by popular request

[Anja Larson]

When is the next annual meeting, and what is the procedure for running
for office?

Thanks,
Anja Larson

[Rory]

This is an interesting question, so I went on the VFC web site this
morning and the closest things to bylaws that I could find was an
internal board draft, dated from before their unilateral adoption as
announced at the special meeting of August 28, 2008. These are posted
at http://www.vancouverfood.coop/p_documents/FINALbylaws_prevote08.pdf

The relevant portions of these would seem to be in Section IV
Meetings, and Section 6, as below. My best guess is that they have a
semi-secret nomination committee and will try to announce the meeting
electronically ten days or less before it is held.

Below are the most relevant parts of the "bylaws" I could find, and I
have posted a more readable version at http://groups.google.com/group/vfc-general/web/vfc-bylaws

6.5: Nominations. Directors may be nominated by committee of Board
members or by petitions signed by at least twenty members. The
procedures for nomination shall be determined by the Board where
applicable.

Section IV - Meetings of Members

4.1: Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of members will be held at a
date, time, and place selected by the Board. The Board will coordinate
the annual meeting and agenda.

4.2: Special Meetings. Special meetings of members may be called by
the Board, the President, by two other Officers of the Board, or by
five percent of all the voting members. Notice of the special meeting
shall state the purpose of the special meeting.

4.3: Time and Place. The date, time and place of all meetings of
members shall be determined by the Board. Meetings shall be held at a
time and place convenient to members.

4.4: Notice.

4.4.1: Written, printed or electronic notice stating the place, day,
and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting,
purposes of the meeting, shall be delivered either personally,
electronically, or by mail not less than ten days nor more than fifty
days before the date of the meeting to each member entitled to vote at
such meeting.

4.4.2: Notices are deemed to be delivered as set forth in RCW
24.06.105.

4.5: Right to Present. There will be opportunity at any meeting of
the members for any member to present brief statements supporting or
opposing any issue or candidate. The Board reserves the right to set
time limits for such statements.

4.6: Participation in the Meeting. Members may participate in any
meeting of the membership by any means of communication available and
not unduly burdensome to the VFC unless the Board provides
otherwise.