Olympia Food Co-op

Raw Milk & the Co-op

2012-01-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

You probably heard of the Cozy Vale milk recall in December, followed by a lawsuit. Customers have asked why we sell raw milk, whether it is safe, and what we do to protect our customers. Read on for some answers, and contact info for further questions!

The Olympia Food Co-op is committed to offering a variety of products to our shoppers, which includes local farm products like raw milk and cheese. We believe in the integrity of our local dairy farmers and their operations, but want to acknowledge that raw, unpasteurized milk carries some inherent dangers to consumers. The possibility of bacterial contamination is always present, and is most likely to be dangerous for at-risk populations such as infants and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. All of our suppliers are certified and insured as raw milk dairies and comply with all inspections and health department guidelines. When concerns or problems have surfaced, the dairies as producers and the Co-op as retailer have always put consumers first and removed products from our shelves immediately.

We know that many of our shoppers value being able to purchase local, fresh dairy products at our stores like raw milk and find that its benefits outweigh the potential risks. We are writing this to acknowledge the recalls that have happened over the last couple of months and welcome open dialogue with our membership about this issue. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns! Feel free to respond here or to customerservice at olympiafood.coop.

Participate in the Co-op Conversation!

2012-01-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

The Olympia Food Co-op has grown and evolved to meet the needs of ourmembership, yet it’s been many years since our organization came together todecide upon our collective future. During this timeour community and world have changed in many ways. We face a weakening economy,rising inequality, and unprecedented ecological crises. The Co-op is alsoconfronting challenges, such as the changing market, expanding customerdemographics, and the cost of maintaining an equitable labor system. How can werespond to this climate as a collectively-run, consensus-based not-for-profitbusiness, and what can our organization do to make the world and our communitya better place for the next generation? As the Co-op expands to better serveour community, it is time to check in with the membership, staff, and the boardto understand where best to put our energy and focus, and to build mechanismsfor increased communication organization-wide, in order to foster unity andstrength as a food Co-op.

The Co-op Conversation has been developed to hear and engagethe entire Olympia Food Co-op community in a process where all voices areheard. It has been designed based on inclusivity,anti-oppressions, collaborative, and deep democracy models. This givesyou, a Co-op member, a chance to create and answer questions about where bestto put our energy and focus for the future direction of the Co-op. With theguidance of a skilled facilitator, the conversation will take place in threestages. In light of the Co-op's mission to "support efforts to foster asocially and economically egalitarian society," a goal of Stage 1 is toreach out to individual members whose voices are under-represented inmainstream society. Their voices will resonate throughout the process. In thesecond stage, participants will analyze the outcomes of Stage 1 to createthemes and powerful questions for the large, Stage 3 meeting, where the entiremembership will collaborate on envisioning the Co-op's future direction.

Stage 1 – Saturday, January 28th2012 –Olympia Center, 9am-3pm - For Board, VolunteerMembers, Staff and Co-op Members whose voices are least heard in mainstreamsociety.

Stage 2 – Saturday, February 25th 2012 –Olympia Center, 9am-3pm - For participants selectedrandomly, space is limited so please pre-register.

Stage 3 – Saturday, March 24th 2012 –Olympia Center, 9am-4pm - Large scale Co-opcommunity Open Space Meeting, entire Co-op membership is welcome withpre-registration.

You must register to participate. You can do it bycoming into either the East or Westside store to fill out a handbill, or take the survey here!

Childcare and food will be providedat all three events.

For questions and special accommodations for theevents, or to volunteer, please email theMember Relations Committee: coopconversation@olympiafood.coop, and, check out thewebsite for more information. See you there!

GMO Wheat in Washington?

2012-01-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

URGENT! This week in our WAState House and Senate-GMO labeling bills

Everyone'sfood supply & health is at stake

What you can do-come to the hearings! This Thursday andFriday!
Bills to label GMOs havebeen introduced in the
House (HB 2637) and Senate (SB 6298).
SB 6298 is scheduled forpublic hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Water& Rural Economic Development at 10:00 AM on Thursday, Jan. 26.
HB 2637 is scheduled forpublic hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & NaturalResources at 8:00 AM on Friday, Jan. 27.
OR- Call YOURrepresentatives and senator
It's quick and easy even if you have never called.

1. Write your state reps to ask them to cosponsor the bills.

2. Write your state senators to ask them to cosponsor SB 6298.

3. Call your state reps to ask them to cosponsor HB 2637.

4. Call your state senators to ask them to cosponsor SB 6298.

5. Donate tothe Organic Consumers Fund so we can reimburse the travel costs of supporterswho couldn't otherwise attend the hearings.

6. Links for moreinformation to give others
to get them involvedin this campaign:
1) www.TinyURL.com/GMOBillWa - link to this information
2) www.GMOFreeWashington.INFO (to get GMO updates)

Some logistics for the Westside

2012-01-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

Power is up at the Westside Store! If everything goes well, we'll be open tomorrow at 8am as usual.

Except...not so usual. The coolers and freezers have been cleared out, mostly donated (yay!); and we're going to work to get 'em re-stocked. This is actually a good chance to do some deep cleaning and resets. We're getting a partial UNFI (large) delivery tomorrow; and another Tuesday if we need it.

During the next few days, we'll be getting more in from our backstock at the Eastside, various smaller distributors, and local vendors. On Thursday we'll be getting our full (and then some) large delivery to fill in whatever gaps may be left.

Thanks to the hard-working members; everyone's been amazing!

Please come on in everyone, we'd love to see you!

Return of the Westside!

2012-01-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

After days without power, the Westside store is once again up and running! We will reopen tomorrow morning. at the regular time. Please be patient with any product delays, as we will be moving products from the Eastside back to the Westside to get the shelves stocked.

Board meeting postponed!

2012-01-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's (Thursday 1/19) Board meeting is cancelled. The meeting is rescheduled for next Thursday, 1/26, due to SOPA.

Just kidding. It's actually due to the weather and dangerous travel conditions.

The Thursday 1/26 meeting will be at the regular time, 6:30-9:30pm, at 610 Columbia Ave.

Co-ops open! Eastside will close at 6pm

2012-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

The eastside Co-op will close at 6pm today due to the snow. P

The westside Co-op will remain open regular hours.

Hooray for dedicated staff and volunteers who braved the roads to keep the stores open!

OFC visits CECOSESOLA!

2012-01-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

As part of the 2012 Year of the Co-op, OFC is exchanging workers with a Co-operative in Venezuela! Two staff members leave for Venezuela next week, and will spend five weeks working alongside and learning from Cecosesola staff. Then, in May, several Cecosesola staff will visit us in Olympia and do the same!

Follow our intrepid Co-op travelers' blog! Alejandra and Emily will keep us abreast of their travels and their work with Cecosesola with regular updates.

We're not the only ones celebrating the Year of the Co-op - the National Cooperative Grocers' Association has created a "tour" of Co-op's across the country, including a video series on different Co-ops across the country. The first video premiers on Jan. 21st! Check it out.

Board Agenda!

2012-01-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

Please note: The Board meeting may be postponed due to inclement weather. If this happens, we will update here.

All Board meetings take place at 610 Columbia Ave. in downtown Olympia.

Proposed Board Agenda for January 19, 2012 6:30-9:30 pm

Agenda

Announcements 2 min

Mission Statement/Agenda Review 3 min

Commitments Review/Minutes Review 3 min

Welcome new Board Members 5 min

Member Comment 10min

BPC Report 5 min

Officer selection 10min

Committee Membership 15min

Committee Reports 20min

Branding/Logo 30min

Overtime statement –draft- 20min

Meeting Eval/Commitments/Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 2hours

Lawsuit: hearing date changed

2012-01-06T20:45:00.001-08:00

The hearing date for the lawsuit against sixteen current and former Co-op Board members has been changed: the new date is Thursday February 2 at 9am.

A new logo for the Co-op? Take the survey!

2012-01-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

Follow the link to the survey, check out our new logo options, and tell us what you think!

(Don't forget to pass the link on to your friends! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OFC)

AMAZING lineup of Co-op Classes this winter!

2012-01-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Our classes Coordinator and the many volunteers that she works with have outdone themselves for this winter's Co-op Classes offerings. Check out the amazing classes you can take for only $5 each! Use your credit or deit card to sign up online, or if you don't have a card, sign up in the stores.

Note our first ever bilingual cooking class, "Amazing Plantains"!

Here's the list:

Garden Planning for Seed Saving
Building a Thriving Body Ecology
Simple Spanish Cooking
Gluten-free Bread Baking
Ethnic Spice Blends
Simple Soups
Understanding Mushrooms: Basic Cultivation
Homemade Vegan Soft Cheese
Successful Starts
Acid-Alkaline Balance: the pH Health Mystery Explained
Quick Winter Cold Recovery
Beginning Backyard Chickens
Southern Indian Dal
Spring Cleansing and Whole Body Detoxification
Amazing Plantains: a Bilingual Cooking Class
Intermediate Backyard Chickens
Cheese Making 101
Medicinal Foods 1: Healing Yourself with Food
Keeping Yourself Motivated to Eat Well
Exploring Edible Weeds

Wow!

Co-op & GRUB Volunteer Opportunity!

2012-01-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Lawsuit Update

2011-12-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you keeping tabs on the lawsuit against 16 current and former OFC Board members, there are many new documents to take a look at. On the case page at the Center for Constitutional Rights, you can find:

All of the original lawsuit documents (including the lawsuit itself and the defendants' response/special motion to strike)

New documents, including:Plaintiffs' opposition to Defendants' motion (as well as supplemental declarations from Susan Trinin, Jeff Trinin, Linda Davis, Kent Davis, Susan Mayer, Tibor Breuer, Jon Haber, Nancy Koppelman, and Michael Lowsky)

Defendants' reply to opposition (as well as supplemental declarations from Grace Cox, John Nason, and Jayne Kaszynski)

Proposed Board Agenda for this Thursday Dec. 15

2011-12-13T18:14:00.001-08:00

My apologies for the lateness of this posting! We generally try to get these posted a week in advance of the meeting.

Board meetings occur at our downtown office location (610 Columbia Ave SE) and are open to the membership.

