September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.
Podcasts
Truth to Power creates podcasts reflecting on both local and global matters. Found under the name “Tea, Toast, and Truth” on Spotify and Anchor, Truth to Power’s podcasts uplift diverse voices and offer a teen point of view. Each podcast is distinct in style and topic as different club members experiment and explore with their production. You can listen to the experiences of houseless folks in Ashland, learn about how the Almeda fire affected all the parts of our community, explore the symbiotic relationship between OSF and Ashland, hear teens and teachers discuss the troubles of Zoom school, and much more!
Mural
Truth to power creates transformative projects that cultivate community growth. One of our major projects this past year was the BIPOC mural that was installed to honor and celebrate the life of Aidan Ellison and highlight the many contributions of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color (BIPOC) in our Valley. The mural is composed of portraits of eight BIPOC individuals whose legacies hold importance to our local community: Winona LaDuke, Walidah Imarisha, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Agnes Baker Pilgrim, Michelle Alexander, Gina DuQuenne, Lawson Fusao Inada, and Aidan Ellison. We had a vision for the mural to not only honor these influential individuals but also to remind Ashland of its antiracist responsibilities and to create a more inviting, inclusive space for BIPOC students, staff, visitors, and neighbors.
Supply drives and houseless podcast/work
Truth to Power prides itself on a passion for hearing and helping others. The club has consistently worked to aid the homeless community, addressing the issues we see in our city by organizing supply drives and food drives (often jointly), and hearing from those affected. Members have dedicated their time and efforts to making the homeless crisis known; you can listen to Tea, Toast, and Truth’s episode: “Seeing Homeless” on Spotify for interviews with homeless individuals, new perspective, and info on how those in need are often disproportionately affected by issues and decisions in our small town.
Upcoming events
Stay tuned for their reproductive justice event on October 1st and new podcasts throughout the year!
Follow Truth to Power on Social and listen to their podcasts!
Instagram: @ahstruthtopowerclub
Facebook: @ahstruthtopowerclub
Podcasts are available on Spotify and Anchor : "Tea, Toast, and Truth".
Truth to Power was selected 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 organization and the work that they are doing in our community.
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
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.