We welcome and encourage member-owners to participate in the democratic governance of the Co-op and run for a seat on the Co-op’s Board of Delegates.
This year we have 4 board delegate seats open (3 open to all member-owners, 1 open to a staff member-owner).
You don’t need to have prior board or Co-op experience to be a candidate, as the Board is looking for member-owners who are:
Dedicated to the mission and values of Mariposa Food Co-op
Willing to learn about and use Policy Governance
Able to participate in discussions in a respectful and cooperative manner
Able to participate in group decision making
Committed to supporting and communicating Board decisions with staff and member-owners
Board members are expected to prepare for and actively participate in monthly Board meetings, an annual retreat, the Annual Elections Meeting, and occasional Board training events. There may also be occasional, optional travel for development opportunities.
How to become a candidate:
Download and complete a paper candidacy form and submit it in-store, or complete the candidacy form at the bottom of this page by Thursday February 6th, 2025.
We recommend that you attend at least one Board meeting and/or Board Information Session before voting opens on
Monday March 10th, 2025. All meetings are scheduled as follows:
Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 - Board meeting (6:30pm-9pm) held virtually
Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 - Board meeting (6:30pm-9pm) Location TBD
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 - Board meeting (6:30pm-9pm) Location TBD
Date/Time/Location TBD - Meet the candidate forum
The statements that you write below will be posted on our website and in-store for our member-owners to read before voting opens. We also ask (though it is not required) that candidates provide a picture for promotional materials.
Lastly, attend the Annual elections/Spring Member-owner meeting in April (date and time TBD), where you will be able to meet fellow member-owners and hear a presentation about the state of the Co-op before the election results.
Who Can Run for the Board?
Terms/Eligibility: Any Mariposa member-owner in good standing and at least 18 years of age may run for the Board. Any person with a conflict of interest so continuing and pervasive that they are unable to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of a delegate with the Co-op shall not be qualified to serve as a delegate (section 4.4 of our bylaws). Term lengths vary and may include, one year, two years and three years. Board members will receive a 10% shopping discount for the work they do at the Co-op. Newly-elected delegates first attend April and May meetings to observe and learn, prior to assuming their voting privileges at the June Board meeting.
Who Are the Board Officers?
The officers of the Board of delegates are Convener, Vice-Convener, Secretary and Treasurer, plus a delegate to uphold the Co-op’s values of food justice and anti-racism within the Board’s work. Once elected, new delegates and current Board members will decide who will be an officer and who will remain an at-large delegate, with newly elected delegates encouraged to take on officer positions.
For more information regarding Monthly Meetings & Time Commitments, Board Duties, Ends, and the Policy Governance Overview, check out the Board Candidate Packet. If you have questions, please email ownership@mariposa.coop or phone us at 215-729-2121 x13. Thank you for your interest in serving on the Board at Mariposa Food Co-op!