December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
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The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.
RAC's vision is to effectively confront entrenched power structures rooted in white supremacy and exploitation; fill in local gaps in social justice organizing; and be a movement partner in the long term effort to make progress on the racial and economic challenges of our time.
LGBTQ+ Listening Project
The LGBTQ+ Listening Project was founded to map the resources and needs of the LGBTQ+ community in Jackson & Josephine counties, and to boldly envision a thriving LGBTQ+ movement in our area. Through the LGBTQ+ survey, we were able to assess key issues and struggles that impact LGBTQ+ folks in our area; we currently host affinity and support groups, as well as coalition work to campaign for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth. Check out the Liberation Space Stories project here!
Fire Recovery
The RAC has been an essential partner in providing immediate mutual aid for survivors of the Almeda Fire and organizing a rebuilding effort that centers the needs of those displaced while moving us forward on racial and climate justice.
De-Escalation
The RAC facilitates de-escalation training for community members to support local movements for social justice, and coordinates a volunteer team of de-escalators which support movement spaces and events by helping prevent conflicts and violence from counter-protestors and reactionaries.
Policy Advocacy
We believe that all residents in a community should have the opportunity to stay informed about and respond to local and state policy that will impact their everyday lives. We are committed to educating and mobilizing community members to advocate around the issues that are important to themselves and their community.
Land Use and Transportation Advocacy
The Land Use Leadership Initiative (LULI) showcases Oregon’s innovative land use planning program, highlights the most pressing land development issues, and equips participants with a variety of resources to engage in land use issues. In 2023 we will be launching a Transportation Leadership pilot program to support local leaders and community members to examine our current system, alternative transportation systems and tools for local advocacy.
Youth Internship
The internship program supports youth leaders in developing organizing skills based on environmental and social justice frameworks. Interns get hands-on experience and develop skills by doing the work. The RAC co-hosts the annual program to empower youth to take action in their home communities and beyond.
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Fill out the Rogue Action Center community survey! We are gathering input and feedback from our community that will shape our organizational priorities and goals for the next three years. Please take a few minutes and share your feedback HERE.
To learn more about this local nonprofit, the work they are doing in our community and get involved in ongoing or upcoming projects, please visit rogueactioncenter.org
Rogue Action Center was chosen by our owners in our 2022 election to be a Change for Good Partner. Through the cumulative register round up donations over the course of this month ~ our shoppers will help support this local nonprofit organization and the work that they are doing in our community.
2020 was the first year of Change for Good, a register round-up program to benefit a slate of ten organizations, voted on by Co-op owners, through the cumulative donations of shoppers choosing to round-up their shopping total to the nearest dollar.
From one cent to 99 cents, it all adds up to feeling good about supporting the community.
More Co-op News
A Visit with Rolling Hills
Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.
A Visit with Magnolia Farms
Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Visit with Emerald Hills
Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker
Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.
March Change for Good Recipient: North Mountain Park Nature Center
March's Change for Good Recipient is
North Mountain Park Nature Center,
a division of Ashland Parks and Recreation, that encompasses demonstration gardens, a nature playground, and approximately 14 acres of Natural Area that is managed for wildlife preservation and public education.
February Change for Good Recipient: Ashland High Arts Advocates
January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring
Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.
Coronavirus Preparedness at the Co-op
Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.
Shopping Safely & Efficiently
As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.
In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:
10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times
By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.
Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.
Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers
To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask.
From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror
By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee
Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk?
November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges
It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.
End of year wrap-up on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op
Hi there. I hope this finds you well. It’s me, Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management (SEM) intern for the Ashland Food Co-op. The global and local crises have only devolved into further chaos since we last spoke. As we sit with the reality of coworkers, neighbors, and friends who’ve lost their homes and businesses to the recent fires, and thousands more across the nation losing their loved ones to COVID-19, I imagine many are feeling frozen and powerless to help those that are suffering.