Job posting: Portland Food Co-op seeks General Manager

Portland Food Co-op General Manager, Portland Maine

The Portland Food Co-op is seeking a vibrant community-oriented leader to serve as our first General Manager. The Portland Food Co-op plans to open a grocery store in September 2014, owned by members and open to the public, that will offer a wide selection of high quality and fairly priced local, organic, and natural foods and household products. We are dedicated to supporting local farmers and producers, serving our community and building the local economy.

The ideal candidate should have at least five years experience as General Manager or other senior management position at a food co-op. The General Manager (GM) will plan and oversee all co-op operations and be responsible for meeting all business and organizational goals. Candidates should have a solid understanding of business accounting principles, organizational budgeting and business planning, as well as margins, setting sales goals, pricing, product merchandising, and marketing. The GM will be responsible for hiring and supervision of all co-op management and staff and will report directly to the Board of Directors under policy governance. It is imperative that the GM value co-op principles and demonstrate ability to connect with the local community.

PFC is in the process of establishing a retail storefront, and the GM will have a direct role in decision-making for the store. Our goal is to have over 1400 member-owners and annual sales of $1.7 million in our first year of store operations.We are seeking a leader with demonstrated experience leading a team through a period of significant growth.

Portland is a city full of inspiration, where startups become local institutions.  Portland was ranked #1 Most Liveable City by Forbes Magazine in 2009 and is in the top ten for Greenest City, Best Farmers Market, and Foodiest Small Town.  Learn more at liveworkportland.org.

This is a full-time salaried position with health benefits and paid vacation. The target start date is April 1st 2014. To learn more about PFC please go towww.portlandfood.coop. To apply please send resume, cover letter, and three professional references to: info@portlandfood.coop.

Job posting: Equal Exchange seeks Copy Writer and Content Coordinator

Things are hopping at Equal Exchange. Job Announcement!

Equal Exchange is seeking a motivated, creative, well organized person to be our Community Sales Copy Writer and Content Coordinator. Community Sales includes Equal Exchange's programs and product offerings for congregations, schools, community groups, and online sales. Full time, based in West Bridgewater, MA.
To see the job description and submit your application go to: http://equalexchange.coop/community-sales-copy-writer-and-content-coordinator.
Application deadline is January 17th, 2014.

My So-Called Housing Cooperative Episode 2: The Long Goodbye now online

Hi Friends,

Episode 2 of My-So Called Housing Cooperative is now online. 

You can view it on Youtube here: http://youtu.be/_tHXC6SHPN0

Episode Summary: Corbin tries to move out of the Faire-Op, but things get dramatic when Craig discovers an unapproved modification that Corbin made to his room.  Who knew one whale could cause so much fuss?

My So-Called Housing Cooperative is the story of young adults trying to live a life of cooperation and compassion... without losing their minds. Each month's webisode features a scripted parody based upon real life at the Faire Bande à Part Housing Cooperative (Faire-Op), a 3 story apartment building in Lewiston, ME.

You can see it on the Website, Facebook, and Youtube.

I hope you enjoy it. More episodes to come.

US Federation of Worker Co-ops Sustainer Drive 2013

Got Love for Worker Co-ops?  Join as a USFWC Sustainer! Have you been looking for a concrete way to support the growing worker cooperative movement?   How about helping the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives reach our goal of 200 Sustainer members by December 31st?     Sustainer Members are individuals who value the US Federation's work and commit at least $10 a month to provide reliable, community-sourced revenue that we can use to do things we might not be able to do with grants. Years of hard work are starting to bear fruit in the form of a growing movement. Now is the time to ask our allies for a sustained commitment of support.   "The U.S. Federation has now become the primary source of information and analysis for the worker cooperative field.  I became a sustaining member because I want to support leadership that is driven by the worker cooperatives themselves." Steve Dawson Founder of Coop Home Care Associates  Bronx, NY Your sustainer membership will fund our Federation's ongoing work to build our members' power and amplify our voices in discussions of the new economy we are building. This is work that builds a movement. And grassroots movement-building requires grassroots funding. That's 200+ of YOU. At $10 a month. Easy peasy! "I'm pleased to be able to donate a modest amount each month to keep this organization active and productive.  With the donation automatically deducted each month, it's an easy way to be actively engaged.  I highly recommend becoming a Sustainer which feels good, saves time, and supports crucial work."  Mary Hoyer,   Union Coops Council and Coop Fund of New England Please join today as a USFWC Sustainer. Click the 'Join' button or visit www.usworker.coop/join/sustainers to learn more. With our deepest thanks for your belief in this work, and your willingness to back it financially, ~ The USFWC Board and Staff

