get involved
The most common way to help out the Co-Op is by volunteering for Food Delivery dates, every other Tuesday. However, for those with obligations, another great way to help out would be to join one of our committees. Committees meet once a month, with the meeting time counted towards your 4 hours a month. See the calendar for details on when the committees meet in order to find one that is right for you. Committees are a great way to meet other owners and to make your impression on the Co-Op! No experience is necessary. Just bring your time and your enthusiasm! Below are our current committees.
Bylaws Committee
The main function of the Bylaws Committee is to draft initial bylaws – the rules that govern internal management – for the Jersey City Food Co-op. With input from owners and professional legal guidance, the committee will create bylaws that meet the requirements for nonprofits, as set by New Jersey statute and present to the Board of Trustees for adoption. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the committee will also review and update Jersey City Food Co-op business registration and incorporation information.
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Education and Outreach Committee
Formerly the Education and Outreach, Fundraising and Events & Marketing Committees, the External Relations Committee is responsible for finding creative ways to explain the cooperative ownership structure of the Jersey City Food Co-op and its benefits, develops and executes a strategy for acquiring funding to establish the Jersey City Food Coop, and oversee all event planning, advertising, and PR for the Co-op.
We’re always looking for fresh ideas, so contact us for more information.
Events and Marketing Committee
The JCFC Events and Marketing Committee oversees all event planning, advertising, and PR for the Co-op. We’re always looking for fresh ideas, so contact us. The Events and Marketing Committee regularly meet every fourth Wednesday at Skinner’s Loft. Contact Alma Malabanan-McGrath or Eve Rametta at events@jcfoodcoop.coop for more information.
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Finance Committee
The finance committee is focused on developing the business side of the Jersey City Food Co-op. This involves keeping up with the bookkeeping, reconciling the bank accounts on a regular basis, and performing the invoicing function for the Pre-Shop. The finance committee is involved in the budgeting and cash control aspects of fundraising events that the Jersey City Food Co-op hosts, as well as helping to provide needed financial information for grant applications. Current and ongoing projects include developing both short and long term budgets as well as evaluating the operations and sustainability of the Pre-Shop activities. The finance committee is looking for new members, those that have experience with Quickbooks, budgeting, or handling money would be welcome additions.
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Fundraising Committee
The primary duty of the Fundraising Committee is to develop and execute a strategy for acquiring funding to establish the Jersey City Food Co-op. Responsibilities of the Fundraising Committee include identifying and maintaining a list of potential sponsors/donors, soliciting sponsors/donors, overseeing all interaction with donors/sponsors, obtaining funds or in-kind services, thanking donors/sponsors in writing, and acknowledging or assuring that the donor/sponsors are acknowledged in all proper venues.
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IT Committee
IT Committee guides the technology investments of the JCFC. Through the website and other tools we manage, we aim to keep our fellow owners connected and to help our fellow committees be more effective through coordinated use of technology.
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Location/Facilities Committee
The Location/Facilities Committee is charged with surveying co-op owners and the general public on their predilection for the Co-Op location and facility; conducting and/or contracting an agency to conduct location feasibility studies in Jersey City; research, plan, direct, coordinate and budget for all of the facility needs for a starting co-op, including but not limited to, choosing an appropriate space, (ie a stand alone building or a space within a facility), deciding to own or rent, determining the appropriate size of the facility, ordering the necessary equipment, designing a plan for facility operations and maintenance, devising a store layout and acquiring required insurance, safety and health permits and licenses; and crafting a 10-year plan for facility sustainability and expansion.
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Membership Committee
The membership committee is charged with recruiting and processing new members of the Jersey City Food Co-op. This will include working on membership materials (handbook, etc.) as well as organizing and running orientations. We will also help keep track of work shifts completed by members.
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PreShop Committee
The PreShop Committee manages the operations of the JCFC PreShop and establishes the vendor relationships vital to the success of our future retail store. Among the tasks committee members oversee are PreShop orders and inventory; product research and selection; quality control; vendor selection; product demos and facilities management. We also develop partnership programs to connect local businesses and non-profit organizations with the resources available through the Co-op.
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