Why I Serve: Molly O'Brien

Dear Members,

“Democratic member control” is one of the universal Cooperative Principles, and meaningful democratic participation comes from education about the choices that are available, and an understanding of one’s role in the governance process. One of the ways members may choose to participate in their cooperative is by voting for the board of directors, or choosing to run for the board themselves. We want members to understand the work the board does on your behalf so that members can make informed choices when voting for who represents them on the board. It is also our hope that members will have a sense of whether this is a type of engagement to which they might be called.

As a starting place for member education about board work, we want to have periodic “board member profiles” in the Onion Skin and on the website. In these, we will introduce ourselves and say a bit about what we find rewarding about being on the board, what drew us to this particular form of participation in our co-op, or an issue the board is currently discussing. So, I have volunteered to go first, but you can look forward to similar profiles from other board members in the future.

Yours in co-operation,
Molly O’Brien, Board President

Board Member Profile: Molly O’Brien

In almost any group of people organized for a specific purpose, there are “details people” and “big picture people.” Every organization needs both. Some people can handle either role competently, but they usually gravitate naturally toward one or the other. I freely admit I am a “big picture” person, and this is one reason serving on the board feels rewarding to me.

When I read our Ends, our statement of the difference we want our co-op to make in the world, I feel honored that I am invited to imagine what we might do to get there. I like sitting around the table with other bright minds, asking the big questions and contributing to the direction the co-op takes in the long term.  In almost 4 years as a board member, I have learned a lot about Policy Governance, group process, the retail food industry, and the cooperative world. No doubt I have a lot more to learn as your Board President, and I invite all members to join me in this learning by actively participating in the co-op.

I am a proud member of City Market because I love the healthy local food they provide and the good our store does in the greater community, but serving on the board goes beyond that for me. I am a firm believer in the cooperative model as an economic tool for creating the kind of just and sustainable community I want to live in. The fact that we are a co-op matters as much to me as the particular industry we occupy, and serving on the board of directors is my chosen way of participating in this enterprise we own together. If members have further questions about the work of the board, I would remind you that you are always welcome to observe board meetings or speak to a board member about why we do what we do.