Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Choosing Board members

[Lynn Nadeau (welcome]

At RoseWind Cohousing (long built and running, Washington State mutual 
benefit nonprofit - not 501c3) the Board is defined as all owner members. 
What we DO select is a Steering Committee of 5, with overlapping two year 
terms, changing 2 or 3 each year. They meet twice a month and make sure 
nothing important is falling through the cracks, decide what needs 
discussion circles or more seasoning before getting to the monthly meeting 
agenda (which Facilitation actually arranges) and otherwise acts at the 
direction of the membership, except for some very limited powers to spend 
small amounts of money for unforeseen contingencies of certain sorts. 

A nominating committee usually surveys the members to find out who is 
willing to serve, and who people would like to have serve. Of those who are 
eligible (not including spouses/partners at the same term), sometimes we 
have voted, but in recent years there have rarely been more eligible than 
spots to fill. Or the nominating committee sorted things into a recommended 
slate (ie Sue will serve unless George is on it, George will only serve if 
Sue is on it....)
which we affirm at our annual meeting. It's worked fine. 

Lynn Nadeau, Port Townsend WA
www.rosewind.org
one house for sale, one for rent