As a cooperative, every individual is considered part of the board and every member is encouraged to participate in one of the Service Circles. Service Circles and the work their members are focusing on include:
Leadership Circle, chaired by Kate Smith, Keystone Development Center. The Leadership Circle consists of CW’s officers plus the chairs of the other circles. Its role is to establish and help oversee contracts for services with members; develop organizational policies; and oversee final development and testing of an outcome measurement instrument.
Advocacy Circle, chaired by Kevin Edberg, Cooperative Development Services. The Advocacy Circle works to extend the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program through USDA and establish good relationships with USDA and new leaders; add cooperative development programs in other federal agencies; and seek foundation or non-government support for cooperative development.
Networking Circle, chaired by Jim Johnson. The Networking Circle helps plan two in-person meetings for CW members; implement and maintain the CW website; plan and implement CW communications; and organize and host topic conference calls on subjects such as worker ownership, energy and co-op housing.
Membership and Marketing Circle, chaired by Ben Rainbolt, Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union. This circle identifies potential new CW members and solicits memberships; gathers and reports feedback from member programs and needs; completes a marketing brochure and public display materials.
Professional Development Circle, chaired by Teresa Young, Northwest Cooperative Development Center. The role of the Professional Development Circle is to oversee the delivery of the CW Professional Development Training Program; develop new curriculum; and conduct marketing for new and returning participants.
WoodWorks Circle, chaired by Eric Bowman, Northwest Cooperative Development Center. The WoodWorks Circle has its own funding, and focuses on forestry co-op-related work.