2023 Call for FMC Board Nominations

      Posted On: November 25, 2022

FMC is currently soliciting nominees who are interested in running for a seat on the Board of Directors during the 2023 annual election. There are 4 seats available in the 2023 election.

FMC’s volunteer Board of Directors consists of individuals with demonstrated leadership experience in the field of farmers markets or sustainable food systems, and who support FMC’s mission of strengthening farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.

FMC continues to make progress and strategic updates in the implementation of our strategic plan and to provide outstanding service to our members and the farmers market field. This year, FMC, like most organizations, has continued to focus on pandemic recovery in our field and on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into our work. This includes the development of a Racial Equity Action and Learning Plan which is designed to integrate our racial equity work into our strategic planning and will be finalized in early 2023. The Board is seeking candidates who are willing to contribute their skills to the ongoing advancement of the organization.

We’re seeking the following characteristics and skill sets to strengthen the representation and work on the board:

  • Regional representation nationwide, especially individuals living in rural communities
  • Experience working in and with communities of color, as well as representation from Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities
  • Corporate and foundation relationship development 
  • Legal expertise 
  • Organizational development and strategic planning
  • Community and Civic Engagement
  • Board Development and Governance
  • Experience with Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and/or anti-racism committee and organizational work
  • Organizational succession planning

 

The FMC Board of Directors is a volunteer board with three-year terms. Directors are expected to commit at least 50 hours per year to the needs of FMC and are encouraged to make direct financial contributions to the organization, but such contributions are not required. The Board generally meets via videoconference 6-8 times per year with the full board (scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month at 1pm eastern time), including at least one face-to-face meeting. Board members are also expected to serve on committees as needed and experienced board members should consider serving as an officer of the board. Board members develop FMC’s policies, guide FMC’s public policy positions and advocacy, provide oversight, approve FMC’s budget, support fundraising activities, and are actively involved in strategic planning. The FMC Board operates as a governing Board with day-to-day operations the responsibility of the FMC staff. 

The Recommendation and Nomination Procedure

If you support the work of FMC and are willing to volunteer as a candidate in the upcoming election, please complete the nominee questionnaire below.  Preview the questions here.

 

Board Members must be current members of the Farmers Market Coalition or must become one prior to joining the board. To learn more about FMC membership and to join, visit the membership page. The nomination period will close at 5pm PT on December 29, at which point the Nominations Committee will review the list of self-nominations and compose a slate of candidates based on the organization’s needs and interest in promoting a diversity of skills and backgrounds. A final slate of nominees will then be presented back to the membership at the online annual membership meeting to be held on January 24th, 2023 at 10am PT/1pm ET, at which time voting will open. FMC Members can register for the meeting through the FMC membership portal. Stay tuned for more meeting information. See current FMC board member bios here.

We urge you to devote some time to consider this exciting volunteer leadership opportunity to make a difference to farmers markets nationwide.