Olympia Food Co-op: September 2013

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Board Candidate: Desdra Dawning

Hot off the press: previews of our 2013 candidates for the Board of Directors! You'll also find the information below in the October-November newsletter, along with your ballot. Voting runs from October 15th - November 15th. In addition to choosing four new Board members, you'll also have an opportunity to vote on four proposed changes to the Co-op's bylaws.

Want to know more about the candidates? Mark your calendar for the Annual Meeting! October 27th, from 1-4 pm at the Olympia Ballroom. Great food, candidate speeches and the first round of member discussion on recent research into whether the Co-op should change our legal status (currently, we are a not-for-profit under RCW 24.03.) We look forward to seeing you there!

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Board Candidate: Desdra Dawning

1. Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I have been a volunteer member for over two years, working as a Courtesy Clerk, helping with Special Projects (tabling for and attending the Co-op Conversation and No GMO March, reorganizing the Eastside bulletin board, reminder-calling new volunteers), writing and photographing for the newsletter, and serving on the newsletter committee. I now have clearer insights into what the Co-op means to this community, its challenges and potential future. I see cooperative businesses such as the Co-op, and the principles they uphold, as key to future sustainability and conscious stewardship of the earth. Being on the Board is an excellent way for me to serve my Co-op further, working to help it grow, prosper and ensure its longevity.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

I have good people skills in communication and problem-solving. I have the ability to see both sides of any issue and skills in helping resolve conflicts. I am a good listener and appreciate the diversity of our membership. I have a Master's in English, with strong writing skills (I write for a local alternative newspaper). I am a retired educator (have taught pre-school through college) and highly value an educated and creative citizenry as key to conscious human evolution. I have the ability to help the Olympia community understand the values upon which the Co-op stands ( community outreach). In the Olympia community, I have worked on fund-raising for SideWalk (homelessness advocacy) and the YMCA, and have created my own business, Loving Hands Pet Care.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

The Co-op creates the vision and holds the space in our community for compassionate, fair, intelligent participation in life, not only in Olympia, but globally. It offers good, clean, socially-conscious products to our community. It shows us how to live a more conscious life than what the status-quo offers. What could be stronger than that? Sometimes, however, I see financial fear and contraction enter Co-op affairs. I would like to see that healed so we can move forward gracefully and effectively, becoming an even stronger force in our community.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

Since the Co-op Conversation, we--the Membership, the Staff Collective and the Board--have developed a vision and plan for expansion for both markets which will give us newer, cleaner and roomier shopping areas plus expanded warehouse space and parking. Understanding that in working with the consensus process projects often take a little longer to accomplish, I also see a growing commitment from our membership to move forward with plans we have already agreed to. I would like to be part of seeing this happen. Already a vital part of our region, I would like to see the Co-op become even more inclusive, bringing in those from our community who have less voice and, as our brothers and sisters, are even more in need.

Other comments

This Co-op is one of the major reasons I uprooted myself from my home in Arizona and moved to Olympia. It nurtures my spirit in ways that go well beyond the good food on the shelves. I wish to be a participant in making sure that it continues to be a strong and vibrant part of this community for many years to come!

Board Candidate: Casey Kilduff

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Board Candidate: Casey Kilduff

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I am interested in joining the co-op board of directors because I enjoy the challenge of collaborating with diverse groups of people while seeking the greater good for the larger community. I recently graduated from the Masters of Public Administration program at Evergreen and have found that I have a lot of free time. I would like to fill my free time with meaningful work. Joining the Olympia Food Co-op’s board of directors would utilize my existing skill set and afford me the opportunity to build new skills. I believe that I have a lot to offer the cooperative and would be proud to be elected.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

From 2008 to 2013 I served on the board of directors of a worker-owner cooperative in Olympia, WA. Prior to that, I have served on the boards of various local non-profit organizations. I am skilled in mediation, collaboration, and strategic planning. I attended the Western Worker’s Cooperative Conference in 2011 and acquired cooperative specific skills in meeting facilitation, developing a strategic plan, conflict resolution and anti-oppression. I spoke on a panel at the 2012 Co-op conference held at TESC and have spoken in classes at TESC about the value of the cooperative model. Additionally, I have experience interviewing, hiring, supervising and terminating staff. I strongly believe in the cooperative model and would like to help to ensure the success of the Olympia Food Co-op.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

I see the co-op as a staple in the Olympia community. Having access to local and ethically produced products is important for the health of our community. Over the years, the co-op has diversified by developing educational opportunities, outreach and collaboration with other cooperatives. I believe that these are strengths of our co-op. I think that improving member engagement is something that all cooperatives can improve on and would like to be involved in activating our membership.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

My vision is that we will utilize the strengths of the members and board to determine what is best for the co-op in the years to come.

