Participate in YOUR Co-op
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
Democracy is a pillar of the cooperative structure, which means that co-ops have been designed to provide opportunities for anyone to take part in the process of moving the organization forward. If we think about democracy more broadly than just voting for the board—but by being able to contribute our voices, our talents, knowledge and skills to collectively helping the Co-op create impact, then suddenly, each and every one of us is shaping our co-op at any given moment. We all contribute to helping the Co-op make a real difference in the world!
Our Co-op means many things to many people. Some of us see the Co-op as a wonderful grocery store. Some of us see it as a community hub, while others see the Co-op as a leader in education and upholder of our communal values.
Each of us finds our own connection to the Co-op by way of the value it brings to us.
There are so many ways to participate in “cooperative life”, and when we do, we are keeping the business model strong and the Cooperative Principles in action, whether as a shopper, as an owner, as a staff member, or in some cases as all three!
Our owners create impact in so many ways: not only through voting for and serving on the board, but by providing input and feedback to the Co-op, investing equity and loans, attending classes, and even by enjoying great music with family in the Co-op courtyard.
Though most owners are shoppers, not all shoppers are owners.
Shoppers create impact by providing the revenue our Co-op needs to do all the great work that it does.
After all, the Co-op sells groceries in order to do good things for its members and our community. Shoppers also make an impact when they buy local by keeping dollars closer to home. Those dollars support staff wages and benefits, fund community donations and sponsorships, and provide the great classes and events so many of us enjoy.
Supporting the Cooperative Movement is done every day by everyone who engages with our Co-op, whether by shopping or merely participating socially. And the impact that we collectively make grows only as our Co-op continues to grow.
More Co-op News
September Change for Good: AFC Community Fund
As we enter the beautiful month of September here in Southern Oregon, we're excited to share that our Change for Good partner this month is our very own Community Fund. As many of you know, the Community Fund allows us to support amazing local projects and organizations doing great work right here in Southern Oregon.
August Change for Good - Partnering with ACCESS to Make a Difference!
We are honored to partner with ACCESS this August - a fantastic organization that has been serving our community for over four decades. ACCESS, which stands for "A Community in Action, Connecting, Empowering, and Strengthening Self-Sufficiency," is dedicated to addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Southern Oregon.
Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program.
Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.
May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson
February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
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.