For sure, newly elected officers populate most co-ops today after winning during their respective co-op assemblies recently. I presume they already assumed their respective posts by now. For some co-ops their election exercise is very competitive which means, there are more than one candidate for one position. There are also those who are pleading for their members to become an officer because no one else will. There are also those who have no choice but to remain as officer despite a lengthy service because the members keep putting them back to office.
Whatever your co-op is in, in relation to the foregoing scenarios, it is possible that one or two of these new officers will be sitting for the first time. It is for this reason that I will be contributing my two-cents worth advice. I hope these will be taken into consideration when they start working soon. Well, this is not only for the first timers. This is for all.
Although, this is an unsolicited advice, we have good intentions. We want to help them become better officers. Co-op officers certainly have their own expertise and strength that they can bring to the co-op. A hear a lot of people say, they know something about co-ops. They claim they have backgrounds. But a co-operative has its own uniqueness which is distinct from other regular enterprises.
Being a co-op officer is a serious business. It is not something that we take for granted. It is not something that we enter into just because it is attractive or appealing. It is not something that we grab because it makes us somewhat powerful including the prestige that goes with it – being called a Chairperson or a Board of Director. It is not for the self-seeking.
Being a co-op officer is reserved only for the service-oriented people. It is for those who want to help other people. It is for those who want to give their time, effort and sometimes, money for the benefit of those less fortunate. It is for those who want to leave a legacy, that at one time in the life of the co-op, it experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity during their term.
Therefore, before attempting to enter into the world of co-op office, we must look at ourselves first. Sometimes, it is not about knowledge and skills. It is more on attitude. It’s not even about popularity. It is advisable to learn first the duties, responsibilities and obligations of officers. We must learn what we would be doing, how are we going to do it and when will we be doing it. But it is best if you have the right attitude, the right motivation and the most noble intentions.
Take time to read your Articles, By laws and Policies. These will guide you do your job well. But most importantly, you must possess good values. What you get is not supposed to be your motivation in becoming an officer. Just serve. Period.