Back to 2018 PACA Board Nominees
Current member of: Serenity Soular Cooperative, 2 years
What roles have you served in co-ops, nonprofits, or other membership organizations (Board, staff, etc.)? Founder, Volunteer, Facilitator
Why are cooperatives important to you and to the Philadelphia area? A developed cooperative economy serves as an effective check and balance against the powers and privileges granted to large businesses, especially multinational businesses. They also serve in the same capacity against governments that might otherwise cater solely to large businesses. If an economic system is to provide opportunity for all, checks and balances against those very privileges are essential, as they serve to ensure access to the four commons (time, space, materials, and energy) that everyone needs to create exchangeable value.
Has experience in the following: Group process and decision-making, Meeting facilitation, Public speaking, Writing newsletter articles, Strategic planning, Project management, Wiki or website editing, Past or present participation on a board of directors
How will your experience, skills or unique perspectives strengthen the PACA Board? At this point in my teaching career, my best work is as a facilitator, public speaker and project manager.
Where do you see PACA in 5 years? In 5 years, PACA should be the driving force in metro Philadelphia for a growing cooperative economy, with strong collaborations with governments at the state and local levels. Through these collaborations, PACA will be positioned to facilitate additional new worker cooperatives at greater rates than before. This facilitation will involve effectively linking potential cooperative groups with the education, mentorship, and the material, financial and expertise resources necessary for business realization.
As you think about the three primary board roles—ambassador, advocate, and asker—in which role(s) do you think you will want to be most active? I view all three as fundamentally the same job as they each involve developing relationships with those from whom PACA would seek resources. As such, I’m comfortable with all three.