Board Candidate: Nancy Koppelman

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Board Candidate: Nancy Koppleman

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I’m interested in helping the co-op continue to serve the greater Olympia community, and particularly to face the task of maintaining both its ideals and, as with all businesses, its need to grow: a real challenge.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

I’ve been a member of the co-op for 30 years. I’ve been a working member and, in the early 1990s, a member of the Board when it voted to open a store on the east side of town. For the last 17 years, I have been a faculty member at Evergreen, where I’m regularly active in significant governance work. For the last 18 months, I’ve helped to organize over 150 of the college’s faculty to implement an important new academic initiative. I genuinely enjoy working closely with people, and simultaneously I am able to keep “the big picture” in mind. I like to foster committed and thoughtful work with others, and I like to help people maintain a sense of common purpose, especially when conflicts inevitably arise.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

The co-op’s long-standing commitment to the well-being of the staff is one of its greatest strengths. It should be maintained and, I hope, enhanced. In terms of change, I would like to learn what the membership wants from its co-op, and I’m interested in ensuring that the co-op regularly revisit and thoughtfully consider its mission, and measure its practices against that mission.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I know that there have been discussions for some time about opening a downtown store. I think this is a laudable vision and I’m interested in how the co-op is pursuing it. I’m also interested in discussing diversifying the co-op’s merchandise to include a wider array of fair-trade items, possibly including alcoholic beverages. Finally, ongoing education about how the co-op puts its philosophy into practice will ensure that its members continue to be informed and involved.

Board Candidate: Micheal Snow

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Board Candidate: Micheal Snow

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

As a member and dedicated patron I have an interest in knowing more about how our Co-op runs and I wish to contribute my skills and knowledge in whatever ways I can to see it flourish. I have visited? Learned about? food co-ops all over the country, and spoken with representatives from many of them. I believe OFC is an amazing and unique place that is always challenging itself and others to go past the confines of perceived possibilities for food cooperatives. I want to become a more informed member who takes on the responsibility of problem solving any organizational, financial, and social quandaries the Co-op might confront.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

For the last five years I have worked in collectively managed businesses. As a member of the Flaming Eggplant, a student-run, cooperatively managed restaurant at the Evergreen State College, I developed experience in finance, conflict resolution process, organizational structure and consensus decision-making. Currently I am a worker-owner of the newly formed New Moon Cooperative and a founding member of the Black Moon Collective. As a student I visited and worked at the CECOSESOLA Cooperative in Venezuela, one of the largest and longest-lived cooperatives in the world. I worked on a committee of Coop board and staff members and community members to facilitate an exchange between CECOSESOLA and the Olympia Food Co-op. We also organized a conference on cooperatives in Olympia where CECOSESOLA members and others shared their experience and knowledge. I would like to continue to pursue the lessons we all learned from that process.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

From my perspective, the strengths of the Co-op lie in its commitment to the mission statement, and to providing services with those strong values always present. The Co-op is committed to avoiding the ever-so-prevalent green-washing tendency of the natural foods world, and working hard to be an organization that makes real impacts with its decisions and services.

I would like to see is the Co-op form deeper relationships with other cooperatives and socially driven economic enterprises, and support their development.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I would like to see the Coop participate in the formation of a structured regional movement towards a larger cooperative/social economy.

