Serving on a cooperative board can be a thankless job. The pay is nominal and dissatisfied members find it easy to blame the board of directors. Despite those challenges, there is a lot of satisfaction and growth from both running for and serving on the board of directors. Here are the most compelling reasons you should run for your cooperative board.
- One seldom mentioned perk is the self-satisfaction of stepping up to help your fellow producers. It takes time and energy to oversee a cooperative’s health and ensure that it is there for the next generation. There is personal satisfaction in being part of the solution.
- You will gain an increased understanding of the cooperative. Board members open the hood and learn about the moving pieces, both operational and financial. It can be rewarding to better understand the organization that you use and own.
- You will gain increased financial knowledge. Cooperative board members have fiduciary duties to protect the member’s investment. That forces board members to up their game and take their financial skills to the next level. Many board members report that their time on the cooperative board made them better financial managers of their own operation.
- You will have a chance to broaden your horizons and understanding of agriculture. Board members hear about members’ needs and while that can be challenging, it also provides insights into how other producers manage their farming operation. Strategic planning sessions give board members the opportunity to explore the broader trends in the agricultural industry. Positioning the cooperative for the future goes hand in hand with future-proofing your own farming operation.
Of course, being willing to run for the board of directors does not guarantee that you will be selected. That willingness to run is also a service to your fellow producers. As John Minton said: “They also serve who stand and wait!” By agreeing to run for the board you contribute to the democratic process of member control. Running for the board also broadens your connections with other producers and allows you to evaluate your own leadership and communication skills. Some cooperatives have associate board positions. Associate board members are usually appointed and serve for shorter terms. Associate board members attend meetings and participate in discussions but do not have a voting role. That can be a great way to get a trial view of being a board member.
Consider running for your cooperative board. You can improve your cooperative and become a better farmer!
Kenkel, Phil. “Why You Should Run for Your Cooperative Board.” Southern Ag Today 4(39.5). September 27, 2024. Permalink