Proposed Board Agenda for December 15, 2011 6:30-9:30 pm

Agenda
Announcements 2 min
Mission Statement/Agenda Review 3 min
Commitments Review/Minutes Review 3 min
Member Comment 10 min
BPC Report 5 min
New Vice President selection 5 min
Committee Reports 20 min
Expansion Committee Direction Brainstorm 45 min
2012 Budget 20 min
Executive Session [Personnel/Hiring] 60 min
Meeting Eval/Commitments/Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 2 hours 55 mins

Golden Glen Butter Recall

2011-12-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yikes, another dairy recall! The Co-op has actually discontinued Golden Glen products, but we have been selling the last of these butters at our Westside location. We've pulled the remaining ones from our shelves; please check to see if you have any on hand, and return them for a refund!

The following info is from Food Safety News

Golden Glen Creamery of Bow, WA is voluntarily recalling butter produced on Nov. 2, 2011 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

A surveillance sample of the butter collected and analyzed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes, according to the recall announcement. The creamery says it has ceased production and distribution of the butter as it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Washington State Department of Agriculture continue their investigation to determine what caused the problem.

No illnesses have been reported.

The butter was distributed between Nov. 7 and Nov. 28 and is in circulation to date.

The recalled butter is in 4 oz. plastic round containers with tamper-evident seals. The labels read in part: "Herbes de Provence Butter" or "Northwest Mushroom Trio Butter," along with "GOLDEN GLEN CREAMERY"and "Natural handcrafted cheese produced by the Jensen ladies." The top label has the three-digit code 767.

Consumers are urged to destroy the butter or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information contact Golden Glen Creamery at 360-766-6455 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, or by email at info@goldenglencreamery.com.

Earlier this month, Golden Glen Creamery recalled about 20 pounds of cheddar cheese distributed in Washington state after a surveillance sample tested positive for Listeria.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The dirt on composting plastic bags!

2011-12-04T13:35:00.001-08:00

This is re-posted from Thad Curtz's OlyBlog post! Biobags, of course, are available at the Co-op.

The City's citizen Utility Advisory Committee got an update on various recycling issues from staff at our monthly meeting yesterday. Thanks at least in part to some steady negotiating by our Public Works staff, the company that composts the yard waste and organics from our big green bins has decided that it can deal with several additional brands of compostable bags.

(Unfortunately, lots of the plastic items that are advertised as "compostable" don't actually break down in the particular fast hot processes that commercial facilities use. Silver Springs goes from dumping to finished compost in 30 days. (They have some photos here. If scraps of plastic are left, they're completely sterile, but customers apparently hate how they look, so it's a big problem for the companies.)

You can now use:

1. All sizes of 1.0 and 1.2 mil Heritage Bio-Tuf bags
2. All sizes of EcoSafe bags (S011)
3. All sizes of BIOBAGS
4. All sizes of GLAD Compostable bags (78162, 78163)

(I'm relieved, because I really like using one of these as a liner in the plastic tub for kitchen scraps that the City hands out. You can just pull the bag out and throw it in the green bin when it gets full, and it makes keeping the tub clean a lot easier.) The Coop and Bayview both stopped stocking the ones I was using, because they had trouble getting them, so I hope this change will mean it's easy to buy some brand that works locally again.

Toy Run closes West-bound Pacific Ave this Saturday 1-3!

2011-11-29T14:19:00.001-08:00

Planning on shopping at the Eastside Co-op this weekend? You may want to plan around the 34th Annual Toy Run, which will be closing west-bound Pacific Ave on Saturday afternoon.

West-bound Pacific Ave will begin being closed down shortly before 1pm to accommodate the 17,000+ motorcyclists who ride to "provide toys for needy kids." It can take two hours for the parade of festive motorcycles to pass through, so don't plan on crossing town until after 3pm unless you want to stop and watch.

Find more details about the Toy Run, including the full route, at their website!

Cozy Vale Milk Recall

2011-11-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

Cozy Vale Creamery has voluntarily issued a recall of whole and skim milk, and cream, with a pull date of Dec. 6 or earlier. You can return any of these products to the Co-op for a refund or exchange.

Cozy Vale issued the recall after a test found E. coli bacteria on the floor of their milking and/or processing facilities. E. coli was NOT found on the cows, processing equipment, or in their milk. WSDA collects multiple monthly and surveillance samples at Cozy Vale (as they do at all raw creameries), and has not previously found contaminated samples. The creamery has shut down in order to thoroughly clean and sanitize the whole facility.

Three illnesses have been reported in Cozy milk customers since August. However, it is not confirmed that their sickness was caused by Cozy Valley's milk products.

E. coli infections may cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stools. Symptoms generally appear three to four days after exposure, but can take as long as nine days to appear. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider, the dairy advised.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360-264-4663.

To read more about raw milk regulation in Washington, check out WSDA's information page.

Late night ballot counting!

2011-11-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

Ballot counters hard at work at the Co-op office!

One member's envelope provoked delighted laughter with its combination of creative recycling and re-messaging!

Board Election Results!

2011-11-16T13:02:00.001-08:00

After a late night of verifying and counting ballots, we are happy to welcome our three new Board members Cezanne Murphy-Levesque, Joshua Simpson and Joseph Webster. We also welcome back returning Board member Rob Richards for his second term.

We received 434 valid ballots, plus 47 that were unable to be counted due to inactive or unverifiable membership status. All votes were verified by two separate counts.

The final count was:

Cezanne Murphy-Levesque 275
Joshua Simpson 274
Rob Richards 256
Joseph Webster 241

Allyson Ruppenthal 232
Keith Dublanica 172

Many thanks to our group of late-night ballot counters! Volunteer Jackie Krzyzek verified piles of ballots, while Fern Moore, Jason Baghboudarian, and volunteers Laura and Jaime Kaszynski counted votes. Aurora Kaszynski-McGinnis (age "almost 8") provided levity, artwork, and helped us eat pizza.

Find GMO-free products with a simple search!

2011-11-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Non-GMO project maintains a database of companies and products in their Non-GMO Product Verification Program. Click here to search for your favorite products and brands!

Annual Membership Meeting!

2011-11-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Join us for the Annual Membership Meeting!

Discuss current events and hear updates from the Co-op committees.

Meet your fellow members: staff members, volunteer working members, and the member-candidates for the Board of Directors.

All of this, of course, while sharing the gifts of our community, good wholesome food.

See you there!

Sunday, November 6th, 12:30 - 3:00pm

Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Stage 2 -- Black Box Theater
512 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360.753.8585

http://www.washingtoncenter.org/location/

Response to lawsuit against Co-op Board members

2011-11-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, lawyers for the sixteen current and former Co-op Board members (including three staff members) named in the lawsuit that seeks to overturn the Israeli product boycott decision filed a motion to strike the lawsuit.

Read a full copy of our joint press release with the Center for Constitutional Rights.

You can view the original lawsuit and the motion to strike as well as other information on CCR's case page.

To comment on the boycott or the lawsuit, please contact the Board of Directors at 357-1106 x13 or email ofcboard -at- olympiafood.coop.

If you are a member of the press, please email publicrelations -at- olympiafood.coop.

Ban plastic grocery bags in Olympia!

2011-09-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

At the last meeting, the Co-op's Board of Directors joined Environment Washington's "Ban the Bag" campaign!

There's a lot happening in Olympia as they ramp up to ask our City Council to ban plastic grocery bags in town. Check it out, and contact Environment Washington to help get it passed!

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
From our friends at Environment Washington:

- We have 2 letters to the editor that have been printed in 2 different newspapers (here and here), one of which is in the Olympian. Check them out!

- We have generated more than 1,000 petitions state-wide from people who support a ban on plastic bags. Almost 200 of those are from Olympia!

- We have gotten over 50 Olympia businesses to sign letters endorsing the ban bag campaign – about half of these businesses also said they would put a sign up in their windows that says “ban plastic grocery bags”.

This is just the beginning. We will be working hard in the next couple of weeks to keep building momentum.

You can send a message or sign up for email alerts at their website!

This week's Board agenda!

2011-09-12T13:57:00.001-07:00

Proposed Board Agenda for September 15, 2011 6:30-9:30 pm

Agenda
Announcements 2 min
Mission Statement /Agenda Review 3 min
Commitments Review / Minutes Review 3 min
Member Comment 15 min
BPC Report 5 min
Accountability Team Update 5 min
WashPIRG/Plastic Bag Petition 10 min
Committee Reports 20 min
Executive Session [Expansion; Legal; Personnel] 1.75 hour
Meeting Eval/ Commitments/ Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 2 hours 50 mins

Decide the future of the Co-op!

2011-08-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Join the "Co-op Conversation"!

The Co-op Conversation is a board-initiated effort to ask members about the future of the Co-op. Read the excerpt from the vision statement below, and stay tuned for more information! You'll have opportunities to join meetings, take surveys, and work with other Co-op members to decide the direction of the Co-op.

From the Co-op Conversation Vision Statement:

The Olympia Food Co-op has grown and evolved to meet the needs of our membership, yet it’s been many years since our organization came together to decide upon our collective future. During this time our community and our world have changed in many ways. We face a weakening economy, rising inequality, and unprecedented ecological crises. The Co-op is also confronting challenges, such as the changing market, expanding customer demographics, and the cost of maintaining an equitable labor system. How can we respond to this climate as a collectively-run, consensus-based not-for-profit business, and what can our organization do to make the world and our community a better place for the next generation? As the Co-op expands to better serve our community, it is time to check in with the membership, staff, and the board to understand where best to put our energy and focus, and to build mechanisms for increased communication organization-wide, in order to foster unity and strength as a food co-op.

To achieve the goals of this engagement process, we will conduct extensive outreach to all segments of our membership, and prioritize engaging as many members as possible in an inclusive operation that seeks to bring many voices to the table. Then, with the guidance of a skilled facilitator, a series of discussions will be held, and other activities will be employed, to draw out our commonalities and expand upon our assets. Working with the Member Relations Committee, the board and staff, the facilitator will issue a report of findings and recommendations for our organization to use as a roadmap of priorities, and an indicator of our collective position. In coming together, we also seek to develop, in concert, methods that make sense for us as a group to allow communication to flourish, so that the organization can adequately respond to emerging needs and opportunities in an uncertain future.

This process will be a success with the enthusiastic participation of as many members, staff, and board as possible. The Co-op Conversation is an extraordinary opportunity for the Co-op to connect and create solutions for our community. The outcome will be an organization re-energized and clearly focused, with responsive and sustainable communication mechanisms, and a deeper understanding of how to move forward with our mission in a changing environment.

