Joining the Network

Formal membership is NOT required for you to start joining in on the working groups, convenings, or other community building events.

 The Oregon Community Food Systems Network invites
membership in two ways:

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    Public Interest Organization

    Public Interest Organization Members are voting members as described in the OCFSN bylaws and are expected to participate in network working groups and events. Membership is open to non-profit organizations, agencies, and institutions committed to the OCFSN vision.

    May include the following:

    • Community-based or grassroots non-profit organizations with farm/food focused projects/programs.

    • Statewide or regional organizations with local farm/food focused service programs.

    • Statewide or regional organizations working to address farm/food system issues at a systems level.

    • Local and state governmental organizations involved in food system planning and development efforts.

    view pdf of application questions

    Apply here
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    Business Affiliates

    Business Affiliates are non-voting members, pay annual dues and are recognized as OCFSN sponsors, and may be invited to participate in network working groups and events.

    For-profit enterprises support the food system, from the farm through all links in the value chain to the consumer. Collectively, for-profit enterprises can also have a determining influence on food systems outcomes related to the environment, the sustainability of rural communities or specific sectors of the economy, the safety, health and wellbeing of workers, and the health and quality of life of citizens.

    Many for-profit enterprises share values with OCFSN members. Accordingly, OCFSN has an interest in engaging the business community to understand business priorities and challenges, identify shared interests, encourage steps that advance those interests, and recognize businesses that make a positive contribution to local and regional food systems development efforts.

    Read the full Business Affiliate Program Description

    Apply here

  • You align with OCFSN’s vision, mission, and equity statements and recognize the power of collectively organizing as a network.

  • To join OCFSN, your organization filled out an application documenting the organization's commitment to the OCFSN vision, mission, and equity statement, and describing your efforts to promote positive food system change.

    When an organization joins, we asks that they:

    • Designate a representative to hold the organization’s vote on OCFSN matters.

    • Assign one or more representatives to participate in OCFSN Working Groups.

    Then, on an ongoing basis:

    • Participate in 100% of votes called.

    • Participate in at least 75% of scheduled meetings/calls and read all meeting/call minutes.

    • Collaborate to seek resources for the priorities their Working Groups set.

    • Participate in OCFSN trainings and events.

    • Provide input on regional and state level food systems needs and priorities.

    • Reconfirm membership annually

  • The Network Coordinator will review you application and share it with the OCFSN Leadership Team. Once the Leadership Team has reviewed and any follow up questions addressed, the Network Coordinator will send a vote to Member Voting Reps. A quorum (66% voting in favor) must be reached in order to approve new Public Interest Org. Members.

 

Do you still have questions?

Send us an email and we can help you figure out how you can get involved.