Job posting: Senior Business and Economic Development Consultant at the ICA Group

The ICA Group is looking for a Senior Business and Economic Development Consultant to join its expanding practice in community economic development and employee ownership services. This is a full time position located at the ICA headquarters located in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The senior business consultant is an integral part of our small team, taking a leadership position in developing and managing projects. The work involves undertaking market research, analyzing existing and proposed businesses, evaluating alternative business strategies, and developing financial projections. This is an exciting and unusual opportunity for someone interested in using their business expertise and analytic skills for social good.

More information on the position and instructions on how to apply can be found here: http://ica-group.org/senior_consultant/.

Job posting: Neighbor to Neighbor MA seeks Executive Director

Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, headquartered in Boston, is offering the opportunity to serve as the executive director of this progressive organization of working class, multi-racial and multi-ethnic people working together to build political and economic power and improve the quality of lives in their communities.  The ideal candidate will be a transformational, strategic, experienced leader who can inspire staff, board and members to reach their full potential.

In the mid 1990’s, Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts defined its mission to focus on building power in low-income communities through an economic justice agenda.  Through its offices in Boston, Lynn, Worcester, Holyoke and Springfield, Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts focuses its efforts in building grassroots power and organizing for economic and environmental justice. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a bilingual, strategic leader with a strong financial and fundraising background to further this organization’s mission while helping to shape its future.  For the complete position profile and application guidelines please visit http://www.tsne.org/jobs/n2nma

Food First trip to Basque Country to Explore Food Sovereignty and Cooperative Production

BASQUE COUNTRY: Food Sovereignty and Cooperative Production

 March 22-30, 2014

Join Food First and experience the Spanish Basque Country, Euskal Herria, through the eyes of local farmers and activists while exploring food sovereignty and cooperative production.

Specially hosted by the Basque Farmers’ Union, recent honorees of the 2013 Food Sovereignty Prize, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn how agriculture and food play key economic and social roles within Basque society by preserving important threatened traditions. Tour the renowned Mondragón worker-owned cooperative and stay in farmer-owned guesthouses and learn about the struggles and triumphs of Basque history while sharing delicious, local, cooperatively grown food.

We want to honor the US cooperative movement, and are offering a $100 discount to members of cooperatives. Just enter Coop2014 upon registering. We also provide partial scholarships through our Scholarship Program.

http://www.foodsovereigntytours.org/international-tours/basque-country/

____________________________________________________________

*Scholarships available for qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

*The trip prices reflect fair compensation for the many groups and individuals who contribute their time, energy and expertise to the delegations. Please see website for cost inclusions/exclusions.

Job posting: R.I. Food Co-op seeks General Manager

Job Announcement for Alternative Food Co-op General Manager position

The Alternative Food Cooperative of Wakefield, RI, is looking for a full-time General Manager and invites applications from the greater food co-op and sustainable living business community. Please see the job description below.

The Co-op, in business for 43 years, is located in downtown Wakefield, a village in the town of South Kingstown on the rural-suburban southern shore of Rhode Island. The University of Rhode Island is four miles from the Co-op. The area has a vibrant and growing local food movement, with several farmers’ markets and Community-Supported Agriculture enterprises that include local fish and shellfish, vegetables, fruits, and meats.

It is a relatively small Co-op at 2200 sq. ft. with about 200 active members, and 14 staff members. Earlier this year, we formed a Strategic Planning Committee of Board members, staff, and members considering a move or expansion to let us better serve our membership. The new General Manager will be an integral member of this team and vision.

We are looking for a General Manager who has the ambition, experience, and energy to take the Co-op to the next level.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Moving expenses not covered.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an energetic person dedicated to the co-op movement and local and organic food to “make a difference” by growing the Alternative Food Co-op to an organization that takes full advantage of the demographics of south coastal Rhode Island and the growing local food movement. We look forward to meeting our new General Manager!

