Governance at Fare Share Co-op
Fare Share Co-op is guided by the goals of Our Common Purpose, as developed and supported by Co-op Owners.
Fare Share’s Bylaws are solid and strong – like the U.S. Constitution. Our policies are more fluid – like laws. The Board’s job is to make sure the bylaws and policies work together to carry out our purpose and goals, to guide operations but not restrict creativity.
In 2002, the Fare Share Board of Directors adopted a system of governance that has been used by many co-ops around the globe. Policy Governance helps us hold ourselves accountable to the goals of the organization. Developed by John Carver in the 1970s, this system delineates the roles of the membership and the Board, and the General Manager and staff. With Policy Governance, no one steps on each other’s toes and the expectations of the organization and its participants are clearly described.
The Board uses a document called the Fare Share Policy Governance Register, which contains about 40 written policies. Some are short; others are long with many sub-policies that describe specific limitations and requirements. The job of the Board is to determine whether or not the Co-op is compliant with the policies. Compliance is determined by data offered in monthly reports. Reports are written by Board members and the General Manager, using data gathered from surveys, financial reports, and other sources. On an annual rotating schedule, each policy is considered separately and completely. If we are compliant, we congratulate ourselves. If we are non-compliant, we figure out how to rectify the situation, or if necessary, we change the policy to better reflect our goals.
To learn more about Policy Governance, you can look at our Register. You can attend a Board meeting. Or you can visit the official website for the Carver Policy Governance Model: www.carvergovernance.com. There are also two books on the subject: Boards That Make a Difference (third edition, 2006), and Reinventing Your Board: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Policy Governance (1997), both by John Carver.
Fare Share is also guided by Co-operative Principles shared by co-ops around the world.
Sales & Specials
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Fare Share Owners! 10% off Maine and local items in January. |
Events & Meetings
Over 60 attended the Feast of Little Feats on December 10. Thank you to all who donated gifts of time, money, art and other wonderful auction items, music, and great food.
News & Alerts
THE SAME CO-OP VALUES. ONE MORE WAY TO SERVE OUR MEMBER-OWNERS. In the final stages, SOON! Fare Share's bright and beautiful new website will be available with on line shopping capabiliity.