Board Candidate: Isabella Rogol

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Board Candidate: Isabella Rogol

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I was appointed to the Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors in April of this year to fill a vacancy. I have been already participating in the decision making and shaping of the Co-op and know of the challenges involved as well as the satisfaction to know that I am doing something not just for my own sake but in representation of the members of this Coop. I feel honored by such unique experience. I would appreciate your support to continue this journey.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

The ability to sit through very interesting meetings that honestly sometimes can be frustrating and/or boring and try to come to a consensus decision as a group about issues that pertain to us all. I am a professional language translator (English-Spanish) and small-business owner. I lived in a few countries before moving to Olympia, so I consider myself a multicultural and have insight into complicated human relations. I like to work with all kinds of individuals even those that may have a different opinion than mine. I am approachable.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

The Co-op it is a real community center, most of the time people are very welcoming and food is great! There is no reason to change that. The Co-op is good at keeping us updated through the newsletter and I personally appreciate the Co-op parties. The board has done outreach to the community twice this year in the form of a free lemonade stand. I was part of that and learned a lot from the experience. I believe that we have maxed out the capacity of both Co-ops. Other members that gave their comments also believe that. I would not like the Co-op to expand so much that it becomes a mainstream grocery store but I would like the Co-op to be able to accommodate more people more comfortably. As part of the expansion committee I hope to continue working toward that.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I would love to see it grow toward greater sustainability by making available more local products
and work on issues of food security. I also envision providing healthy foods to more people in
our community.

Other comments:

Vote!

Board Candidate: Kitty Koppelman

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Board Candidate: Kitty Koppleman

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I’ve been a Co-op staff member since 1987. I love the Co-op and what we’ve done over the past several decades. I want to expand and enhance that work in a volunteer capacity by serving on the Board.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

As a Co-op staff member, I’ve worked in the areas of merchandising, finance, capital planning, newsletter, hiring, and technology. I’ve served as a bookkeeper, buyer, and project coordinator for many years and I’ve developed dozens of systems and coordinated numerous complex and critical projects that are integral to the Co-op’s operations. I’ve written and presented training documents that have been used to train staff in consensus decision-making and collective management. I was involved extensively in the project to open the Eastside store, and have served on countless committees consisting of staff, board, and the general membership.

I enjoy breaking down seemingly difficult and complicated projects into realistic and attainable tasks in ways that include input and involvement from the broadest spectrum of participants. I have the unique perspective of a long-time staff member, bringing practical considerations that will help the Board to navigate inevitable challenges. I’ve also worked as a volunteer with Stonewall Youth, Olympia Film Society, CIELO, and TULIP.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

Our Co-op is a trusted source of delicious, impeccable, sustainably-produced real food, favoring locally produced products and supporting global food security and justice. We are an essential community hub and exceptional participatory workplace. I would like us to maintain those qualities, but I believe we can improve our efforts to educate and include a broader segment of the community in all of our activities.

The Co-op’s Low-Income Membership has been hugely successful and makes the Co-op’s offerings accessible to thousands of low income members. TULIP Credit Union is another great resource that helps build access. I worked on visioning and developing both of those programs. I’d like to see the Co-op engage in more projects like these, creating programs that remove barriers to participation in all of our activities. I would also like to see the relationship between the Staff and Board strengthened and improved.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I think we should continue to pursue expansion to include a downtown location. I’d like to see the Co-op expand our use of technology to help us carry out our activities and meet our mission. I’d like for us to become more engaged in anti-oppression work and education in the broader community. I’d like to see us do more in the realm of educating other workplaces in collective management.

Board Candidate: Ally Kroeber

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Board Candidate: Ally Kroeber

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I have a young family, I am new to this community and I wanted to teach my son, if you love and support something, you need to be a part of it and give back to it. I believe this is a wonderful way to deepen my relationship with the co-op that my family has grown to love.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

Generally speaking, I believe I can bring the perspective of a young family and new member of the community to the Board. I have many years of experience working with Board of Director(s), in addition to that, I have many years of leadership skills, and problem solving. I believe if we respect the original purpose of the Co-op, that foundation will help lead us in the direction we need to go.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

I love the volunteer program, that has allowed my family to give back to the co-op, it's one of the most rewarding things I have done since I have moved her. I would really like to find a way to share the co-op existence with the community. I have spoken with so many young families and people that have no idea about it, or feel that they can't or aren't allowed to join.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I would love to see the Co-op become the main stream grocery provider for the community. I know my family exclusively shops there and the more people that I introduce to the co-op, eventually start shopping there exclusively too, that turns into supporting local shops and from there it just continues to a full circle of supporting our community. When that happens, it's a beautiful thing!