Please submit a resume and a cover letter for consideration. Include the name, address, email, and telephone number of three references who can attest to your experience and abilities. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

Email to: john@jwsfoodcrafters.com

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General Manager Position Description

General Responsibilities: To manage the Co-op Operations, to meet the goals and objectives of the membership and the Board of Directors, and to uphold the Co-op’s principles as defined in the Mission Statement

Supervision Received: Reports to and serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership, team building, delegation and motivation skills
• Successful experience managing a retail food store, preferably in a natural foods, cooperative model including supervision, business planning, development and administration
• Experience preparing and implementing annual budgets
• A comprehensive understanding of current trends in natural foods industry, and commitment to local, sustainable foods and the cooperative model
• Experience in all phases of retail store operations
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple demands, prioritize, and delegate appropriately
• Demonstrated high integrity and commitment to ethical business practices
• Demonstrated computer proficiency

Responsibilities:

Operations

• Efficiently and effectively organize the Co-op’s operations to ensure profitability
• Identify and address operational problems in a timely fashion
• Plan for the Co-op’s ongoing operational needs, including technology, facilities, and equipment
• Compliance with all applicable laws: licenses, permits, health regulations, workers compensation, & employment requirements

Membership

• Administration of benefits and requirements
• Assessment of member and patron needs and desires to increase membership and participation
• Prioritization of goals and projects
• Timely and accurate reporting including presentations to membership at Annual Meeting

Planning and Development - Assist the board with:

• Development of long term vision (strategic plan)
• Preparation of a business plan
• Store development goals and priorities
• Assessment of capital needs and development of sources

Financial

• Annual operating, capital, and cash budgets
• Timely and accurate reporting to board and membership
• Goals and key indicators for operations: margin, sales, profits, turns, membership

Marketing and Merchandising

• Set purchasing and pricing guidelines

• Promotions and display

• Newsletter, advertising, and other communications
• Oversee keeping website active and up to date

• Participation in community events

Personnel

• Wages and benefits
• Grievance procedures

• Participation and decision making
• Hiring, orientation, training, scheduling, evaluation, promotion, discipline, dismissal

Board Relationship

• Work with the Board to establish and implement goals and policies
• Interpret financial statements and effectively convey them to the Board
• Informational and leadership support

Other

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Board of Directors

New Hampshire Community Seafood multi-stakeholder co-op featured in Rural Cooperatives Magazine, Sept/Oct issue

CDI's Lynda Brushett and Noemi Giszpenc teamed up to report on the new multi-stakeholder co-op in New Hampshire, NH Community Seafood, owned by fishermen and consumers. Using the community-supported agriculture marketing model, they are shoring up the basis for viable local fisheries. See http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Coop_RurCoopMag.html, Sept/Oct issue, pages 24-25.

photo Sarah VanHorn

Launch of web series: My So-Called Housing Cooperative

Craig Saddlemire, film-maker and founder-member of Faire Bande A Part in Lewiston, ME, writes:

October is Co-Op Month and the perfect time to release the first episode in a short web series I'm producing called My So-Called Housing Cooperative.

Episode 1: The New Member(s) will be released Monday, October 28th on Vimeo , Youtube , and Facebook. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3NP20XgIvg

My So-Called Housing Cooperative is the story of young adults trying to live a life of cooperation and compassion... without losing their minds. Each month's webispode features a scripted parody based upon real life at the Faire Bande à Part Housing Cooperative (Faire-Op), a 3 story apartment building in Lewiston, ME. Founded in 2008 by four young idealists, the Faire-Op was Maine's first fully occupied housing cooperative. Since 2008, every month has brought about hardships, miracles, and mayhem. Rather than sell a glorified vision of cooperative living, members of the Faire-Op felt it would be more entertaining and informative to foreground the unique challenges they face. Each episode, the story is comprised of memories, premonitions, and exagerations of real events. All of the characters in the show are played by actual Faire-Op members, but the twist is that each episode, one member performs the role of everyone. My So-Called Housing Cooperative is not just a program to educate others about cooperative living. It's an opportunity for Faire-Op'ers to reflect on their home-spun experiment and consider - through roleplay - the perspective of their fellow housemates. After all, solidarity is no joke, but sometimes it can be pretty funny.

This project is an extension of the project, Household: Four Stories of Kinship and Curiosity, which you may learn about at the website http://householdmovie.org.

Job posting: GM for co-op store in Western MA

JOB POSTING: October 5, 2013

General Manager (GM) for the Old Creamery Co-op in Cummington, Massachusetts. After a three-year start-up period, we are off and running! We took ownership of the Old Creamery business and building on November 6, 2012 and are now operating as a member-owned community supported cooperative.

