and events (community-building, sometimes educational, always fun!) to raise money for the co-op. Our group works closely with the event planning committee to organize fundraisers and cultivate partnerships with local businesses, farmers, government, foundations, and individual donors. The sooner we help raise enough money to cover start-up expenses, the sooner we can open our doors. It’s really that simple!

We are seeking board members who can contribute to our diversity; represent or have experience in areas related to the cooperative project, such as business or farming; and have a dedicated interest in locally-based, sustainable economic development. Members of the board development committee help develop criteria for board membership, identify and recruit candidates, and create by-laws and structure for future board elections. A well-run board will help steer the co-op towards maintaining the seven cooperative principles and reflecting the values of the community.