Who is eligible for membership?

Anyone who agrees to the guidelines set forth in this membership agreement provided that membership does not exceed a manageable number.

What are the responsibilities of membership?

The responsibilities of membership include:

  • order at least $100 when placing a UNF order and at least $30 when placing a Frontier order (restricted membership on this account)
  • maintain a membership on the SeminoleNFC Yahoo! group
  • check email and website updates regularly and stay current on guidelines and communications
  • support the stated goals and principles of the buying club
  • submit food orders and payments on or before the deadline
  • pick up orders on time
  • provide bags or other containers for collecting bulk split items
  • sign out and verify amounts on the checkout sheet before leaving
  • support positive means for resolving conflict
  • respect and adhere to all other guidelines in this document
  • respect the work each individual does for the buying club
  • respect the lifestyles and views of all members

Is there a membership fee or dues?

No.

Is there a limit to the number of members the buying club can have?

Yes and No. Membership is currently open to anyone who fulfills the responsibilities of membership. When the membership reaches more than 50 families we will re-evaluate the open membership policy to be sure the increased membership does not adversely effect the operation of the club.

Communication Requirements

As a member, you must provide up-to-date contact information including telephone number, mailing address and a valid email address. Seminole Natural Foods buying club uses the SeminoleNFC Yahoo! group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SeminoleNFC/) as a communication tool regarding product information, ordering information and delivery schedules.

Technology Requirements

You will need to use Microsoft Excel (or a compatible program) when entering Aubrey Organics, Frontier and certain other product orders. You will also need a fairly recent version of Internet Explorer and Internet access to place your United order via the online ordering systems.

The order forms were designed to make it easier for the coordinator to place orders. Other means of submission will increase the time required to place and allocate orders and could ultimately result in additional mark-up charges to cover time/cost. Please be sure to use the appropriate forms (located in the Files section of the Yahoo! Group) when ordering.

Does the buying club offer a leave of absence status?

There is no need to offer a leave of absence since there is no frequency of ordering requirement. After 6 months of inactivity, members may be removed from membership and correspondence lists at the discretion of the coordinators and will be required to submit a new application for membership and be accepted before they can order again.

Is there any reason we might ask a member to leave the buying club?

Yes. Members can and will be asked to leave for the following reasons:

  • repeatedly not collecting their food at the scheduled time
  • making late payments
  • requesting late orders
  • non-cooperative behavior (such as disrespect of other members, consistently unruly children onsite, etc.)
  • actions that threaten the safety of other members

NOTE: If you do not place an order within two ordering cycles of joining, we will assume you changed your mind and you will be removed from the database and Yahoo! group. You can always sign up again later when you have time to participate.

Decision Making

The coordinators have final say in all matters regarding buying club policy. The coordinators will often ask for feedback or call for a vote regarding policy and guidelines, but this is not required and the club operations are at the discretion of the coordinators.

The optional annual meeting is a time for members to bring their concerns up for discussion. Members are encouraged to openly discuss their concerns with each other. When deciding on major issues, the coordinators will give every member the opportunity to be involved in the decision/resolution. This may include mail, email or telephone announcements of the issue and meeting date, with plenty of advance notice. Depending on the issue, the coordinators may have a proposal or alternative proposals for the group to consider.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER, PLEASE GO TO THE SEMINOLENFC YAHOO! GROUP AND REQUEST A MEMBERSHIP.