We are seeking a GM to ensure that the Old Creamery thrives as a vibrant center of the surrounding communities. A full-service grocery store, deli, and café, the Old Creamery currently has annual sales of nearly $1.7 million, 26 full- and part-time employees, and 640 member-owners. Our business plan projects increase of sales to $2 million by 2016.

Candidates must have senior management experience in a retail food business and strong skills in financial management, marketing, problem solving, communication, and community building. We seek an inspired leader who embraces challenge and who has vision, compassion, and a sense of humor. Our ideal candidate will help create the conditions and culture necessary for long-term success while managing the many and diverse activities of a recent start-up, including: final touches on a near complete building renovation and parking expansion, creation and innovation of operational systems, and ongoing management development of staff.

Immediate opening. Compensation and benefits dependent on experience, competitive with similar-type co-ops. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and we strongly encourage applications before November 30, 2013. Refer to our website (http://oldcreamery.coop/) for more information about the Old Creamery Co-op vision and values, and to find the detailed General Manager job description. To apply, please send an email to board@oldcreamery.coop  with the following attachments in MS Office Word or PDF format.

1. Cover letter, including your salary history and salary requirements
2. Resume
3. Three employment references with full contact information (name, address, phone, email, title, relationship)

While the Co-op strongly prefers applications via email, if access to the Internet is an issue for any reason, please apply via postal mail to Board President, Old Creamery Co-op, 445 Berkshire Trail, Cummington, MA  01026.

The Old Creamery Co-op values excellence and diversity in hiring and is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Job posting: Landscaping co-op now hiring, Boston area

(español abajo)

Hi all - 

A Yard & A Half Landscaping Cooperative, Inc. is a 1-year old, 12-person worker-cooperative buying our 25-year old organic landscaping company (design/build/maintain) from the retiring founder/owner. Most of us are from El Salvador, and we have an average of 10 years working in the company, from the ground up (pun intended).

We are looking to hire a few motivated, hard-working folks who believe in the cooperative principles and want to build a career creating beautiful, healthy outdoor spaces. See hiring brochure below to learn more about the co-op and current openings. 

In solidarity,

Carolyn Edsell-Vetter

____________________

¡Hola!

La Cooperativa de A Yard & A Half Landscaping es una cooperativa de 12 trabajadores. Trabajamos en una compania de jardinería y construcción de paisajes. La duena de la compania se jubilara después de 25 años, y estamos en proceso de comprar la empresa.Somos hispanos por la mayor parte, con un promedio de 10 años trabajando juntos. 

Buscamos miembros motivados y trabajadores que creen en los principales cooperativos, y quieren una profesión donde se puede construir espacios saludables y hermosos. Interesado, llame a Geovani en 781-788-8855. ¡Gracias!

JOBS @ A YARD & A HALF
Green Careers…
Cooperative Opportunities
Come GROW with Us!
A Yard & A Half Landscaping Cooperative, Inc.

26 Thayer Road
Waltham, MA 02453
781-788-8855
http://www.ayardandahalf.com

A Yard & A Half Landscaping  Cooperative, Inc. is a 20-person landscape design, installation &
maintenance company. We are hiring team members for our landscape construction and maintenance crews.
Responsibilities include:

• Safe operation of power equipment, trucks, and trailers.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction with job performed.
• Positive attitude toward work, customers, and crew leader.
• Contributing ideas and opinions to assist with crew and company decision-making.
• Performing work in accordance with high quality and company standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid MA driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability to work in all weather and lift 50 lbs.
• Spanish-English bilingual a plus.
• A Yard & A Half is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COMPANY PROFILE
A Yard & A Half Landscaping was founded by Eileen Michaels in 1988. Over the years, she grew the company to over $2 million in annual sales by guaranteeing all of the company’s work and investing in
its employees. In preparation for retirement, Eileen offered the employees the chance to buy the company, and we incorporated as a worker-owned cooperative. The company has historically operated with open books, shared profits with employees, and involved employees in decision-making, so the cooperative model is a natural step for us.

We have received guidance in the transition from members of WORC’N, including Boston
Collective Delivery, Equal Exchange, Community Builders, and Red Sun Press, as well as Namaste Solar. We plan to continue a slow but steady growth pattern, so that current members can grow in our careers and areas of interest, while creating opportunities for right livelihood for others in our community.

