The Bay Area Coffee Community and the Barista Guild of America are looking for folks to join their boards—are you the right person for the job?
BY ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Cover photo by Jenn Chen
It’s not hard to see that people are frustrated. Along with the cluster of craziness happening around us politically, those of us in the coffee world feel confused, unheard, and, frankly, very angry. With the Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) announcement of the Deferred Candidacy Policy and continued commitment to hosting coffee competitions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2018, there have been a lot of questions as to how decisions are made and how to get involved. When trying to figure out how the board of directors—the governing body of the SCA and the folks who made the decision to continue events in controversial locations—is elected, one has to wade through a complicated set of jargon and legalese just to to find out how to throw your name in the right hat. Understandably, it can feel like getting involved is out of reach for most.
However, there are governing boards you can join that are straightforward and can make a meaningful impact. One group looking for new members is the recently resurrected Bay Area Coffee Community (BACC), a group of coffee pros that come together to host not just latte art competitions, but programs meant to develop baristas’ skills and talk about social issues in Northern California. “Being on the board of the BACC is great because it gets us very connected to the community,” shares Jason Reed Miller, BACC board member and director of operations for Mazarine Coffee. “It is our goal to create spaces for conversation and collaboration for Bay Area coffee pros, as well as resources for professional development. In order to do that, we need to listen to the community and find out what everyone needs and wants. It is very gratifying to engage with our community online and at events, to witness that we are achieving these goals.” Currently, the BACC is looking for a throwdown specialist, a marketing coordinator, and an events/volunteer chair.
If you’re not in the Bay Area, the Barista Guild of America (BGA) is also looking for volunteers to join their board. “Each year the BGA finds itself with leaders who are coming to the end of their two or more years of service. Nominating new leaders, whether someone you know or yourself, is a key part in keeping our leadership current and effective to serve our members,” their website states. The BGA is looking to fill four positions on their board and is accepting nominations until January 22—you can nominate yourself, or someone you admire and look up to in the coffee industry. Committee members serve a two-year term and help put on programs such as Bloom and Barista Camp, as well as run the BGA café at the SCA Global Expo. Nominees don’t need any sort of coffee experience or to have worked in coffee for a bajillion years; the BGA encourages all folks to apply. “Don’t doubt your personal experience in the coffee industry! If you’ve got some great ideas and can commit to attending the required events and activities you’re definitely worth nominating,” offers the BGA.
To apply for a position with the BACC, please visit the BACC website and learn more about the open positions and time requirements. To learn more about the BGA board positions, check out their info page or submit nominations here. If you know of any other local coffee boards looking for leaders, please let us know!