How sustainable are your eggs? The Cornucopia Institute's "Egg Scorecard" can let you know!

2011-08-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Cornucopia Institute's Organic Egg Scorecard includes everything from how much space the chickens have to what the farmer does with his manure to the ownership structure of the company in their "1-5 egg" rating! Not every egg producer is accounted for, but producers from across the country have taken part.

You can see ratings for all of the egg producers or read about Yelm's Steibrs Farm "3 egg" rating.

If the Egg Lady was part of this, I bet she'd get a "5 egg" score!

Update: They do a dairy report, too!

Update to Branding RFP!

2011-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Answers to few typical questions about our Brand Design RFP (request for proposals):

Yes, we are willing work with designers who do not live nearby.

Examples of possible templates we might ask for include: a simple events flyer for in-store events or informational shelf tags for products.

We expect proposals to include (at minimum):
• a letter of intent/strategy;
• a proposed budget and timeline;
• information about the individual/company, including a resume and samples of similar work.

Do you have other questions? Send them to Jayne at jayne@olympiafood.coop!

Are you a rockin' graphic designer?

2011-08-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Check it out! We're looking for proposals from qualified graphic/brand designers to design the Co-op's new "look"!

Request for Proposals

Olympia Food Co-op Brand Design

August 11, 2011

The Request

The Olympia Food Co-op, a member based, collectively managed, not-for-profit, natural food grocer located in Olympia, WA is seeking the services of one or more qualified professionals to design a new look and feel for our external and internal marketing materials. Specifically, we are looking for a new or updated logo, font(s) and a coordinated color palette as well as a small selection of sample templates. Additional web and/or graphic design work may be available for the right person/company in 2012. We prefer individuals or companies with both graphic design skills and an understanding of brand management concepts. Previous work with co-operatives or within the natural grocery sector is ideal but not required.

Background

The Olympia Food Co-op has been in business for over 30 years. We specialize in local, organic, and environmentally-friendly foods and household products, with an emphasis on affordability and social justice. The organization has grown from a volunteer-run buying club that operated out of a garage to two stores which now employ over 75 staff. The staff collectively manages the stores using a non-hierarchical consensus based process. The co-op has over 22,000 active members, some of whom volunteer in the stores.

Our marketing strategies and materials have not kept pace with our growth. Over time, multiple people have created different marketing materials (website, newsletter, flyers, store signage, etc.) without a common theme, leading to a disjointed brand identity. In 2010 we committed to a brand review and creation process which will culminate in creation of a new look and feel for our communications and stores, to be implemented in 2012.

Our work to this point has included: auditing our current brand identity; auditing the brands of competitors as well as fellow co-ops; assessing our current positioning and future positioning opportunities; engaging staff and members in a branding survey; and creating a design brief. At this point, we are ready to share this information with a design partner to bring our brand personality alive with shape and color!

The Process

As a member-based, collectively-managed cooperative, we are committed to engaging members and staff in the brand creation process. Our current logo has been in use since the early 1980s and although many members agree that it has drawbacks, it also has a long history within our community.

The designer will work closely with members of the Outreach and Education Committee to create mock-ups of three possible logos and color combinations. These three choices will be presented to Board, staff and members, both online and at staff and community meetings. After feedback has been received from stakeholders, the designer will complete work on the final choice. We expect the stakeholder engagement part of this process to require roughly three weeks. Although the designer is not required to be present at community meetings, we would welcome their participation.

Our goal is to complete the design process by the end of 2011 and begin implementation in 2012.

Proposal Timeline and Selection Process

The deadline for proposals is September 1, 2011 at 5:00 pm. Applicants may be contacted for a follow-up interview. The successful applicant will be notified no later than September 15th.

Please keep in mind when designing your proposal that we are a not-for-profit organization.

Interested applicants should submit their proposal via e-mail to jayne@olympiafood.coop

For additional information or questions, contact Jayne by email or at 360-357-1106, extension 11.

Join OFC's Board of Directors! Applications due Sept. 10th.

2011-08-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Applications are out and ready to go. Apply yourself, or forward this to your friends!

INFORMATION ABOUT THE OLYMPIA FOOD CO-OP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

APPLICATIONS DUE: SEPTEMBER 10th BY 9PM
ELECTIONS: OCTOBER 15 - NOVEMBER 15

BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION

The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors is the elected body that represents the membership by establishing policies, overseeing the operating and capital budgets, approving plans and recommendations, and setting general guidelines for staff and working members. The Board holds ultimate legal responsibility for the operations and actions of the Co-op.

The Mission Statement For the Organization from Section I.2. of The Bylaws:
The purpose of the Cooperative is to contribute to the health and well-being of people by providing wholesome foods and other goods and services, accessible to all, through a locally-oriented, collectively managed, not-for-profit cooperative organization that relies on consensus decision making. We strive to make human effects on the earth and its inhabitants positive and renewing and to encourage economic and social justice. Our goals are to:

A. Provide information about food;
B. Make good food accessible to more people;
C. Support efforts to increase democratic process;
D. Support efforts to foster a socially and economically egalitarian society;
E. Provide information about collective process and consensus decision making;
F. Support local production;
G. See to the long term health of the business;
H. Assist in the development of local community resources.

Board Responsibilities as outlined in Section III.12. of The Bylaws
13. BOARD DUTIES Except as to matters reserved to membership by law or by these bylaws, the business and affairs of the Cooperative shall be directed by the Board of Directors. The major duties of the Board are to:

A. employ Staff, approve the make-up of the hiring committee, approve job descriptions, and approve a hiring policy;
B. select officers, and fill Board vacancies as needed;
C. approve an operating budget annually;
D. monitor the financial health of the Cooperative;
E. appoint standing and special committees as needed;
F. authorize appropriate agents to sign contracts, leases, or other obligations on behalf of the Cooperative;
G. adopt, review, and revise Cooperative plans;
H. approve major capital projects;
I. adopt major policy changes;
J. adopt policies to foster member involvement;
K. authorize major debt obligations of the Cooperative;
L. ensure compliance with all corporate obligations, including the keeping of corporate records and filing all necessary documents;
M. ensure adequate audits of Cooperative finances;
N. maintain free-flowing communication between the Board, Staff, committees, and the membership;
O. adopt policies which promote achievement of the mission statement and goals of the Cooperative;
P. resolve organizational conflicts after all other avenues of resolution have been exhausted;
Q. establish and review the Cooperative's goals and objectives.
R. Provide an annual report to the members to include a financial report, committee reports, and a summary of other significant events held and actions taken by the Cooperative during the year.

Board members receive volunteer working member credit for their time spent in Board and committee meetings. The monthly hour commitment ranges between 5 and 15 hours.

The Board meets once a month and committees may also meet once a month though this will vary from committee to committee. These committees establish plans and policies that are then passed on to the Board or membership for approval. The standing committees include Finance, Personnel, Outreach and Education, Newsletter, Ecological Planning, Hiring, Local Farm, and Member Relations. Temporary committees may be formed to deal with specific short-term projects.

To be eligible to run for the Board you must be a member of the Co-op with a current address on file, and you must be willing to make a 2-year commitment. Board members are elected for two-year terms and may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms. This year the Board has four positions to fill. The newly elected Board members will receive an in-depth training on consensus decision-making, anti-oppression, the Co-op’s finances, policies and general procedures, and a history of the organization.

The election will be held from October 15 to November 15. New Board members will be asked to attend the November and December Board meetings to begin their training and meet the current Board members, and they will officially begin their term in January.

If you are interested in running for the Board, you must fill out the application and submit it and a current digital photo of yourself to boardapplication@olympiafood.coop by 9pm on September 10th.

Take this opportunity to be an active participant in your Co-op’s future and the future of our community!

For more information contact Fern at boardapplication@olympiafood.coop

OLYMPIA FOOD CO-OP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPLICATION

Please answer the following questions and email them, along with a current digital photograph of yourself, to boardapplication@olympiafood.coop.

There is a strict, combined 500 word limit to your responses below.

1. NAME:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBERS:

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

3. 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?

4. 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?

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

6. Other comments

*Applications will only be accepted by email at boardapplication@olympiafood.coop, unless a reasonable accommodation is needed and requested.

Court cases help organic farmers fight pesticide & GMO contamination!

2011-08-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

For years organic farmers have been on the losing sides of battles with GMO producers who sue the farmers when their "proprietary" seed floats from nearby farms onto the organic farms. Organic farmers whose crops were contaminated have lost organic certification for their fields AND had to pay the GMO companies for the favor.

But the tide may be turning with two new cases in which organic farmers have sued - and won - suits against nearby conventional farms who have contaminated their fields. The courts are considering it "illegal trespassing" and have ordered the pesticide-sprayers to pay restitution.

Natural News has a great overview of the cases and what it may mean for the future of organic farmers. Support organic!

Co-op Shopping Guide by OFC member!

2011-07-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Check it out! OFC member and Westside shopper Heather wrote up a fantastic shopping guide on Queenbeecoupons.com for new Co-op shoppers everywhere, complete with pics of our lovely store! Good tips for frugal shopping, and we love the shout-out.

Interrupting Racsim

2011-06-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Co-op presents a hands-on workshop:

Interrupting Anti-Semitism & Anti-Arab Racism.

Sunday June 26th, from 2-5pm, at the Governor Hotel.

Please note that there is limited space for Co-op members; please bring your current membership card. Attendees will be seated on a first-come basis.

InterruptingRacismWorkshop

About the Facilitators:

Selma Al-Aswad Dillsi
is a Palestinian American activist and social worker who uses radical activism as a means of challenging systems. Selma is passionate about using media as a tool to educate and transform and has a particular interest in the intersections of race, queerness, and popular culture. Selma is active in Palestine solidarity campaigns locally and abroad and sees anti-racist organizing as central to the work that she does and pivotal to breaking down borders and binaries of all kinds. Selma currently resides in Seattle, WA.

Socket Klatzker
is a conflict mediator and group process facilitator for radical collectives. She is currently earn- ing her Masters in Counseling at Saint Martin’s University. Socket is a trained anti-oppression organizer who adores hands-on and expressive techniques for working towards personal and collective liberation. She is a self-loving, practicing Jew and a Palestine solidarity activist who believes in justice, dignity, and healing for all. Socket is a fierce, sweet, white, queer, disabled, Ashkenazi, American Jew. She currently lives in Olympia, WA.

