November Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
November Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
November's Change for Good Partner is
Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
Southern Oregon Climate Action Now is a grassroots, volunteer, non-profit organization of area residents who care about climate change and have joined forces to take bold action against it. Through volunteer projects, they focus on reducing the impacts of Global Warming across Southern Oregon.
SOCAN recognizes that science-based understanding, paired with actions that can be taken both individually and collectively, will help us achieve meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions and achieve necessary community climate goals. From their inauguration in 2012, SOCAN has focused on science and the application of scientific understanding to promoting solutions to the problem.
Their energetic volunteers are currently engaged in 22 projects across five program areas:
Education, Government, Natural Resources, Transportation, and Community Engagement.
Of particular note, SOCAN's Ashland Climate Action Project works to stimulate progress on the city's Climate and Energy Action Plan. This project works to ensure that climate action is a top priority in Ashland and incorporated into all city planning and decision-making. Through education and outreach they inform and engage residents to work together to reduce our community’s climate impact and support achievement of the goals of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). This project compliments and supports the work of the Ashland Climate Policy Commission, the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission, and the Transportation Commission.
Learn more about Ashland Climate Action Project
Additionally, SOCAN’s Master Climate Protector – A Primer for Action is a science based 10-week course that is offered annually - covers climate change science and the impacts on key sectors of energy, transportation, agriculture, water and others. Within each sector is a focus on global and local impacts, personal and collective mitigating actions and measurements on how to reduce your greenhouse gas footprint.
Learn more about the Master Climate Protector Program
SOCAN also is engaged in and promotes statewide action to address climate change and offers assistance to teachers and makes presentations at schools and for other civic organizations. The Next Generation Science Standards, adopted by Oregon, explicitly include the expectation that students will understand climate science, but many teachers need the support to do so. SOCAN supports teachers in their efforts to find and develop curricula to meet these standards and provide professional development opportunities where they can collaborate with other teachers and practice teaching about these topics.
Learn more about Climate in the Classroom
To sign up for monthly SOCAN emails, get involved in a project, or learn more about SOCAN
The AFC Gives committee focuses on ways that the Co-op community can support local organizations and groups doing important work in the Rogue Valley.
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
August Change for Good Partner: Rogue River Watershed Council
At Ashland Food Co-op, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community. Each month, our Change for Good program partners with a local organization to support their mission and amplify their impact. For August, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Rogue River Watershed Council (RRWC).
Who is the Rogue River Watershed Council?
Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month, first celebrated in 1990, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal opportunities in all areas of public life. Disability Pride Month promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.
Supporting Stream Smart: Our June Change for Good Partner
We are delighted to announce our June Change for Good partner, Stream Smart, a remarkable local organization dedicated to improving the health of our streams and rivers.
What is Stream Smart?
2024 Owner Coupon Schedule
Here's the schedule for the 2024 Owner Coupons. Not an Owner? Find out all about the benefits of Ownership!
Co-op, Community and Coffee
We are thrilled to announce that the Ashland Food Co-op has purchased the Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) from longtime owner, Dustin Way.
A Closer Look at Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festivities and delicious Mexican cuisine (and who doesn’t love both of those things?). At the Ashland Food Co-op, it's important for us to approach this celebration mindfully and with a cultural understanding.
March Change for Good: KS Wild
As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner – KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.
What is KS Wild?
February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate
As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.
January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program
Hey Co-op community!
As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.
No Hassle Holiday - Thanksgiving Dinner from the Co-op!
This Thanksgiving, let us take the hassle out of your holiday feast preparation!
November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites
Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!
Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties.
Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!
The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!
October Change for Good: Center for Non-Profit Legal Services
This October, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services (CNPLS) for our Change for Good program. All month long, shoppers can round up their purchases to support CNPLS and their mission to provide access to justice.
CNPLS is a non-profit legal aid firm serving low-income and vulnerable community members in Ashland and surrounding areas. Their team of dedicated lawyers and volunteers work to ensure everyone has access to legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.
It's Co-op Month!
OK, you've got us, every month is Co-op Month here at AFC! But every October since 1964, cooperatives of all kinds have celebrated the cooperative difference. Here at the Ashland Food Co-op, we're excited to recognize the history, benefits, and principles behind our own co-op.