I am a new board member. The reason I decided to run for the board was to promote better business practices, more transparency and more accountability for the shareholders. As a shareholder, these were important issues that needed addressing in my opinion. I expected some personality clashes and politics to be in play when I was elected but I did not expect to be bullied. I watched as another board member was verbally attacked, undermined to submission and accused of all sorts of wrong doing (some true and some false) because he had the audacity to question the bullying member's actions. I even attempted to defend this member when I had enough and it was obvious that he was being attacked for no good reason (it could be an question, an answer... practically anything). I cannot give out specifics (as a board member you know why). Needless to say he was bullied into submission by the two members that hold power on the board. He no longer even responds to emails most of the time. The two bullies have been on the board for some time and hold positions of power. The remaining members tend to overlook their bullying behavior. It is possible that they are afraid of these two members as well. Very long story short, I seem to be their next target since I tend to be vocal about issues and problems that plague the shareholders. Personally, I have been ordered to drop a topic(yes, ordered), I have been accused unfairly of having some underlining malicious agenda when I asked a simple and innocent follow up question that another board member presented and I have been talked to in a way that would make a toddler blush indignantly. This abrasive board member at times does not allow the "targeted" board member to speak when we are attempting to defend ourselves. The other bully is more diplomatic and is much easier to interact with. After the two most recent email attacks, I found myself crying in front of my husband and questioning leaving the board. Part of me still wants to fight but I am not sure what other tactics I can use. I have tried talking to them as colleagues and asking for respect for all members of the board. My last option is to leave but if I do, I fear retribution. I am even afraid to post this advance seeking blog up for fear that the bullying board member will find it and assume that it is me even without any specifics. There are not many Co op related magazines. Any advise would be very much appreciated.