Category: Election information

See also elections procedures vacancies elected archive

A strong board matters

-from the  Elections Committee, 2026
nominate@woodsworthcoop.ca

About the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the official body of elected Woodsworth members. It is responsible for the overall governance of the co-op. It represents Woodsworth as the employer, and the financial decision-maker on behalf of the membership. The Board is accountable to the members who have entrusted directors to act on their behalf.

A strong Board of Directors is key to a healthy co-op. Board governance is the cornerstone for success in housing co-ops. When the Board falters and we don’t get governance right, it puts everything at risk.
This year, there are five (5) positions available on the Board; four will serve 2-year terms and one will serve a 1-year term. The Elections Committee is looking for strong, principled candidates to run. We especially hope that young members will step up. Please consider nominating yourself.

What is a good Board candidate?

You care about the co-op.
You are willing to learn. Board training is provided.
You understand the importance of cooperation, compromise and working constructively with others for the benefit of the co-op; you set aside any personal agenda and work for the benefit of everyone.
You are reliable, will attend all board meetings and always read the board package before coming to meetings.
You are respectful towards others.
You follow the rules outlined in the Woodsworth bylaws and policies.
You respect decisions that are the result of properly constituted votes.

Serving on the Board can seem daunting to someone who hasn’t served before, but it is actually very doable since everything is very structured. Be assured you wouldn’t have to re-invent the wheel. The procedures are laid out in the bylaws, and have existed for decades. Staff supports the Board throughout. But if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help. Nomination forms are in the Lobby and in the Photocopy Room on the second floor. Please check the eligibility requirements, sign all the required pages and submit to the nomination box located in the Lobby.

The Board is us. It should be the best of us. Now is the time to step up for Woodsworth!

Co-op elections: how to nominate yourself

Where to get a Nomination Form

Nomination forms are available:

In the lobby
In the Photocopy Room
On the Woodsworth website, under [Forms]
Which Form Should I Use?

There are two different nomination forms, with different eligibility requirements:

Board of Directors — Use the Board nomination form.
All other positions — Use the nomination form for chairs, committees and delegates.

How to submit your Nomination Form

Nomination forms are only accepted during the nomination period.

Completed nomination forms must:

– Be signed
– Be submitted as a paper form
– Be placed in the Nominations Box in the lobby
– Be submitted on time by the close of the nomination process
– Electronic signatures are not accepted.

Other documents that must be signed:

Board candidates must also submit two documents required by the Organizational Bylaw –
– confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement, and
– director’s ethical conduct agreement.

These are attached to the online nomination form.

Committee members
All committee members must sign a Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement within ten days after they become members of a committee. A signed copy must be given to the manager. People who fail to do this are
automatically removed from the committee.
[This applies whether or not you are an elected member  or a volunteer member of a committee.]

Candidate information – telling the membership about yourself

Candidates will need to write a short “bio” and submit a photo of themselves. These will be used in the voting package which will be handed out in November. They may also be published in the co-op newsletter, The Weekly.

For more information including current election information, see:

https://www.woodsworthcoop.ca/index.php/co-op-elections-elected-procedures-archive/