Your Co-op Needs You! Run for Council

from Pat Sewell, Member Engagement Committee Chair

GreenStar has always been more than a grocery store. Since 1971, it has been a community built by members, guided by members, and accountable to members.

That democratic foundation is what makes a cooperative different from every other place you could spend your food dollars. And right now, your Co-op is looking for members who are ready to help shape its future.

Council is GreenStar’s governing board. It sets the strategic direction of the cooperative, ensures financial accountability, and represents the interests of more than 14,000 members across our three locations. Council members are elected by and from the membership, meaning any GreenStar member in good standing can put their name forward. You don’t need a business degree or a background in retail. You need commitment to cooperative values, a willingness to learn, and a genuine desire to serve your community.

Why It Matters

Times are hard. Community services are being cut while wealth inequality has reached its widest gap in more than three decades. In Washington, the current administration is stoking fear and resentment at home while pursuing conflict abroad. The Justice Department is targeting institutions that uphold inclusion, human rights, and democratic principles, and environmental protections are being rolled back at an alarming pace.

In times like these, our Co-op matters more than ever.

GreenStar invests directly in this community, standing as a living counterpoint to the idea that getting ahead requires leaving others behind.

Our core values affirm the basic dignity of every person and their right to fair and equal treatment, values we hold firmly in the face of systemic bias and inequity. And as a business that prioritizes ecological responsibility and the fair treatment of workers, GreenStar measures its bottom line in more than just dollars. And we need strong and diverse leadership to sustain our values and navigate our future.

What the Role Involves

Council members attend regular monthly meetings, participate in committees, review financial reports, engage with members and evaluate the future direction of the Co-op. It is real work, and it is important work.

In addition to the general work of governance, Council members gain a deep understanding of how a values-driven cooperative operates, build relationships across the community, and know that their voice makes a difference.

How to Run

Applications for candidacy must be received by September 1 to appear on the ballot. The link to apply along with additional information on Council work can be found at our website, https://greenstar.coop/council/. For additional information, send an email to Council at elections@greenstar.coop.

Your co-op is your community. Be part of building it.