Other comments

Becoming a member of the Board for the Co-Op would be a wonderful opportunity, I would represent the Co-Op with pride and have the Co-Op's best intention at heart at all times.

Board Candidate: Kim Chaplin

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Board Candidate: Kim Chaplin

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

Central to the coop is safe food, social justice, and cooperative structure. As well, the coop stands at the center of the local food system.

I want to be involved during this time of farm revival and local food production.

I am proud that the OFC is not merely a health food store: it has a built-in conscience that addresses injustice with the amplified voice of a group of consumers.

I want to learn more about coop process and organization, gaining skills to spread the coop economic model.

The coop's working member program is where I adopted a regular, committed volunteer ethic. Now I want to volunteer time and energy to understanding and helping steer our unique local resource to thrive as it upholds its mission statement.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

Listening, patience, desire to learn, logical thinking, empathy.
Consensus experience and facilitation skills.
Business training with Enterprise for Equity.
Involved with the peace and social justice community (OMJP) and with food self-reliance (GRuB).
Worked as a high school teacher, a caregiver for elders, and a food and landscape gardener.
Trained in permaculture design, which emphasized land systems, and included social systems.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

Strengths: The mission statement, good food, community partnerships, community classes, staff trainings, free store, working member program, newsletter.
Continued effort to change: More access for more people.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I see the coop continuing to support health, social justice, and our local economy. I see us continuing to reject GMOs, and products whose sales increase injustice. For the local economy, the coop sells and promotes local produce and groceries; employs people at a living wage; offers classes that stimulate creativity and self-sufficiency; fosters volunteerism; offers discounts, credits, and staple foods; houses TULIP, a low-income credit union; it trains staff and board members in consensus and coop structure, increasing coop culture/skills in the community. I see all these positive programs continuing and expanding.

Board Candidate: Alex Daye

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Board Candidate: Alex Daye

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

For the honor and glory!

The Co-op has been my primary source of nutrition for the past ten years and as a cornerstone of Olympia, its commitment to the community inspires me to serve.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities allow me to quickly find manageable solutions to difficult problems. I am comfortable taking leadership roles but I am working on using my power and privilege to build civic intelligence and support those whose voices are historically less heard than my own.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

I appreciate the Co-op’s commitment to quality food, specifically the extensive selection of organic, GMO-free, bulk, and local products. I respect the Co-op’s working member model and their promotion of conscientious consumerism. I would like to see less packaged food, less plastic, and less waste in our stores. I would also like to see greater emphasis on customer service training for staff who interact with the public on a regular basis.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I would like to see the Co-op further its trend towards economic and environmental sustainability through continued use of best-practice models and integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. As always, community development and participation should remain at the heart of any vision of the Co-op’s future.

Board Candidate: Audrey Daye

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Board Candidate: Audrey Daye

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

The Co-op is my happy place. For 30 years, I’ve wandered the isles, east and west, and marveled at the unequalled awesomeness of our Olympia Food Co-ops. I shop for food here exclusively and I would be thrilled to express my commitment to and appreciation for the Co-op through my active participation on the Board.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

Through the full-time occupation of motherhood, I’ve developed substantial skills in mediation, patience, compromise, and compassion. 15 years of customer-service experience has taught me the importance of diplomacy and positivity, and I place great emphasis on productivity and efficiency. I am an excellent fundraiser, I am trained in mediation, and I have worked in leadership roles with many local nonprofit organizations. I am currently employed at Traditions Fair Trade and Breathe Studio in downtown Olympia, and I am on the steering committee for the Fellowship of Reconciliation. I believe that healthy, affordable food is vital to a healthy community.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

I have always been impressed with the Co-op’s commitment to an ethical business model, through their employment practices, consensus process, low-income, volunteer, and assisted shopping programs, anti-discrimination and inclusivity policies, and active involvement in the greater Olympia community. I would like to see these strengths emphasized and expanded during the Co-op’s own expansion, and I would like to see a greater emphasis on sustainable and ecologically-minded purchasing, particularly with regards to sourcing (domestic!) and packaging (minimal!).

