The change to a cooperative model allows individuals and organization engaged in the development of new cooperatively-based businesses to join the group. In addition, members now select from a menu of services provided by the co-op at cost. These services and programs are defined by the membership through member Service Circles and all members are on the board of directors.
The operation and programs of the newly reorganized CW revolves around member-directed Service Circles. The Service Circles were defined by the members during the CW meeting Nov. 29 and 30, 2006, in New Orleans and were confirmed by the CW board on Jan. 24, 2007. There are currently seven Service Circles, but this number will go up and down as needs change. They are:
- Leadership Circle.
- Business Planning Circle
- Public Advocacy Circle
- Networking Circle
- Outcome Measurement Circle
- Membership and Marketing Circle
- Professional Development Circle
Participants of the Service Circles are defining and implementing their priorities and activities. The CW board (all members), grant the authority for the Circles to operate. Circle members report their program and activities to the full board.
The July 19 and 20, 2007, meeting in Asheville, N.C., marked CW’s first meeting as a member-owned professional service cooperative operated by Service Circles and with a board that includes all members, both individual and organization. Officers elected to lead the cooperative for a year are: Madeline Schultz, chair; John Zippert, vice chair; Jennifer Gutshall, secretary; and Diane Gasaway, treasurer. In addition, Melbah Smith was elected to an “at-large” position. This group makes up the Leadership Circle for the new organization.
Effective Dec. 31, 2007, Audrey Malan resigned her position as CW’s executive director. CW awarded her a lifetime membership in CW to thank her for her years of service. Malan will also remain under contract to develop and deliver the CW professional development training program.