Trike Giveaway

2011-05-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

The Co-op is teaming up with United Natural Foods Inc. to provide this Tricycle Raffle. One adult-sized Trike will be given away in each store. No Purchase Necessary -- just fill out a raffle ticket (one per person please) by May 31st to enter. The drawing will be held on June 1st.

Match the Board's $5000 to Duwamish Legal Defense Fund

2011-04-21T00:54:00.000-07:00

Back in November of last year the Co-op began raising funds for the Duwamish Tribe, First People of the Seattle area. They are currently in the process of defending their Federal recognition as a Tribe.

They need $100,000 for legal fees, the details of which are on their website. The Co-op Board has donated $5000; and the general membership has donated $2161 so far by Rounding Up their purchases at the register.

The Co-op will end its fundraising for the Duwamish Tribe on April 30th. Let's see if we can match or exceed the Board's donation before then!

"If everybody in Seattle would give us one dollar, we could raise the money for our legal defense" -- Cecile Hansen, Chairwoman of the Duwamish Tribe

Visit the OFC Arts Walk space downtown! (#82)

2011-04-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Come mingle with other Co-op members while savoring organic snacks and perusing art!

Five Co-op members (2 members at large and 3 staff members) will show their art this Friday and Saturday at the Co-op's downtown meeting space.

You can cuddle Christine's ferociously cute stuffed creatures, try on Erin's felt flower pins, peer into Mian's detailed mixed media works, contemplate Kaia's photography, and linger over Jasmine's charcoal drawings.

Our office art space will be open from 5-10pm on Friday night and 12-7 on Saturday. Stop by and say hello!

Proposed Board Agenda for April 21st 6:30-9:30pm

2011-04-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

Co-op Board meetings are open to the public and take place at 610 Columbia St SE (across the street from Olympia Supply) on the third Thursday of each month. To request an addition to this agenda or a future agenda, email board@olympiafood.coop. Your email should describe the issue that you wish to discuss, why you think it's something the board should consider, and actions you would like the Board to take. Include any additional resources such as links or attachments to your email.

Proposed April 21 Board Agenda

Agenda
Announcements 2 min
Mission Statement /Agenda Review 3 min
Commitments Review / Minutes Review 3 min
Member Comment 10 min
Accountability Team Update 5 min
BPC Report & overview of structure proposal 30 min
Sensible Washington Endorsement Request 10 min
Boycott Subcommittee Update/Revisit Board Participation 20 min
Boycott Email Response 15 min
Report back from John R/Venezuela 10 min
BOD planning/retreat continuation 20 min
Committee Reports 15 min
Consent via email proposal 10 min
Expansion (Executive Session) 20 min
Meeting Eval/ Commitments/ Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 2 hours 55 min

Get involved with the Co-op: Join the Member Relations Committee!

2011-04-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

Olympia Food Co-op Member Relations Committee
Member-at-Large Application

Name: ______________________________
Phone: ______________________________
E-mail: ______________________________

Purpose: To facilitate communication between the membership and the organization.

Committee Members:
• 1-2 Board Members
• 1-2 Members-at-Large (one vacancy)
• 1-2 Staff Members

Questionnaire

1. Describe any experience you have working in groups, especially involving facilitating the communication between an organization and its community. (Including your resume would be appreciated but not required.)

2. Why would you like to be part of the Member Relations Committee?

3. This committee typically meets once a month for an hour and a half. Other commitments include communicating via email and working on projects for an average commitment of 3 hours, or more as needed, per month. Are you able to make this volunteer commitment? (Note: You will earn volunteer credit or discount on purchases at the Co-op for hours spent on the committee.)

Submit by email at heather@olympiafood.coop or keziah@olympiafood.coop or by mail with attention to either Heather or Keziah at OFC-Eastside, 3111 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501, or drop off at either east or west store locations at the Customer Service station. Deadline for submission is April 30, 2011.

Are you the professional facilitator we're looking for?

2011-03-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

Request for Proposals

Member and Staff Engagement Process

The Request
The Olympia Food Co-Op, a member based, collectively managed, natural food grocer located in Olympia, WA is seeking the services of one or more qualified professionals to co-design and facilitate a process to engage our members and staff in a conversation about values, priorities, challenges and opportunities to increase our presence and impact in the community.

Background
The Olympia Food Co-op has been in business for over 30 years. The organization has grown from one to two stores which now employ over 75 staff and last year sold over $13 million in products. The staff collectively manages the stores using a non-hierarchical consensus based process. The co-op has over 17,000 active members who have paid capital fees and dues to the organization. Many of these members also volunteer for the organization in exchange for discounts on their purchases.

As a member based business it is important to ensure that the business operates in ways that are consistent with our member’s values and priorities. The co-op has a clear values based mission statement that was developed with member input in the mid 1990’s.

As we look to the future we are seeking clarity about where to put the organization’s energy and focus. With this in mind, the time has come to convene a conversation with our members, staff and community that can set the stage for the success of the business for the next generation.

Engaging staff and members in this conversation is one of the top priorities identified by the Board of Directors for 2011.

The Process
While the specific process used to structure the conversation will be co-designed between the successful applicant and the board’s Member Relations Committee, we would expect the process to include at least the following components:

1) General meetings using open space technology or World Café type formats. The meetings are intended to bring together a broad cross section of the co-op community to generate ideas and build a shared vision for the co-op.
2) Structured focus groups or small work groups that would build from the ideas generated at the general meetings and begin to shape proposals and recommendations.
3) A final report to the board summarizing the process, information gathered and recommendations. The report will be used by the board to develop a positioning statement for the organization.

The successful applicant will work closely with the co-op’s Member Relations Committee to design an inclusive approach that ensures a wide cross-section of the co-op community participates in the engagement process.

The project will be completed by November 15, 2011.

Proposal Timeline and Selection Process
The deadline for proposals is April 30, 2011 at 5:00 pm. Applicants may be contacted for a follow-up interview. The successful applicant will be notified by May 15, 2011.

Interested applicants should submit their proposal via e-mail to keziah@olympiafood.coop or heather@olympiafood.coop

For additional information or questions, contact Jayne at 360-357-1106, extension.11.

UPDATED: Info from Dr. Robin Moore re: Prevention Measures for Radiation Exposure

2011-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dr. Moore re-wrote and updated her her information that she posted last week (and that we blogged previously). Read on for the newest version, or read it at Olympia Natural Medicine.

Prevention Measures for Radiation Exposure

-First of all, don’t panic. We have not received any radiation from Japan’s damaged nuclear power plants and, in the event that we do, it will be low levels, not high. We would have to be close to the reactor to get high levels. Very trustworthy data has shown us that it is impossible to get a high level of exposure this far away.

-We will have plenty of warning that the low level of radiation is coming because our navy’s ships will detect it at sea.

-Also, there is no shortage of supply of potassium iodide from pharmacies and they can make it up quickly, so don’t worry if the health food stores run out. And remember…it is very unlikely that you will need the potassium iodide anyway.

-Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to start any treatment now. Starting ahead of time has no value and may even be less effective than starting at the start of exposure.

Introduction: In response to the recent damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, I have written this hand-out to review methods to decrease health problems from low dose radiation exposure. Thus far the levels of radioactive material released are not high enough to have international effects. However, in case a meltdown disaster does occur and low levels are reported as heading our way, you will have information to help minimize the effects on your health. How long to do this treatment is discussed later, but do not take it for more than a month without reviewing with your physician if it is safe for you. Also, if you take any prescription medications, interactions with these supplements must first be checked.

Iodine: Radioactive iodine is released from power plant meltdowns. It then is absorbed into your thyroid gland because your thyroid uses iodine to function. The radiation increases your chances of developing thyroid cancer and various thyroid growths years later. (Other glands also use iodine such as your adrenals, but to a much lesser degree.) For high levels of exposure people are told to take iodine which will prevent the radioactive version of iodine from attaching to your thyroid gland.

Dose: The official advice for the dose of iodine to take for low level exposure is none because low levels of radiation do not appear to cause thyroid cancer. However, if you still choose to take it, I do not recommend the very high dose of 130mg per day which is the government health agencies dose for acute, high level exposure. Also, please note that the RDA dose of 150mcg is not intended to saturate your thyroid so I am recommending 1,000mcg/day for low level exposure. If and when you may need or choose this, it can be purchased at a compounding pharmacy with a prescription from your physician. Each physician, myself included, will prescribe for only their patients. (Remember that the health department will take care of everyone if we really did have a high level of exposure.)Do not take iodine if you are allergic to it or have hyperthyroid. (not the more common hypothyroid, which is ok)

Anti-oxidants: Most of the damage from radiation is from oxidative damage which can lead to cancers, tumors, and dysfunction of the affected organ. Therefore, the best preventive measure is to increase anti-oxidants or “free radical scavengers”. Fortunately, there are many strong anti-oxidants available to you via both food and supplements. Those mentioned here are just a few examples of good anti-oxidants. Many of you will know of other examples. You do not need to take all of the following supplements. Pick half of them until the radiation exposure has cleared.

1. Beta carotene- 25,000 IU/day.

2. Vitamin C- 1,000mg 2 x day.(If diarrhea, decrease dose to 500 2xday)

3. Vitamin E-1,000 IU /day.

4. B-complex- such as is in a multiple. Aim for about 10mg 2 x day with food. (Brewer’s yeast ½ oz 2xday) B-vitamins are not anti-oxidants, but they help the other nutrients do their jobs.

5. Selenium- 400mcg per day.

6. Glutathione-1,000mg 2 x day preferably away from meals ie ½ hr before or 1 ½ hr after meals. (It’s ok, but less effective with meals.)

7. Cysteine- 500mg 2 x day.

8. Ginseng (either the Siberian or American type)-one capsule (1/4tsp)

2 x day. Higher doses may be too stimulating for some people.

9. Berries of dark color are also good anti-oxidants.

Doses for children: The doses given above are for adults. None of the items are contraindicated for children, especially when taken for a limited time. Decrease the dose according to their weight. Calculate what % of

120 lbs your child’s weight is and use that % of the above doses. For example, if your child weighs close to 60 lb, this is 50% of 120 so use 50% of the doses.

When to start and stop this treatment: Start as soon as we hear that radioactivity is clearly heading our way. If this happens, the radiation will not reach us for a day or two (watch the news) so you will have time to start.