COOPERATIVE ADVANTAGES
Every employee has an opportunity to become a co-owner of the company, with one vote per person.
We currently have 11 employee-owners, representing all positions within the company, from laborers
to managers. Average candidacy period is three years, during which employees can begin accumulating owner equity through payroll deductions. Share price is $7,500, which does not appreciate/depreciate.
Co-owners democratically decide how much profit to pay out as dividends. When employees leave the
company, they receive back their original share price, plus any dividends retained by the co-op as
written notices of allocation. All co-owners can participate in board meetings. We review financials with all co-owners and employees at least quarterly.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Recognized by Inc. Magazine as a “Winning Workplace”, A Yard & A Half offers comprehensive benefits designed to meet the needs of all our employees:

• Medical & dental insurance
• Simple-IRA retirement plan 
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Profit sharing
• Uniforms, boot & rain gear reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

For information on open positions or to submit your resume, email:
laurel@ayardandahalf.com

Check out our updated Manufactured Housing Program webpage and follow the program on Twitter @NewEnglandROCs

There's updated information on our Manufactured Housing Program page.  Find it here: www.cdi.coop/manufacturedhousing.html.

Also, get up-to-date information on the program on Twitter:  @NewEnglandRocs

Come to the 2013 New York Cooperative Summit

Registration for the New York Cooperative Summit is now open
www.newyorkcooperative.net

The New York Cooperative Network will hold the second annual New York Cooperative Summit in Syracuse on Saturday, September 28th.  The event will feature expert speakers and presentations that will educate and inspire members of the cooperative movement, from experienced practitioner to new enthusiasts.  

Connect with the leaders of New York’s cooperative movement.

The 2013 Summit features new breakout sessions, opportunities for discussion and engagement with cooperators close to home, and keynote addresses from prominent thinkers and doers.  Learn more about the presenters and panels:  

• Featured Speaker: Richard Wolff, Democracy at Work
• Featured Speaker: Brendan Martin, The Working World
• Featured Speaker: Esteban Kelly, New Economics Institute
• Technical Assistance: the Democracy at Work Network
• How to: Legally Organizing Your Cooperative
• Panel: What's Next for Grocery Cooperatives?
• Panel: Community Finance and Economic Justice
• How to: Cooperative Startup -- with Noemi Giszpenc of CDI, and Stuart Reid of Food Co-op Initiative
• Panel: Worker Cooperative Incubation
• Panel: Agricultural Cooperation in New York
• Panel: Cooperative Housing
• Tour: Eat to Live Food Cooperative

Summit Details

Date and TimeSaturday, September 28, 2013
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT)

LocationSouth Side Innovation Center
2610 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13205
See map

More informationnewyorkcooperative.net
facebook.com/NYCooperativeNetwork
newyorkcooperative@gmail.com

Call for Co-op Academy Mentors! Worcester Roots project, fall 2013

Call for Co-op Academy Mentors!

Experienced Co-operators Needed!

This fall, Worcester Roots Project, in collaboration with Solidarity And Green Economy Alliance (SAGE), CDI and Boston Center for Community Ownership is holding the very first Co-op Academy: "Concept to Co-op (CtC)"! CtC is a comprehensive training and mentorship program that gives present and prospective member-owners the knowledge, resources, tools, and connections to start their own business and become part of a national cooperative movement. 20 sessions over 10 weeks will include in-depth, personalized, and participatory trainings on incorporation, finance, market analysis, group development, and much more.

We believe that the best way to learn how to start your own cooperative business is to work closely with someone who has done it before, who knows the pitfalls and the potential, the challenges and the rewards. That's why we are calling for those with experience either with cooperatives or small business development to join us in supporting these budding, community-minded entrepreneurs in realizing their
dreams.

Mentorship means:

Being paired with a small group working to make their co-op business idea a reality or to transform an existing business or project into a cooperative.
Committing to a minimum of five evening sessions (in person or by phone/video conference) between September 16 - November 20, where you will go over the progress the group has made so far, advise them on next steps, connect them with relevant resources, and share what you've learned from your own experiences (fifteen hours total).
After they have completed the CtC Academy, holding six monthly sessions, either in person, online, or by phone. Help to check their progress, troubleshoot problems, explore new avenues for development, and advise them on their direction (6 hours plus 4 hours misc for a grand total of 25 hours over 6 months for the full mentorship commitment).