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

In five years, I’d like the Co-op to have grown in whatever ways its members have seen fit. The idea of a third, centralized location has always appealed to me, but whether we have two improved locations or two improved locations plus a brand-new third, I’d like to see more local products, more space to gather, more community classes, more members, and more volunteers! Also more dark chocolate and fancy cheese, obviously.

Other comments

Long live the Munchie Fund!

Board Candidate: Sally Brownfield

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Board Candidate: Sally Brownfield

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I would like to be on the Co-op Board of Directors because I agree with the mission statement of the Co-op and I want to bring my experience and abilities to serve the needs of the Co-op and its membership. I have been a member of the Co-op since 1992 and I feel the Co-op has given me so much and that it would be a privilege for me to serve on the Board of an organization that encompasses all of my values and to be able to give back to it. I have been interested in food issues and their impact on social justice issues my whole life.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

In general, I am knowledgeable about food issues, social justice issues, cross-cultural issues and the workings of the Co-op from the point of view of a member. As a French teacher and former Peace Corps volunteer, I try to be sensitive to cultural differences. I am a reasonable person and a good listener--I used to work on a crisis hotline and was trained in empathic listening. This technique helps me to see both sides of situations which can be useful in bringing people together and making decisions. I also worked on the Board at the Unitarian Church; I was involved in forming the Bosnian Student Project with the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation; I am an active member of the Tacoma Education Association Union, and I helped start a non-profit food buying club in Jonesboro, Arkansas when I lived there because there was no Co-op.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

The strength of the Co-op is the sincerity of its staff and members in striving to achieve the goals and fulfill the mission statement. The Co-op has been successful in its mission because the staff and members believe in what the Co-op stands for. For that reason, they are willing to do things differently to make it a success even if sometimes it involves risk. In addition to maintaining the high quality of the foods available and the relatively smooth operation of this organization, I am especially interested in policies concerning GMOs (or GEs). For example, I am concerned about organic companies owned by large corporations and the money they have contributed to the anti-labeling campaign in California (and now in Washington) and whether or not the Co-op should continue selling their products under these circumstances (for example Muir Glen). I am concerned about the contamination of our food supply from GMOs and would like to keep the Co-op as GMO free as possible. However, this does not mean I am against scientific research regarding food. But the research should be to benefit humanity, not for profit and should not pose a threat to our food supply.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I would like to see the Co-op and its principles regarding food and process reach even more people. I would also like to help develop policy regarding GMOs .

Board Candidate: Chris Weekes

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Board Candidate: Chris Weekes

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I am new to Olympia, very recently transplanted from Tampa, FL, and have found the Co-op to be a vibrant asset to the community. I believe that volunteering my time on the Board would provide a unique learning experience and foster my further engagement in the local food movement.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

I have previously worked in management positions in local government and non-profit organizations. I have experience in marketing and PR, fundraising, public outreach, and grassroots organizing.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

It is exciting to be in a city with such a focus on sustainability and local food, and I believe that the Co-op is increasing access to affordable healthy foods as well as providing valuable education through low-cost nutrition classes and workshops. A few simple improvements I've thought of would include a new member orientation FAQ on the web or in print, to explain how shopping here differs from a conventional grocery store, for example the clipboard for PLU codes. It would also be a sanitary improvement to have tongs available for the fresh bakery items like the bagels and pastries.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

A continued emphasis on local, organic foods and public education on issues of food sovereignty is critical. It is important to think outside the box to improve access to healthy food for all, regardless of income, age or ethnicity. One possibility would be to partner with other organizations to implement a bike sharing program, similar to the commuter bicycle share program in San Francisco, but with baskets for toting food or other products, and with an emphasis on safety. Another possibility would be to add a smoothie bar to either current store or to a new location (if expansion has been researched and approved).

Other comments

In the short time that I have been in Olympia I have felt sincerely welcomed in this friendly city and I look forward to making it home and raising my daughter here. Thank you for the opportunity to grow and get involved.