Continue taking the supplements until we hear that the radiation exposure has diminished to a safe level. Remember that the anti-oxidant mentioned above will likely be all you need.

Contraindications: Do not take any of the above supplements if you are allergic to them or anything related to them. Read the labels for any of your allergens, if you have any. In particular, iodine can be allergenic so do not take it if you have reacted to iodine dyes or other sources of iodine. You would usually already know if you have an iodine allergy. As already mentioned, if you have an overactive thyroid, do not take iodine.

Robin E Moore ND 3-12-11

Why the Pacific Coast is not currently at risk from radiation...

2011-03-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

We at the Co-op having been hearing a lot of concern about radiation these days. Requests for iodine keep rolling in (fyi, we have an order in for Thursday delivery) and seaweed has never been so popular.

Being prepared is always good, but so far we're not at risk for high radiation levels here on the west coast.

Cliff Mass is a climatologist at UW who has written the book on PNW weather (literally) and his blog - for those of us nerdy enough to follow such things - is the best place to get detailed, yet utterly readable, information about our weather.

Cliff says we're not in any danger of radiation problems right now, based on the weather (among other things). You can read his post on why this is the case here.

You can also read the Washington State Department of Health's online FAQ about the Japanese nuclear power plants and radiation here on the west coast. The department of health monitors radiation levels throughout the year at four spots in Washington state, and if higher than usual levels are detected, this is where you would read about it.

Lastly, if you're the kind of person who thrives on up-to-the-minute, straight-from-the-source news, check out NHK World News. NHK is a Japanese news agency with an English language version that they stream online.

Co-op Branding Survey!

2011-03-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

To take the Co-op's branding survey just click here!

Then pass the link on to your friends, family and colleagues who shop at the Co-op. Here's the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OlympiaFoodCoop

Not sure what all this "Branding" stuff is about? Read the article from our most recent newsletter, below!

What color is the Co-op?

By Jayne Kaszynski (staff member)

Five of us leaned over the table in the tiny back office, looking at a jumble of class flyers, annual statements, volunteer requests and local Co-op advertisements. We threw out words: “chaos” and “random” came immediately to mind, but so did “home-grown”, “organic”, “bright” and “community”.

As members of the Education and Outreach Committee (generally referred to simply as “Outreach”), we were taking one of the first steps in developing a recognizable “brand” for the Olympia Food Co-op: a brand audit. We gathered as much external Co-op communication materials as we could find and then sat down to interpret what it all said about us. Who is the Co-op? What are we like? What do we stand for? Each of us could answer these questions – we’re all familiar with the mission statement – but did it come across in our communications? The answer was, well, sometimes. But the rest of the time… well, let’s just say that it wasn’t pretty.

Say the word ‘branding’ and many of us feel an apprehensive shiver. Green washing campaigns by big oil companies come to mind, or soda manufacturers pushing high fructose corn syrup as energy drinks. We think of products designed to break, and the constant push to own the new “must-have” item; in other words, the entire consumption process that harms our community’s and the planet’s health.

Shake that shiver out, my friend! The Co-op is not planning to go that way. What we’re embarking on is a community process to determine what the Olympia Food Co-op is all about, and how to translate that into colors, fonts, and pictures. The end result will be a better website, clear and readable signs in the stores, and hopefully flyers and newsletters that make you think, “Ahh! That’s my Co-op!”

Our goal is to create a “brand identity” that’s authentic, that reflects what we are really trying to do. It could be funky, colorful, earthy, bright, clean – whatever we decide it should be. It could look like other Co-ops or be completely new. It’s up to us.

The Outreach Committee (which includes several staff members, a representative from the Board of Directors, and a member at large) has begun laying some of the branding process groundwork, and we want to invite your help. In mid-February, we’ll have an online survey available for you to take, and in March we’ll gather small discussion groups to talk about the results in more detail. Later on in the year, you can expect community meetings to discuss different color and font options and eventually, a get-together to celebrate the new “look” and all of the work we’ve done.

To keep up on the process, keep an eye on the Co-op Blog (http://olympiafoodcoop.blogspot.com/) or “like” us on Facebook. If you have questions, comments, or would like to volunteer special expertise, contact Jayne at jayne@olympiafood.coop.

Prevention Measures for Radiation Exposure

2011-03-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Please see Dr. Moore's updated information on prevention measures for radiation exposures on our blog or at Olympia Natural Medicine.

Winter Produce Drive: Both Stores Sat March 12th from Noon-3pm

2011-03-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Please support Thurston County Food Bank

Produce donations to the Food Bank drop dramatically in the Winter months, yet the need is as great as ever. Food Bank volunteers will be available to accept donations at both stores. Purchase and donate some produce at the Co-op and make a big difference for hundreds of households in the community!

Proposed Board Agenda for March 17, 2011

2011-03-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

Olympia Food Co-op Board meetings run from 6:30-9:30 pm and take place at the Co-op's office at 610 Columbia st (downtown, across from Olympia Supply.) You can contact the Board at board@olympiafood.coop to suggest changes to the agenda.

Agenda
Announcements (2 min)
Mission Statement /Agenda Review (3 min)
Commitments Review / Minutes Review (3 min)
Member Comment (10 min)
Accountability Team Update (15 min)
Boycott Subcommittee Update (10 min)
Meeting Notes Consent via Email (10 min)
BOD planning/retreat continuation (30 min)
BPC Report (10 min)
Committee Reports (10 min)
Expansion (Executive Session) (40 min)
Meeting Eval/ Commitments/ Next facilitator (2 min)

Total Meeting Time: 2 hour 25 min

Facilitator: Ron Lavigne

Working Member Appreciation Party!

2011-03-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

In support and appreciation of our volunteer working members, we're holding a great party on Saturday March 5th:

Where:   Capitol Theater downtown
Activities:
            10:30         Film The Future of Food
            12:15         Discussion and Organic Food Lunch
            1:30-2:15   Tallhouse Consortium Acrobats
            2:30-4:00    Music by Erev Rav

Whew! That's one great day of partying! Free to all Working Members +1 -- each working member is invited to bring a guest.

So please come on by the Capitol Theater and enjoy a great day with us!

Boycott Policy Sub-Committee

2011-02-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Boycott Policy Sub-Committee is the group that will re-write the Co-op's boycott policy for future boycotts. After a period of reviewing and choosing members, and then trying to find where everyone's schedules intersect, they've just begun to meet. The members of this committee are listed below.

Boycott Policy Subcommittee Members:

General Membership:
Muhammad Ayub
Anne Fischel
David Scherer
Michi Thacker

Staff:
Summer Bock
Polly Hawver
Michael Lowsky

Board:
Ron Lavigne
Rob Richards

Proposed Board Agenda Feb. 17th

2011-02-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Proposed Board Agenda for February 17, 2011 6:30-9:30 pm
at the Co-op office - 610 Columbia St SE (across from Olympia Supply)

Agenda
Announcements 2 min
Mission Statement /Agenda Review 3 min
Commitments Review / Minutes Review 3 min
Member Comment 10 min
Accountability Team update 15 min
Boycott Subcommittee Update 10 min
Tulip Credit Union 20 min
‘Queen of the Bees’ request 10 min
Board Retreat Check In and Next Steps 20 min
BPC Report 10 min
Committee Reports 10 min
Expansion (Executive Session) 40 min
Meeting Eval/ Commitments/ Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 2 hours 35 min

Next Facilitator: John Nason

UPDATE: Board approves new language on "what will end the boycott" of Israeli-made products

2011-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

**Note: This is the same boycott wording that was posted to this blog several weeks ago. A member asked us to revise some language in the introduction that they considered misleading, and we did so. Otherwise, this is the same.**

One point of confusion and disagreement in the recent boycott of Israeli-made products has been the question of “What will end the boycott?” The original language that the Board of Directors consented to was broad, and ambiguous enough to lend itself to a variety of interpretations - many of which were far from what the Board intended when they originally consented to the proposal.

After many long, late-night meetings, and frequent communication with members of differing viewpoints, the Olympia Food Co-op Board consented (with two stand asides) to a new definition of “what will end the boycott.”

Below is the rewritten version of the last section of the Co-op’s original boycott statement. The first part gives an overview of the Palestinian Civil Society’s conditions for ending the boycott (the original language), and the second part outlines the actions that will end the Olympia Food Co-op’s participation in the boycott (the new language.)

What will end the boycott.

The Palestinian Civil Society call for Boycott, Divest and Sanction of Israel outlines the following conditions for ending the boycott.

1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;

2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and

3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

The Olympia Food Co-op's participation in the boycott will end when the following conditions are met:

1A. Israel ends its occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. These lands have been identified as occupied by organizations and agencies as diverse as the United Nations Security Council, the U.S. State Department, the International Court of Justice, International Committee of the Red Cross, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

1B. Israel dismantles the Wall in accordance with the 2004 ruling of the International Court of Justice.

2. Israel recognizes the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality.

3. Israel agrees to a plan to allow Palestinian “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours” to do so, or to receive just compensation for their losses.

Proposed January 20th Board Agenda

2011-01-13T16:02:00.001-08:00

Board meeting are held at 610 Columbia ST, across the street from Olympia Supply Co.
Please contact board@olympiafood.coop for more information.

Proposed Board Agenda for January 20, 2011 6:30-9:30 pm

Agenda

Announcements 2 min
Mission Statement /Agenda Review 3 min
Commitments Review / Minutes Review 3 min
Member Comment 10 min
Boycott Subcommittee Update 10 min
Sulah Peace Project (Staff: Jim Shulruff) 30 min
Strategic Planning/ Board Retreat Planning 20 min
Board Schedule 10 min
BPC Report 10 min
Anti Oppression Training Update 15 min
Committee Reports 10 min
Restorative Circle commitment plan 15 min
Accountability Team Update (Executive Session) 20 min
Expansion (Executive Session) 20 min
Meeting Eval/ Commitments/ Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 3 hours

Golden Glen Creamery

2011-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Golden Glen Creamery makes the switch away from their delicious glass-bottled milk and cream to focus exclusively on their delicious cheese and butters.

From their letter:

"We would first like to thank you for your commitment to buying and selling our products over the last several years. We have enjoyed delivering to your stores and working with your staff."

"We had hoped to continue delivering glass-bottled cream topped milk for many years to come; however after carefully examining the cost of production and distribution, we have found that it is impossible to continue while maintaining a reasonable price structure."

