After 6 years as a volunteer-run Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, Bed-Stuy Farm Share is looking change its structure. Its volunteer coordinators are exhausted and cannot continue the project in its existing form.
In an effort to explore ways we, as residents of Bed-Stuy and consumers of farm fresh products, can build a sustainable business with local farmers, Bed-Stuy Farm Share is looking for local residents to join a Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will examine the need for a more effective and sustainable structure for the Bed-Stuy Farm Share and take the initiative in gathering information for a potential cooperative. The committee will be responsible for moving the co-op through its early stages, until more formal structures can be established. Since two of the three volunteers who have been organizing Bed-Stuy Farm Share over the past couple of years announced that they will no longer be volunteering, it is imperative that we find other residents of Bed-Stuy to plan for the future of this community project.
If you are interested in joining the Steerting Committee, please send an email to bedstuycsa@gmail.com subject line “STEERING CTE” and we will send you more information.
Depending on time and resources, the committee may do the following tasks itself or assign these tasks to outside professionals.
- Research and gather information
- Conduct a preliminary feasibility study
- Survey potential members
- Establish a membership structure
- Recruit members
- Explore options for financing
- Pursue initial inquiries with financing agencies
- Report on progress to members
- Hold membership meetings as needed
- Prepare a business plan
- Coordinate publicity and public relations concerning the co-op
Subcommittees might include:
- A planning committee to conduct a feasibility study; research locations and eventually secure a space; research local regulations, and suppliers; and coordinate preparation of a business plan
- A finance committee to develop financial projections, research funding options, and coordinate a campaign for member loans
- A membership committee to research membership structures, prepare information about the co-op and the paperwork needed for membership administration, coordinate recruitment of new members, organize membership communications (newsletters, websites, letters) and meetings, survey members, and plan outreach to the community.
