-gather input on it,
-refine it and add a little more content with respect to what we've done so far, to create a
-workable communication piece that we can all begin using -soon- to talk about what we're doing together.
The concepts behind the listed values arose from conversation at our first organizing meeting in November, and the mission evolved from these values and additional conversation around what the co-op is, what its purpose is and, in general terms, how it will carry out that purpose.
As we discussed at the meeting, the mission statement can't say everything on its own - it's just one piece of the story.
Please read below what we have thus far for values and mission - and, for comparison, review the mission and values of Seattle's Madison Market Co-op.
-what do you like?
-what do you think about structuring our values and mission in the same manner as Madison Market?
Post your comments here, or email them to Dan Beck - heloderma@fairpoint.net. Thanks!
Our values:
- Local
- Organic
- Education/outreach to our community
- Ecological and social responsibility
- Sustainability (i.e. long term viability, which goes along with ecological and social responsibility)
- “Incubating” providers/increasing demand
- Connections/connectivity between producers and consumers
First draft of mission:
We are starting an Ellensburg food cooperative that would provide our community a place to buy healthy local food all year long, including organic and other natural choices. We will strive to provide locally-grown produce, fruit, meat, and dairy, but would also expand our sources beyond our region as the need arises, so long as our products arise from ecologically and socially responsible practices. Our co-op would build community and support local farms by linking consumers and local producers, creating demand for healthy locally-grown food, and by helping us to understand where our food comes from.
A second draft, built upon the first:
The Ellensburg food cooperative aims to provide our community a place to buy healthy local food all year long, including organic and other natural choices. We strive to provide locally-grown produce, fruit, meat, and dairy, but will also expand our sources beyond our region as the need arises, so long as our products arise from ecologically and socially responsible practices. At our core, the cooperative is about building a healthy community and supporting local producers.
A third, shorter version:
The Ellensburg food cooperative provides our community with a place to buy, learn about and enjoy sustainably-sourced products all year long, including local, organic and other natural items; at its core, our cooperative is about building a healthy community and supporting local producers.
Compare with Madison Market:
Mission and Values
Central Co-op's Madison Market is a business that belongs to the people who use it – people who have organized to provide themselves with the goods and services they need. Our mission and values statements reflect the values of our membership.Our Mission
Central Co-op is a member-owned natural foods cooperative in the heart of Seattle dedicated to sustainable practices, community accountability, and the local food economy.In support of our mission: We endeavor to operate our business within our stated values, while having the courage to uphold them, and the imagination to look beyond them.
Our Values
We value community empowerment, institutional accountability, and personal and environmental health.The Cooperative Principles
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training, and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for community
Safeguarding our member-owners' trust by conducting our business in a financially sound manner;
Operating our business on a human scale by honoring the inherent value of the individual and maintaining an open and friendly atmosphere;
Conducting ourselves and our business with honesty and integrity;
Acting responsibly by providing a diverse selection of high-quality, healthful products, by serving as a resource for information, and by responding to the needs of our member-owners and the broader community;
Celebrating diversity by encouraging ourselves and others to act with acceptance and mutual respect
