Organization Structure

 

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Canticle Farm is a ministry sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (FSA), NY. In 2003, Canticle Farm became incorporated as a non-profit corporation sponsored by the FSA. Canticle Farm holds 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Status. Canticle Farm, Inc. follows an approved set of Bylaws.

 

The Members of the Corporation are the Congregational Minister, the Associate Minister and the General Councilors of the FSA Congregation. The President of the Corporation also serves as a Member in an ex officio capacity without the right to vote. The Congregational Minister serves as the Chairperson of the Members. The Associate Minister of the Congregation serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the Members. The General Secretary of the Congregation serves as the Secretary of the Members.

 

The Members of the Corporation have various reserved powers, including modifying the Bylaws of the Corporation, appointing the Directors of the Corporation, and modifying the mission of the Corporation. The Members of the Corporation have an annual meeting at which they review the current status of Canticle Farm.

 

The business and affairs of the Corporation is managed by the Board of Directors. At any time there may be up to fifteen Directors. They set the share prices and determine the number of shares to be sold. Most of the Board members are also shareholders of the CSA.

 

The officers of the Board are the Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and a Board Secretary.  The Directors elect their own officers. There are periodic meetings of the Board of Directors. All actions of the Directors are recorded in the meeting minutes.

 

Each Board Director serves on at least one of the Board Committees and may be Chairperson of the Committee. The six Board Committees are Development, Education, Farm Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Spiritual. Shareholders and volunteers also serve on these committees.

 

The officers and employees of the Corporation execute the day to day business of Canticle Farm. The officers of the Corporation are the President, the Vice-President and the Treasurer. The Vice-President and the Treasurer are appointed by the President of the Corporation subject to approval by the Board. The President is a member ex officio of the Board of Directors with a right to vote. The President is also a Member of the Corporation ex officio without a right to vote.

 

The employees of the Corporation include the Office Assistant, the Farm Manager, the Bookkeeper, the Distribution Manager, and the Field Workers. The employees work with the officers of the Corporation. This group performs all the detailed tasks that are required to keep the farm operating.

 

The other very valuable members of our organization include the CSA Shareholders, Volunteers, Donors, Donation Recipients, and Customers of the Farm Stand and Farmers' Market. This diverse group financially supports the Corporation, builds the sense of community, contributes according to their talents and interests, and exchanges information.