The primary purpose of the Advocacy Advisory Committee (AAC) is to serve as a resource for input and feedback on NCG’s advocacy guidelines by conducting a formal biennial review of the guidelines in odd numbered years. Additionally, the committee may be asked to provide ad hoc input on other advocacy topics.
Status
This is a standing committee that meets approximately twice in odd numbered years or as agreed upon by the members of the committee. Members review and revise the guidelines by email. AAC meetings take place virtually by video conference call. The committee may occasionally hold meetings that are open to all co-op DRs or members of their staff.
Composition
This committee will be made up of 1 or 2 representatives from each corridor, plus one additional at large seat available to a representative from PCC Community Markets.
Selection
Committee members may be NCG designated representatives (DRs) or co-op employees whose job responsibilities include advocacy, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, community outreach, public relations or communications. Committee service is also an excellent fit for co-op staff who are entrusted to respond on behalf of the co-op to shopper inquiries about social and environmental issues. Applicants who are not NCG DRs must have the consent of their co-op’s DR to serve on the committee.
Some familiarity with social/environmental movements and government processes may be helpful to service on the committee, but is not necessary and not required. The most valuable quality for service on the Advocacy Advisory Committee is a willingness to support an open learning culture and collaborative engagement with peers from diverse co-ops.
A call for applications (interest forms) will be announced prior to the biennial review period. Eligible candidates’ interest forms will be reviewed by the Member Advisory Committee, which will recommend members to serve on the Advocacy Advisory Committee. NCG values diversity and inclusion; we welcome and encourage individuals from minoritized groups to serve.
Terms
Terms are two years. There are no term limits. We recognize the benefits of both new perspective and experience. It is recommended that committee members serve a maximum of eight terms, which roughly corresponds to three Farm Bill reauthorization periods.
Committee Members
Mike Houston, TPSS Co-op, Eastern Corridor
Laura Coffee, GreenTree Co-op Market, Central Corridor
Margaret Mittelstadt, Outpost Natural Foods Co-op, Central Corridor