Board Candidate: Mohamed El-Sokkary

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Board Candidate: Mohamed El-Sokkary

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I have been a Co-Op member since 1993, when I moved from the Bay area in California. I have been a volunteer for the Co-Op for almost three years. I have enjoyed the atmosphere that the Co-Op provides both inside and outside . I believe in the Co-Op’s mission statement of providing good food and education for anyone who comes through those doors . It is here at the Co-Op that I have been inspired to take on a new adventure in baking my gluten free cookies. I am aware that there are many support jobs that are crucial in the function of the Co-Op and being a board member would allow me to be a part of that important process.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

I have been an educator for more than a decade and it is here that I learned how to facilitate and support the goals of the whole Olympia school district, both in the classroom and out. I was in charge of working with some of the most difficult students in our area. It is not that they were difficult but they all come from backgrounds that made it a challenge to work with. I learned how to successfully work with them, their parents or grandparents and their community. The best part about my work with young people was establishing a deeper connection with the relationship in our community. Teaching young people about our local struggles and needs helped them identify who they are and when they were a part of that local support they became more aware of their surroundings and appreciated it more. I still remember my efforts back in 1993 when I took a group of young people to clean up the Garfield nature trail on a weekly basis and now the city of Olympia has a group of volunteers that are in charge of the clean up. I can take my work experience as an educator, coach and as a business owner to the board member position. I work well with others and I am a very positive team player even in the most negative difficult surroundings.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

The Co-Op continues to provide good food at an affordable price for our community. I enjoy the local foods and support that our Co-ops give our local producer and farmers. The things that I would try to promote would be more education on where we get our food and build a stronger relationship between the farmers and our members.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

My vision would be to grow in all the areas of the Co-Op’s mission statement. I would like to be able to promote the Co-Op beyond our local community so that other communities feel the love, healthy support that our Co-Op has for our people. This is a special place to shop, eat, hang out and socialize. It is great to meet people here for the first time, you can build many bridges here at the Co-Op and that makes me feel great about being a member of such a positive place. I have recently been interviewed twice for working as a staff at the Co-Op and was a finalist. I hope you can see my love for this place and my hopes in becoming a board member. I would love the opportunity to be in a position other than a volunteer to support the Co-Op and its mission.

Thank you,
Mohamed El-Sokkary

Board Candidate: Joshua Simpson

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Board Candidate: Joshua Simpson

Why do you want to be on the Co-op Board of Directors?

I have always admired what the Co-op does for the Olympia community and its long tradition of helping to provide quality food to people while trying to foster an egalitarian society. I want to make sure the Co-op never deviates from those goals while continuing to grow.

What general abilities would you bring to the Board? What specific abilities and experiences would you offer to help provide direction in dealing with the Co-op’s challenges?

I’m a graduate of the Masters in Teaching program at the Evergreen State College and one of the co-founders of Coffee Strong, a GI coffee house located right outside the gates of Fort Lewis. I’m also currently a board member for GI Voice, which is the organization that runs Coffee Strong. My time as a GI Voice board member and the president of Fort Lewis IVAW (Iraq Veterans Against the War) has given me plenty of experience in working in organizations that utilize effective consensus based decision making.

What do you see as current strengths of the Co-op that you would like to see maintained? What would you like to see changed?

The Co-op’s main strength right now is its adherence to its mission statement and goals, even when it is facing strident opposition and threats. I would like to see the Co-op board become more clear and direct about its actions with the staff and membership, while also including the staff and the Co-op’s diverse membership into the decisions and future goals of the Co-op.

What vision do you have for the Co-op for the next five years?

I envision the Co-op continuing to grow and hopefully expand into downtown Olympia when it becomes a feasible option. I would also like to see the Co-op always continue to provide more and more local and cruelty free products to the Olympia community, while also boycotting products that are not conducive to developing a more “socially and economically egalitarian society”. I would also want the Co-op to carry on in building and strengthening its relationships to local farmers and growers, with the intention of being able to better explain exactly where and how the food in the Co-op is grown and produced.

Other comments:

I feel that I continue to have a lot to offer the Co-op board. Furthermore, I’m excited about the possibility of furthering the experience of working with an amazing organization that has been operating for over 30 years. I also am excited to transfer the knowledge and experience gained through being a Co-op board member to Coffee Strong and other social justice projects that I operate in the future.