"We would like to take this opportunity to recommend two farms whose philosophies and product quality is comparable to ours: Straus Family Creamery out of California (for glass-bottled milk), and Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy out of Lynden, WA (for organic, small family farm milk in plastic jugs)."

"Golden Glen Creamery will continue to focus upon our lines of cheeses and butters that we will be expanding upon in the very near future."

We wish them the best in their future endeavors, and are looking forward to exploring their new offerings.

From their Facebook page :

"Please return all of your glass bottles to your place of purchase for full credit by January 15th. We will not be accepting them after that point, and apologize for any inconvenience."

Arts Walk with the Co-op

2011-01-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Calling all artists! The Co-op is accepting artist applications for our 2nd year at the Spring Arts Walk in Olympia.

Download the application form to show your art with other Co-op members!

Arts Walk is April 22 from 5-10pm & April 23rd from 12-7pm

Little House Party

2011-01-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

We had a good turnout for our Westside Open House. Here are some pictures from the event. Thanks to all who could make it a warm and fun time.

Little little house.

Blessings

Big Space in the Little House

Stairs up to the 2nd floor in back.

You are invited...

2010-12-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

To The Olympia Food Co-op’s Little House Open House!

A celebratory time for all Members of the Olympia Food Co- op to walk through the buildings and enjoy the outdoor space of the Co-op's new purchase and visualize the possibilities therein!

Music, Snacks and Community!

Potluck style; feel free to bring something to share.

905 Rogers St NW

Saturday December 18th
12-5pm

See you there!

Put Yourself on the OFC Board Agenda! Here's How:

2010-12-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

If you are a member of the Olympia Food Co-op and would like to request to be on a Board meetings agenda, please email a proposal to board@olympiafood.coop. Your email should describe the issue that you wish to discuss, why you think it's something the board should consider, and actions you would like the Board to take. Include any additional resources such as links or attachments to your email. You may be contacted with clarifying questions.

Board Agenda for Thurs Dec. 16th

2010-12-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

Proposed Board Agenda for December 16, 2010 6:30-9:30 pm

Board Meetings are held at the Co-op's office at 610 Columbia st., across from Olympia Supply.

Agenda
Announcements 2 min
Mission Statement /Agenda Review 3 min
Commitments Review / Minutes Review 3 min
Member Comment 10 min
Boycott Subcommittee Report 10 min
Anti Oppression Trainings 15 min
Donations 2010 20 min
BPC Report 10 min
Committee Reports 10 min
Budget 2011 30 min
Expansion (Executive Session) 15 min
Personnel (Executive Session) 50 min
Meeting Eval/ Commitments/ Next facilitator 2 min

Total Meeting Time: 3 hours

The Westside Coop is Expanding !

2010-12-10T14:40:00.001-08:00

We recently purchased the property between the existing store and Sage’s restaurant. The purchase will allow us to expand our retail sales onto the new property, and to reconfigure the existing store to offer new products and services.

What are your ideas for how to use the new space, or how to reconfigure the existing store? What are we not selling/doing now that you would like to see? What are we currently selling/doing that you would like to see more of?

While we can’t promise to do exactly what you want, member input is important and will shape what happens.

Send your ideas to expansion@olympiafood.coop.

And please join us for an open house at the new property on Saturday, Dec. 18th from 12-5pm.

Help Raise Funds for Duwamish Legal Defense!

2010-11-25T15:35:00.000-08:00

As in the past, the Olympia Food Co-op acknowledges that for some Co-op members, Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate the harvest of the season with friends and family, while for others, Thanksgiving marks a long, often hidden history of broken treaties, forced assimilation and genocide.

Acknowledging these realities, the Olympia Food Co-op would like to call attention to land and treaty rights of First Nations people. Members are invited join with the Duwamish Nation––First People of the Seattle area––in their struggle for federal recognition. Information about Duwamish history and culture, treaty rights, and current fundraising needs can be found in the pamphlet “We Are Still Here,” near the pencils and clipboards at the front of the stores, at www.duwamishtribe.org, or by visiting the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center at 4705 W Marginal Way SW Seattle.

Donations will be taken at the registers. Tribal Chairwoman Cecile Hansen says, “If everyone in Seattle gave us $1, we could pay for our legal defense.” Well, let’s see what a couple thousand Co-op members in a little city south of town can do!

Donations for the Duwamish Legal Defense Fund will be collected through April 2011.

OFC Board of Directors Election Results

2010-11-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Results

After a long count of the record-breaking 1093 valid votes received, the results of this year’s Board election are complete.

The following five candidates will join the Board of Directors this January (the total votes received by each candidate follow their name):

TJ Johnson (693 votes)
Rochelle Gause (635 votes)
Erin Genia (568 votes)
John Regan (551 votes)
Eric Mapes (545 votes)

All of the top 5 candidates have accepted the position.

The first runner-up was Susan Trinin with 315 votes.

From there, in order of votes received, were Teresa Young (289), Suzanne Shafer (277), Karen Bray (255), Kent Davis (242), Andrea Lipper (241), Kim Henderson (219), Linda Sternhill Davis (195) and Joshua Simpson (132). Susan Schaeffer, who withdrew from the race, received 86 votes.

Process

A total of 1133 ballots were received. 38 votes were not counted due to unverified or inactive memberships. With a 230 vote difference between the lowest winning candidate’s votes and highest runner-up candidate’s votes, these uncounted ballots had no effect on the final outcome. Inactive membership is defined in our bylaws as a membership without a current address or whose dues payments are not up to date. You can read our full bylaws at http://www.olympiafood.coop/bylaws.html.

Ballots were counted in a three-part process. First, membership information on the front of the envelope was verified. Second, ballots were separated from their envelopes and piled in stacks of 100. Lastly, the votes were tallied by hand.

Ballot counting began shortly after 9pm last evening and continued into the early morning. Staff members Diana Pisco, Jayne Kaszynski, Jason Baghboudarian, and Grace Cox were joined by volunteers Raelyn Pisco-Eckert and Jaime Kaszynski in counting ballots. Many thanks to Mo Tobin, James Scott, Jason Baghboudarian, volunteer Scott Bishop, and Board member Jackie Krzyzeck for their work updating the membership database and verifying memberships. Several people contacted the Co-op about observing the counting (and were invited to come), but none of them did so.

All envelopes were saved, as were all ballots. Ballots were bundled in batches of 100 with their tally sheets and locked in a secure location at our downtown office.

Although we were prepared to continue counting during a power outage with flashlights and candles, the Co-op office was not affected by last night’s blackouts!

Thanks to everyone who ran for the Board, and to all members who took part by casting a vote.

Boycott Policy Subcommittee Application

2010-11-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

Apply to join the Board Subcommittee on revising the Boycott Policy

The purpose of this application is to create a formal process for general members of the Olympia Food
Cooperative to become involved with the Boycott Policy update process. It is the intention of the Board of
Directors to build a subcommittee made up of individuals representative of the diversity of the Olympia
Food Cooperative. Four members will be selected to join the committee.

Boycott Subcommittee Application

Annual Meeting Accessibility

2010-11-04T17:54:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair Accessibility at the Annual Meeting

The Co-op's Annual Meeting planners recently learned that the site of our meeting, the Cherry Street Loft, is not wheelchair accessible. A staircase is the only method of access to the room. We sincerely apologize to our members for this oversight.

Because our bylaws do not permit us to relocate the meeting this close to the event, we are opening our downtown office's meeting room to members who may have difficulty entering the Loft. We will stream a live broadcast of the meeting to this space, and food and beverages will be available. We are working to create a way for members at this site to be able to take part in the "question and answer" period with the Board.

Again, we sincerely apologize that our annual meeting will not be fully accessible. We strive to keep the Co-op "welcome to all," and we realize we've fallen short of this goal. We hope that our off-site, live-broadcast location will be a sufficient solution for this meeting, and we will ensure that accessibility remains a high priority in planning future events.

Sincerely,
Your Co-op

Israeli-product Boycott: Next Steps

2010-09-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors is aware that members are awaiting information on the Board’s process following the August 12th member forum. We apologize for the delay in providing this update.

This Boycott: After extensive discussion and airing of diverse opinions, the Co-op Board could not consent to rescinding the boycott.

The Co-op Board is working to clarify the language around what will end the boycott and has solicited diverse informed input.

The Boycott Policy: The Co-op Board is forming a sub committee to review the OFC boycott policy. This committee will include Co-op Board members, staff members, and Co-op members at large. The Board will begin taking applications from members who are interested in serving on the committee. Applications will be available on the website November 15th.

Community Involvement: The Co-op Board is considering the next steps for community dialogue and community involvement.

Member Vote: Representatives of the ‘It’s Our Co-op’ group who solicited signatures on a petition outside of the stores have told the Co-op Board, that the petition was not intended to trigger a member vote. However, any member is welcome to propose a member initiated ballot process and should contact the Co-op board to begin this process. (board@olympiafood.coop)

Olympia Food Co-op: Sixth Annual Harvest Party!

2010-09-06T01:10:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Rain or Shine -- we have tents reserved just in case. This is the PNW, after all.
Olympia Food Co-op: Sixth Annual Harvest Party!: "Join the Celebration! The Co-op’s Sixth Annual HARVEST PARTY is Sunday, September 12! All members of the Co-op community are encouraged to ..."

CFS Action Alert: FDA Looks To Approve Genetically Engineered Salmon

2010-09-06T01:07:00.000-07:00

An Action Alert (see link below) from the NCGA (National Cooperative Grocers Association) informs us that on Sept.19th the FDA will rule on weather or not to allow genetically engineered salmon to be farmed for food in the U.S.

There is no public comment period. This hearing is the last meeting to determine if the gmo fish will be approved. There are no long-term studies, and a chance for severe environmental impact. Please take action and tell the FDA what you think. There is contact info at the end of the story linked below.

September 1, 2010 - Action Alert from the Center for Food Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on August 25, 2010 that it will potentially approve the long-shelved AquAdvantage transgenic salmon as the first genetically engineered (GE) animal intended for human consumption. The GE Atlantic salmon being considered was developed by AquaBounty Technologies, and genetically engineered to produce growth hormones year-round, creating a fish the company claims grows at twice the normal rate. This could allow factory fish farms to crowd the salmon into pens and still get high production rates.