We are looking for people who have:

• Started their own cooperative
• Have started their own (non-cooperative) business
• Have worked in cooperative development
• Have extensive experience in finance or small business development

Additional skills desired include:

• Knowledge of small business law
• Experience with other kinds of cooperatives: credit unions, energy, housing, producer or marketing
• Experience working with small groups
• Interpersonal skills / ability to meet people where they are
• Experience with marketing, branding, or sales

Mentorship is a powerful and rewarding experience, an opportunity to walk people through the process of discovering themselves as creative agents in a new, compassionate economy. In addition, Worcester Roots is fundraising to make compensation possible on a case by case basis.

Join us in making the economy of tomorrow a reality, today. Please contact us if interested in being a mentor, or with any questions.
Asa Needle, Coordinator of Outreach and Education, Worcester Roots Project, asa@worcesterroots.org c: 774-242-2842

Support a new worker-owned green recycling business: CERO in Boston

From Stacey Cordeiro, founder of Boston Center for Community Ownership:

Hi my co-op community, I wanted to let you know about a new worker co-op forming in Boston.  It will be a full-service recycling and disposal service for neighborhood restaurants, closing local food loops by composting food scraps for local farmers and collecting waste vegetable oil for biofuel.  Today is the first day of a long process of raising enough money for trucks and equipment.  This is a member driven effort, with local entrepreneurs from African American and Latino communities coming together to create this business.  They have been working hard for over a year to create a solid business plan to make this happen.  

Even if you can't donate, I really recommend visiting their Indiegogo site to watch the short video, it's really beautiful.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/green-jobs-that-pay-off-for-people-community-the-planet/x/303065?c=home

http://www.cero.coop/

Looking forward to seeing many of you this week at ECWD!

Stacey

Co-op Jobs Act Introduced: HR 2437

Many thanks to Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) for re-introducing a bill to foster cooperative development throughout the country, H.R. 2437, the Creating Jobs Through Cooperatives Act. See http://fattah.house.gov/news2/new-legislation-helps-drive-the-national-cooperative-movement/.

Food Co-op Initiative Announces Grant Opportunity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Stuart Reid   

Tel. 507-664-2034

Cell: 507-581-0170

stuart@foodcoopinitiative.coop

www.foodcoopinitiative.coop

Food Co-op Initiative Announces Grant Opportunity

Food Co-op Initiative today announced they are accepting applications for grants up to $10,000 for development of new grocery co-ops. The Seed Grant program provides a cash award along with proven resources to help organizations achieve success. Food Co-op Initiative advisers will work closely with awardees throughout their organizing process, including making at least one in-person visit to the community.

Food Co-op Initiative’s Seed Grant program is designed to streamline the startup process to foster the maximum number of successful, sustainable co-ops. These competitive grants must be matched by the co-op with funds raised locally. Grants may be used for payment to professional consultants, registration fees and expenses to attend training opportunities, and initiatives supporting member recruitment, capital-raising, community outreach, or other aspects of organizing the co-op.

Food Co-op Initiative was founded in 2010 in response to a continuing wave of interest in establishing new retail food co-ops. The Initiative provides a range of services to the hundreds of volunteer groups working to bring improved access to food and the other economic and social benefits of cooperatives to their communities.

In 2012, Food Co-op Initiative awarded $100,000 to 14 organizations in 12 states. Grants are funded by the USDA, Blooming Prairie Foundation, and the kind support of cooperators nationwide. Applications and guidelines are downloadable at www.foodcoopinitiative.coop. Deadline for applications to be received is August 1st. Awards will be announced by September 1st.

###

About Food Co-op Initiative: Food Co-op Initiative is a non-profit foundation created to provide resources and support for communities that want to start new food co-ops. Food Co-op Initiative provides support, referrals, and training to help communities nationwide create successful grocery cooperatives.

reRoute: Building Youth and Student Power for a New Economy, July 19-21, New York City

Announcing reRoute: Building Youth and Student Power for a New Economy

This summer join a diverse new generation of practitioners and organizers from across the US and Canada to share strategies, tools, and stories about our work creating a solidarity economy from the ground up in our communities and on our campuses. reRoute: Building Youth and Student Power for a New Economy will bring together under-40 activists dedicated to systemic change for three days, July 19-21 at New York University. 

The event is sliding scale and scholarships are available. Housing deadline is June 12th. You can learn more at www.neweconomicsinstitute/reroute or by emailing cheyennaweber@neweconomicsinstitute.org.

