PALI-YR ,AL‘. SKA
Dorothy I.'. Bell, EDITOR
Fublishcd every wcok for the Matanuska V.^lley Farmers’ Cooperating Association for
the uurooso of giving nows of the Associations Work, Problems and Accomplislimcntsjand
giving news of general interest.in the Valley*
SLTB-SCr\epTION RATES ;'BY FAIL $1.75 Single Copy 10qT
MEMBERS of a COOPERATIVE E1VE DEFETITE RESPONSIBILITIES.
"Vile much emphasis has been laid on the importance of the Board of Directors in a
Farmers’ Cooperative, thoy do not by any means carry all of that responsibility. Tho
members in any Coooerativo Association arc-definitely responsible for having, placed
those Directors in that responsible position. In a littlo more than two wooks the
members of tho Katonuske. Valley Farmers' Cooperating Association will have another
ornortunity to select- Board Members from among their respective members. While
campaigning in a political manner for now members is definitely out in'Cooperatives,
if ir not unwise to do a littlo thinking before the day of the meeting.
Kelsey B* Gardner in a bulletin, "Managing Farmers’ Cooperatives” has this to say in
regard to the responsibilities of members*
"If yorr association is operated Inefficiently, you stand to lose. You may lose
through the actual loss of your capital investment, or, in a marketing association,
th’.-ough high handling costs and low prices resulting from poor colling ability. Just
what do you owe the management in tho way of support to insure efficient operation?
Whet steps can you take to .guarantee that the cooperative will be properly managed to
your best interests? • "
M moors, as owners of the association, arc- in the last analysis'responsible for the
character of its management. They benefit from good •management, and the results of
bad management fall directly on them. There arc a number of'important actions which
mem' -rs can take to protect their interests by acquiring efficient management. Some
of these follow:
1. Select the most able and best qualified members to serve on the Bdard of Directors.
2. Make special effort to understand the business of tho association.
3. Recognize the possibilities and limitations of the association.
4. when in doubt about any phase of the associntion's operations, discuss the cues**
tion promptly with a member of the board of directors or a responsible officer or
cmoloycc. Tf outsiders criticize the association, obtain the f^cts from proper
cj in
fsgc iation' sources,
. Uro the officials of the association as sources of accurate information regarding
association matters,
6. live the association complete loyalty and support based on adequate facts ar.d in
format ' on, ’
7. Attend meetings regularly to discuss business natters relating to the association
and to c*;prove or disapprove proposed actions relating to the problems,
S. Avoid interference with employees in their duties of carrying on’administrative
details. If there are questions or suggestions regarding the manner in’which those
duties arc performed, they should be taken up with the. proper officials,
9. 'Accept and adopt a policy of an adequate wage scale for employees,
10. Assist the board of directors on natters relating to broad policies by making the
vicr,;s and wishes of the membership known,
11. By electing now members from time to time, make certain that the board does not
develop a sense of owning the association, "Now Blood" will bring new ideas to the
board,
] 2. D: everything practicable to increase the volume of business ef the association
within reasonable limits.
13, Through the board of directors' allow the manager ample latitude in performing
his duties and in the use of his own judgment end exporidncc.
14. Keep up membership interest and active participation. Avoid tho inactive atti
tude which will permit the selection of an indifferent or inactive board, ’which may
result in the development of one-nan control by the manager because members end
board have failed to perform their obligations properly. Lack of interest on tho
part of a Large proportion of the members permits a small- group to control the
association, an unhealthy situation, "
"The b.ttaf the cooperative member understands the management of his association—
and his part in that management — tho more effectively he'can exercise his right to
a voice in its control and aid in directing its activities,"
F. F. Kill, Governor,
Farm Credit Administration,