Please note: CFS is asking consumrs to take action now! The hearing for approving the salmon is scheduled for Sunday, September 19, and no public comment period has been established for the approval of genetically engineered fish outside of this meeting, so this may be the only chance to oppose this approval! Only a public comment period on labeling of the GE fish has been opened.

Find additional details in the action alert from the Center for Food Safety

Tiny Forum Update: Signs

2010-08-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

This should have been in the previous post. Sorry everyone!

Please, in respect for fellow Co-op members, do not bring signs to the forum. If you would like to show support for or against the boycott, consider using colored ribbons or pins. This will give you the opportunity to show your numbers without impacting other participants. Signs on sticks will not be allowed in the room.

Thank you for helping us make this a safe and welcoming place for members of all points of view.

Member Forum: Format & General Information

2010-08-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Doors will open at 5:30pm. Members will be seated first, and if there is additional room, community members will be invited to observe. Bring your membership card. We will have the membership database available to confirm membership.

Purpose:

The Board’s goal is to gain a deeper understanding of members’ ideas and responses to the question, “Where do we go from here?”

Three specific sub-topics were identified through listening to members at the stores, receiving comments by email and phone, and meeting face-to-face with groups in support or opposition to the boycott. The topics are:

1. The Israeli-product boycott: What should happen?
2. The Co-op’s overall boycott policy and process: What would make it better?
3. The Co-op community: How do we continue to talk about tough issues?

Format:

Co-op members can choose to speak publicly, complete a written feedback form, and/or contribute to a “mural” of ideas posted on the walls.

Members who wish to speak will choose one of the three topic areas listed above and sign up to comment on that topic. The amount of time that is spent talking about each of the topics will depend on how many people sign up for each one.

Each member will have up to two minutes to speak. We will accommodate as many members as possible in the time we have.

Ground rules:

The Board is working to create an environment where everyone can express themselves and be respected. Participants whose intent is to disrupt or who cannot adhere to the ground rules may be asked to leave.

The ground rules are:

Demonstrate respect for all participants through your words and body language. Avoid assumptions about others and stereotypes.

Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (use “I” statements).

Direct your comments to the Board.

One person speaks at a time. Please refrain from applauding, booing, etc. (This will save time and allow more members an opportunity to speak.)

Press, recording, etc.:

Instead of taking notes by hand, the Co-op will videotape the Board and speakers. The purpose of the video is solely to create a record for the Board so that they can be present and listen in the moment, and have an accurate record to review afterward. This video will not be broadcast or distributed. The focus will be on the speakers, not on the general audience.

Members of the local press might attend the forum. Because our highest priority is our members, non-member reporters will be asked to wait until all members have been seated to determine whether there is room for them. As a safety precaution and to encourage open dialogue, we request that members of the press do not record or take photographs, and that they do not quote anyone by name, unless given specific permission to do so. Press packets will be available.

Recognizing that cell phone and internet technologies allow all of us to be reporters, we also request that members of the audience not record or photograph the forum.

Maralise Hood Quan: Facilitator for Aug. 12 OFC Member Forum

2010-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

In addition to facilitating the actual forum, Maralise Hood Quan worked with the Board to create the format. Details about the forum format will be posted later this evening!

Maralise Hood Quan,
Executive Director of Pierce County Dispute Resolution Center

Maralise Hood Quan brought a great deal of experience in the field of conflict resolution to the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution when she became the Executive Director in May 2007. Before earning her BA in International Relations and Conflict Management, Maralise had already worked in intercultural and nonviolent conflict resolution settings in her native Washington State, primarily with migrant workers.

She moved to Central America in 1985 where she became Coordinator of the Conflict Resolution Program at the University for Peace in Costa Rica. There she was instrumental in the success of such projects as the Central American Peace Education curriculum, World Conflict Resolution Center, regional peace negotiations and as well as multiple conflict resolution training opportunities.

After years of working together as consultants to help resolve conflict, Maralise and her husband, Julio Quan, returned to Washington in 2000. Her work as a professional mediator in a small firm focused on land use, state agency mediations, and problem solving services led her to pursue her long-time interest in the law-making process. She subsequently became Chief of Staff to State Representative Dennis Flannigan, serving the people of the 27th Legislative District for five years. In her spare time, she went to law school, receiving her Juris Doctorate in 2008.

Her current projects include the Washington State Council on Traumatic Brain Injury, Pierce County Housing Justice Project, Connexion Latina, Walk the Waterfront, and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls.

Latest Update from Board of Directors re: Boycott

2010-08-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

Note: Members will also receive this in our newest newsletter, which they should receive very soon.

The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge and appreciate the passion being expressed by members over the recent decision to honor the called boycott of Israeli products. Members who oppose the boycott, members who support the boycott, and members whose primary concern has been the process used to make the decision have taken the opportunity to raise their voices in the aftermath of the decision. We thank you all for your engagement.

We are honored by the level of concern and care our members feel for the Co-op, and have appreciated the willingness of individuals and groups to maintain respectful discourse and share the space at the Co-op.

How the decision came to be made by the board:
Over two years ago the Co-op staff received a suggestion from a volunteer cashier, who requested that we honor the boycott of Israeli products. Per the current boycott policy, the request was routed to the Merchandising Team to evaluate and create a proposal for staff’s consideration. Recognizing the strong feelings among staff on both sides of the issue, the team, rather than making a proposal to staff, opted to send the issue to the board of directors.

At the May 2010 board meeting, the board sent the issue back to staff with the request that staff first go through the consensus process outlined in the boycott policy. The staff rep to the board was asked to create a proposal for staff to consider.

In the process of consideration of the proposal, several staff members expressed strong support for the proposal, while several others indicated that they would block the proposal from moving forward. Most staff expressed opinions somewhere in between. All staff members were given the opportunity in their work group meetings to express their feelings and positions on the boycott. The feedback was reported to the board, and the proposal was sent to us for further consideration.

The board consented to the proposal in our monthly meeting July 15, 2010. At the same meeting we agreed to sponsor a member forum on the issue. The board also asked the staff to review the boycott policy.

Since the decision, the Co-op has received hundreds of messages by phone and e-mail, both in support and in opposition to the boycott and to the process used to make the decision. Supporters and opponents have rallied at the Co-op and spent hours tabling at the store. Board members have been in attendance at the stores, listening to members, relaying member feedback to the board as a whole, and using this information to consider the next steps.

At this time the board makes the following commitments:

The Process: We believe that we were operating within the letter of co-op policies when we approved this boycott proposal. After listening to member concerns we agree that these policies could be improved. We commit to work with staff and members to review and revise the current boycott policy and board procedures for soliciting member input such as posting board agendas on the web-site prior to each monthly meeting.

The Content: We acknowledge that some of the wording of the boycott can be interpreted in more than one way. We recognize the right of all people, including Israelis & Palestinians, to live in peace and security. We commit to working with members on clarifying the boycott proposal to be explicit with these goals.

What Next: We commit to creating a process to provide members an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the boycott. This process will include at least one member forum and may include a member ballot.

At this time the board is listening to member feedback and ideas for the next steps. Information gathered at the member forum as well as conversations with community members will help us guide the process moving forward. We commit to keeping members informed and involved as we consider what is best for our organization.

In the meantime, we encourage all members to stay engaged in the process by attending the Member Forum, Thursday, August 12th, 6:00-8:30 pm. The forum will be held at the Olympia Center, 220 N. Capital Way. Members will be seated first, then if there is additional space, community members will be invited to observe. Bring your membership card.

Check the Co-op’s web-site for other events & communication on this issue.
You can continue to contact the board by writing board@olympiafood.coop, or calling 360-357-1106 extension 13.

Invisible Islamophobia?

2010-07-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

It's not just anti-Jewish sentiment that has been stirred up by the Israeli products boycott - Islamophobia and Anti-Arab bigotry has appeared again and again in letters and online comments against the boycott.

Many thanks to the co-op member who pointed me to the CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) website. Check out their Islamophobia page.

Also take a look at the Arab American Institute Foundation's Notes on Anti-Arab Racism.

NEW Date & Time for Member Forum!

2010-07-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

In order to include as many co-op members as possible, the Olympia Food Co-op’s Member Forum on the Israeli products boycott has been moved to Thursday, August 12^th, from 6-8:30 at the Olympia Center. This date change allows us to secure a larger room for the Forum.

For more details about the Member Forum, stay tuned to this blog!

The Board of Directors of the Olympia Food Co-op recognizes that the decision to boycott Israeli products has put a strain on the organization, impacted staff, volunteers and the membership, and that they did not adequately prepare the staff or community for it. They are concerned by this impact on the community and dedicated to listening to member feedback. In addition to the Member Forum, members can direct comments to board@olympiafood.coop or call 360-357-1106 x13.

Anti-Semitism and Progressive Movements?

2010-07-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, anti-Semitic statements have abounded in a lot of the "support" that the co-op has received in regard to the Israeli-products' boycott. This pamphlet (downloadable, or available for reading online) is a good primer on what anti-Semitism looks like, especially in relation to pro-Palestinian work, and how we can include work against Jewish oppression in our movements for justice and peace.

The Past Didn't Go Anywhere: Making Resistance to Antisemitism Part of all of our Movements

Press Release about Israeli Products Boycott

2010-07-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Olympia Food Co-op Joins Boycott of Israeli-Made Products

On Thursday July 15th 2010 the Board of Directors of the Olympia Food Co-op decided to boycott Israeli made products and divest from investments in Israeli companies. The decision to boycott was made based on the Co-op’s mission statement in accordance with our bylaws, and based on information from respected international sources.

Olympia, WA. (Olympia Food Co-op) July 21, 2010: The Olympia Food Co-op’s Board of Directors has decided to boycott Israeli-made products and divest from investment in Israeli companies.

The boycott of Israeli-made products is part of a long-history of social justice work carried out by the Co-op in accordance with their mission. In addition to “provid(ing) wholesome foods and other goods and services” the Co-op “strive(s) to make human effects on the earth and its inhabitants positive and renewing and to encourage economic and social justice.” The co-op also currently boycotts products made in China and Coca-Cola products, and has taken part in other boycotts in the past.