Full convergence program TBA but confirmed panels and workshops include:

*Pathways to a New Economy

with David Woods, Institute for Responsible Investment; Maliha Safiri, US Solidarity Economy Network; Alexa Bradley, On the Commons; Ed Whitfield, Fund for Democratic Communities, moderated by Atlee McFellin, Symcenter

*Making a Living in the New Economy

with Elandria Williams, Highlander Center; Farah Tanis, Black Women's Blueprint; Jessie Reilly, TimebanksNYC; Juliet Schor, Boston College, moderated by Joshua Stephens, NYC-based co-op developer

*Financing a New Economy

with Deyanira del Rio, Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project; Steve Wong, the Working World; Lauren Ressler, Responsible Endowments Coalition, moderated by Kenneth Edusei, SolidarityNYC

*Teaching and Learning a New Economics

with Renaud Girac, University of Quebec; Brian Kelly, US Society for Ecological Economics; Olivia Geiger, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, moderated by Keith Harrington, New School

*Success Stories from the New Economics Institute Campus Network

with Sachie Hopkins Hayakawa, Swarthmore Mountain Justice; Marcie Hawkins-Smith, North Carolina Student New Economy Coalition; Joel Williams, the Oak Tree Spokane; David Porinchok, Northern Arizona University Action Research Program, moderated by Farhad Ebrahimi, The Chorus Foundation

Fossil Fuel Divestment and Beyond – Responsible Endowments Coalition

Possibilities For Participatory Budgeting – Participatory Budgeting Greensboro

Food Justice and The New Economy – CoFED and Mariposa Food Co-op

Building Political Power for a New Economy– SolidarityNYC/Philadelphia 

Co-op Alliance

Can The Economics Curriculum Be Reformed?  Lessons From Activists In France and Quebec – PEPS / Horizons Economiques

Universities As Anchors For A Sustainable And Just Food Economy – Real Food Challenge

Mapping The New Economy – Shareable/Data Commons Project/Solidarity NYC

How To Start A Worker Co-op – Cooperative Development Institute

Non-hierarchical Staffing Structures – North American Students Of Cooperation

Bringing Solidarity Home: creating alternative housing economies through 

cooperative living – NASCO

Timebanks From New York to California – Timebanks NYC/Bay Area Community Exchange

Cooperative and Democratic Leadership--AORTA

We'll also be offering solidarity economy tours of Brooklyn on Friday.

Webinar: Improving Your Cooperative’s Annual Meeting

Please forward this information on to all of your cooperative contacts and/or state council contacts.

Please join us for a FREE Webinar!

“Improving Your Cooperative’s Annual Meeting”

When: Thursday, June 13, 2013

4:00-5:00 pm ET/3:00-4:00 pm CT/2:00-3:00 pm MT/1:00 pm-2:00 pm PT

https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/cooperatives (Enter as guest.)

Most cooperative bylaws require an annual meeting. Your annual meeting can be a routine formality or it can be your major promotional event that stimulates good will and membership understanding. OnThursday, June 13 from 3:00-4:00 pm Central Time (CT), the eXtension Cooperatives Community of Practice, in conjunction with USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs and various state Cooperative Councils, will host a free webinar on improving annual meetings. Cooperative managers, employees, board members, and other stakeholders involved with planning and implementing your annual meeting are invited.

A panel of experts from various cooperative industry sectors will give their perspectives on how to improve your annual meeting. All of the speakers will take part in a discussion session responding to your questions as well discussing timely topics, including:

*     What is the best venue and format?

*     How to fill the room with active members!

*     How to create a culture of excitement!

*     Classic annual meeting mistakes to avoid!

Panel: David Swank, CEO, Central Rural Electric Cooperative, Stillwater, OK; Brian Ingulsrud, Vice President of Administration, American Crystal Sugar Company, Moorhead, MN; Tommy Engleke, Executive Vice President, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council

Moderator: Phil Kenkel, Bill Fitzwater Cooperative Chair, Oklahoma State University

Webinar Link: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/cooperatives (Enter as guest.)

Participants who pre-register by contacting phil.kenkel@okstate.edu will receive a copy of the presentation material and discussion summary.

Job Posting: Maine Housing Program Organizer, part-time

Cooperative Development Institute (www.cdi.coop) is seeking a new hire to join its New England Resident Owned Communities (NEROC) Program. The main work of the program is to assist the residents in the nearly 1200 manufactured home parks in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine to purchase their communities and manage them as resident-owned cooperatives. The program is part of the highly successful ROC USA Network (www.rocusa.org).

