Concerned members recently raised the question of how Co-op members can have better access to and more dialogue with Board members. As I am the “liaison” between the membership and the Board, this falls squarely into my job responsibilities and I’ve been thinking a lot about this issue and how we can improve the channels of communication.

There are a couple of formal avenues at this time for interaction with the Board: the suggestion box, and the public comment period at the beginning of the regular monthly board meetings. But there are limitations to these.

The suggestion box collects feedback and complaints and suggestions from members, and the board responds to them via phone, email, or in the newsletter. But the suggestion box is not face to face, nor is it dialogue.

The public comment period at the beginning of board meetings is designed for members to give formal feedback and suggestions to the board and to ask questions of the board, face to face. However, the board always responds to these public comments at a later time, so that their response and/or action is thoughtful and not off the cuff, and also so that the Board meetings won’t go any later than they already do. So this, too, while efficient and useful, can leave something to be desired.

Members who already know the Board of Directors frequently offer their informal comments to them, and they are encouraged to make these comments “official” by putting them in writing in the Board suggestion box. The Board photos on the bulletin board in the store are meant to make it easier to recognize Board members, so members can talk to them informally when they’re in the store.

But what if you just want to talk and not submit an official comment? What if you don’t personally know the Board members and are a little shy? What if you always have to work at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and can’t attend a board meeting? How can members have a more informal give and take type of discussion with Board members?

In the past, the Board offered opportunities like Dinner with the Directors, which weren’t well attended and which were expensive for the Co-op to host. So we’re going to try something new, regular, easy, inexpensive, and we hope fun: Breakfast with the Board.

Breakfast with the Board will be offered one Saturday every month, during the Co-op’s busiest time just before lunch. One or more Board members will be available at the front of the store, offering free coffee and something to munch on while talking with members about their concerns or their response to the “question of the month.” The first one will be Saturday, April 11, starting at 11 a.m.

This idea was developed by the membership committee of the Board and we hope to see you on April 11. Stay tuned for further improvements as we make the Board page of the Co-op website more interactive and informative, with the assistance of our talented new volunteer webmaster, Lida Saskova!

April Opinion Question of the Month: Should the Co-op offer wireless internet in the deli seating area?

Breakfast with the Board! Saturday, April 11, 2009, 11 a.m., at the Co-op. Stop by for a cup of coffee, some munchies, and conversation with Co-op Board of Directors.

Board of Directors monthly board meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 6 p.m., Fiske Room of the 1912 Building. Public welcome, public comment period from 6 – 6:15 p.m.