This position will focus primarily on providing technical assistance to manufactured housing communities throughout the state of Maine. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, a good communicator, a self-starter, ready to learn, able to travel and work on some evenings and weekends. The housing program work is part-time (20 hrs/week). A new hire may also have the option of supplementing this work by taking on fee-for-service cooperative development projects that the Cooperative Development Institute is working on outside of the NEROC program.

See job description below. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume with references to info@cdi.coop. This position will remain open until filled.

Job Title: Housing Program Organizer (Part Time).
Reports to: Executive Director, Housing Program Manager
Base Salary Compensation: $18-20/hour plus benefits (Exempt)
Part-time Position: 20 hours/week
Position Overview:Provides all manner of training and assistance to new and existing resident-owned manufactured home communities, both individually and in groups; helps members understand their roles and responsibilities in order to more effectively manage their resident owned community; fosters a sense of empowerment and community spirit. Occasionally assists the Housing Program Manager in organizing manufactured home park residents to form cooperatives to purchase their park.

Housing Program Organizer

Essential Job Functions

1. Assists in resident association board meetings, including preparation, agenda setting, running efficient meetings, follow-up, and review of minutes and financial statements.
2. Provides organizational, administrative and reporting assistance to the Housing Program Manager
3. Provides direct support and organizational training to cooperative board members, committees and residents.
4. In each developing co-op, trains committees and facilitates the production of:

• Bylaws
• Community Rules
• Membership committee policies and procedures
• Policies for general governance of Associations

5. Contributes to the development and implementation of workshops for board and community members on range of topics including: board and members’ roles and responsibilities, working in teams, infrastructure and planning for the future, best practices in managing contractors, community building, motivating volunteers, corporate finances and communication.
6. Work with co-ops to maintain meticulous recordkeeping and filing systems and ensure they are up to date on loan compliance responsibilities as well as other legal, financial and regulatory compliance responsibilities.
7. As needed, assists struggling cooperatives to assess their organizational health, identify problems, and develop goals and a plan of action.
8. Other tasks and special projects, as assigned by the Program Manager.

Organizational Expectations:

1. Responsible for conducting all activities within the prescribed policy and budgetary guidelines as set by the Board and administered by the Executive Director.
2. Functions as a participant in CDI's Cooperative Development Team, sharing information effectively to assist others in doing CDI's work. Builds positive and strong relationships with other CDI staff.
3. Demonstrates personal responsibility in job performance.
4. Responsible for role modeling professional standard of behavior. Takes this role within the organization, is consistently respectful and professional with staff and clients.
5. May be required to perform additional, related duties or functions of lesser or greater responsibility as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Minimum Requirements

1. 3 to 5 years of cooperative business experience, including project management experience in for-profit, non-profit community or economic development organizations.
2. Experience with group facilitation, coaching a group through an autonomous decision-making process, and coping with conflict situations.

Knowledge Skills/Abilities

1. Advanced degree in related field welcomed, minimum of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
2. Must be extremely well organized with exceptional recordkeeping skills.
3. Strong knowledge of fiscal management, strategic planning and general business practices.
4. Working understanding of budgeting, real estate and financing.
5. Strong knowledge of and commitment to cooperatives and cooperative development.
6. Well-developed partnership, process development and integration and planning skills.
7. Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, consensus-building and facilitation skills.
8. Proactive and team-oriented leadership required.
9. Ability to think critically and solve problems creatively with small and large groups.
10. Demonstrated experience working effectively on a team.
11. Demonstrated success in community building and organizing.
12. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
13. Demonstrated experience in working remotely/independently.
14. Computer literacy required.
15. Ability to work with diverse groups of residents as well as attorneys, engineers, and other professionals.
16. Available evenings and occasional weekends.
17. Ability to travel.
18. Experience with cooperative governance structures and working with boards of directors preferred.
19. Experience with meeting process, property management, or contractor negotiations a bonus.

Characteristics

1. Well spoken and articulate.
2. Calm demeanor; able to perform under pressure during difficult interpersonal conflict.
3. Plans ahead, able to complete tasks and meet tight deadlines.
4. Able to understand and manage multiple complex tasks.
5. Works collaboratively, self-motivated, flexible, enthusiastic.

In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the base of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (voice and TDD).