The decision to join the boycott of Israeli-products was based on credible information about human rights abuses from respected international groups such as the United Nations, Red Cross, and Amnesty International. The boycott asks that:

Israel end its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantles the Wall;
Israel recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality;
Israel respects, protects and promotes the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

This decision does not represent any other opinions toward the nation of Israel nor does it indicate approval of violence used by either side of this conflict.

The Israeli-product boycott was presented to the co-op by co-op members who were also involved in the Olympia BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions) group. The boycott was in line with the Co-op’s stated boycott policy. The Board made the final decision after members of the staff collective were unable to reach full consensus on the boycott.

The boycott is a non-violent tool for social change with a long history, from the Indian “Swadeshi” boycott of British goods, to the Montgomery bus boycott in the 1950s, to the California grape boycott in the 1960s, and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign on apartheid South Africa.

About the Olympia Food Co-op: The Olympia Food Co-op is a member-based, not-for-profit, natural foods grocery store with two locations in Olympia, WA. The Olympia Food Co-op has provided healthy, organic and local food to the Olympia area since 1977, with an emphasis on promoting social and environmental responsibility. The stores are collectively managed and largely volunteer-run.

Board of Directors' Statement to the Membership

2010-07-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Note: We are working on emailing this statement to all of our members.

July 23, 2010

At the July Board meeting, the OFC Board of Directors approved a boycott of Israeli products. Since then we have received both letters of support and disagreement. We have received strong support for this decision; in addition, we have had members resign their membership, ask for the decision to be rescinded and ask the Board to review their process and policies. We recognize that this decision has put a strain on our organization and impacted our staff, volunteers and membership and we did not adequately prepare the staff or community for it. We are concerned by this impact on the community and want to listen to your feedback about this issue.

The board has scheduled a forum for members on August 12 at 6 p.m. at the Olympia Center plus, please feel free to email us at board@olympiafood.coop or call and leave a message at 360-357-1106 Ext.13. Board members will also visit the stores to listen to members' opinions and concerns.

Sincerely,

The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors

Olympia Food Co-op Boycott Policy

2010-07-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Whenever possible, the Olympia Food Co-op will honor nationally recognized boycotts which are called for reasons that are compatible with our goals and mission statement.

Exceptions to this policy include:
A: Staple products that are being boycotted across the board or for which alternative brands or product lines or not available; or,
B: Dietary specialty products for which alternatives are not available.

In the event that we decide not to honor a boycott, we will make an effort to publicize the issues surrounding the boycott as well as why we are continuing to carry the product in question, to allow our members to make the most educated decisions possible.

When we become aware of a boycott of a product that we carry, we will gather as much of the following information as possible:
A: Who is calling the boycott;
B: How to contact them;
C: Basic outline of the issues involved;
D: Parameters of the boycott (what products are specifically involved); and,
E: What will end the boycott.
If a member informs us of a boycott, we will ask them to provide the above information.

A request to honor a boycott may come from anyone in the organization. The request will be referred to the Merchandising Coordinator (M.C.) to determine which products and departments are affected. The M.C. will delegate the boycott request to the manager(s) of the department which contains the largest number of boycotted products. The department manager will make a written recommendation to the staff who will decide by consensus whether or not to honor a boycott.

The recommendation should include:
A: Who’s calling the boycott and why
B: List of products we carry that would be affected
C: Information on availability of alternative products (including price)
D: Significant difficulties in honoring the boycott
E: Recommendations of other affected department managers
F: Exceptions to the recommendation (e.g. “I recommend we honor the boycott of Chinese products except for hemp twine, and here'’ why."”

The department manager will post a sign informing customers of the staff’s decision and reasoning regarding the boycott. If the staff decides to honor a boycott, the M.C. will notify the boycotted company or body of our decision.

The Co-op will not accept bulk orders for items produced by the target of a Co-op honored boycott. Bulk orders for items produced by targets of boycotts which the Co-op has not yet formally chosen to honor will be accepted.
Approved May, 1993

The Olympia Food Co-op Bylaws

2010-07-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

1. NAME The name of the corporation is The Olympia Food Cooperative (hereinafter the Cooperative).

2. PURPOSES The cooperative has been formed under the Washington Nonprofit Corporations Act, R.C.W. 24.03. The purpose of the Cooperative is to contribute to the health and well-being of people by providing wholesome foods and other goods and services, accessible to all, through a locally-oriented, collectively managed, not-for-profit cooperative organization that relies on consensus decision making. We strive to make human effects on the earth and its inhabitants positive and renewing and to encourage economic and social justice. Our goals are to:

1. Provide information about food;
2. Make good food accessible to more people;
3. Support efforts to increase democratic process;
4. Support efforts to foster a socially and economically egalitarian society;
5. Provide information about collective process and consensus decision making;
6. Support local production;
7. See to the long-term health of the business;
8. Assist in the development of local community resources.

II. Membership

1. ELIGIBILITY Membership in the Cooperative is open to any person who meets all qualifications set forth in these bylaws and who pays a non-refundable lifetime membership fee. The amount of such fee shall be set by the Board. The Board may designate different classes of membership. The amount of the membership fee may vary for different classes of members. Any financial obligation of membership may be waived in whole or in part by the Board of Directors (hereinafter the Board).

2. NON-DISCRIMINATION The Cooperative strives to be egalitarian in all aspects of its business operations. The Cooperative works to serve a diverse population by incorporating procedures and practices that remove barriers to classes of people who are oppressed or are denied power and privilege in society generally. These classes of people include people who are discriminated against based on race, sex, religious creed, age, disability, size, sexual orientation, gender orientation, marital status and economic status.

3. MEMBER STATUS An active member maintains a current address on file and keeps current in their dues. An active member becomes an inactive member if they;

1. fail to pay dues; or
2. fail to maintain a current address on file for one year; or
3. fail to renew a low income membership
4. request inactive status.

4. CAPITAL ACCOUNT Members shall pay dues into a capital account. The Board may set the amount of dues. Upon becoming an inactive member, members may have all money they have paid into the capital account refunded, unless the member’s dues have been transferred from the capital account pursuant to paragraph II.5.

5. INACTIVE MEMBER DUES Inactive member dues may be transferred from the capital account to the Cooperative's accounts according to policies and procedures established by the Staff and approved by the Board.

6. ANNUAL MEETING An annual meeting of the membership shall be held each year. The place, day, and hour of the meeting shall be mailed to all active members at least 10, but not more than 50 days, prior to the meeting. In addition, notice of the meeting shall be posted at the Cooperative at least 10 days prior to the annual meeting.

The purpose of the annual meeting is to provide an opportunity for the Board and members to discuss the activities of the Cooperative. The Board shall establish the agenda for the annual meeting in a manner that allows for members to propose agenda items.

7. MEMBER VOTING In all instances of member voting, ballots may be received at the Cooperative, by mail, or at a meeting of members. No proxies are allowed and each active member shall have one vote. Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, or by law, a simple majority vote is required for elections and other membership actions. The Board may prescribe additional rules and procedures for elections as appropriate. The Board shall take steps to encourage maximum participation by the membership.

8. MEMBER-INITIATED BALLOT Any member may initiate a ballot for vote by the general membership by following the Member-Initiated Ballot Procedure and Petition Requirements that are prescribed by the Board. All petitions for initiating a ballot must be signed by 1/2 of the average number of voting members from the previous three annual elections, or 300, whichever is greater. Unless otherwise specified by State law, a 60% majority is required for a member-initiated ballot to pass.

9. QUORUM An election must meet a quorum of 100 active members to be considered valid.

10. SPECIAL MEETING 300 Active members or ½ of the average number of voting members from the previous three elections, whichever is greater, may petition for a special meeting of the membership to take place within 90 days from the filing of the petition with the Board. The petition shall state the business to be discussed at the special meeting and the meeting shall be limited to such business. The Board may also call special meetings. Notice of special meetings shall be mailed to all active members at least 10, but not more than 50 days prior to the time of the meeting. The notice shall contain the time, place, and agenda of the special meeting.

11. MARKUPS Members shall pay markups on goods purchased from the Cooperative which shall be less than those paid by non-members. Volunteer Working Members are eligible to pay markups on goods purchased from the Cooperative which shall be less than those paid by non-volunteers. The Board shall determine the procedure and amount of special membership category discounts and non-member mark-ups.

12. MEMBER INDEMNITY Members are not liable for the debts of the Cooperative.

13. COMMUNICATION Members shall maintain free-flowing communication with the Board, Staff, and other members.

III. Board of Directors

1. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The affairs of the cooperative shall be managed by a Board of Directors.

2. NUMBER, AND TERM The Board shall consist of a minimum of six directors and a maximum of ten directors. The exact number of directors shall be fixed by resolution of the Board. No reduction in the membership of the Board shall serve to shorten the term of any director then elected and serving. At least one Director shall be a member of the staff. Directors elected by the membership shall serve two year terms. No Director elected by the membership shall serve more than four consecutive years.

3. ELIGIBILITY Any active member is eligible to serve as a Director of the Cooperative.

4. ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS Board members shall be elected by the membership, except for the Staff representative, who shall be appointed by the Staff. The Board may prescribe the manner and procedures for membership elections, except that elections shall be held annually.

5. VACANCIES In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the remaining Board members may appoint a new Director. The appointed Director shall serve until the next Board election. Any Board appointed Director is eligible to run for an elected term at the next election.

6. DECISION MAKING Board Decisions are made by consensus.

7. QUORUM For purposes of Board action, unless otherwise specified or required by law, a quorum shall be a majority of the Board.

8. CONTRACTS FOR PROFIT Except for fair compensation for services actually rendered, a director shall not during her/his term of office be a party to a contract for profit with the Cooperative differing in any way from the business relations accorded members generally or upon terms differing from those generally current among members.

9. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Directors shall be under an affirmative duty to disclose an actual or potential conflict of interest in any matter under consideration by the Board. Directors having such an interest may not participate in the discussion or decision of the matter unless otherwise determined by the Board.

10. REIMBURSEMENT The Cooperative may, if authorized by a general Board resolution, reimburse individual Directors for reasonable expenses required to attend Board and committee meetings. To be eligible for reimbursement the Director must be present for the entire Board meeting.

11. REMOVAL Any Director may be removed from the Board whenever the Board determines that such removal will be in the best interest of the Cooperative. Before a Director is removed, that Director shall be given reasonable prior notice and a reasonable opportunity to speak before the Board at a regular meeting. Removal shall require a consensus minus-one vote of the Board. The membership may also remove a director through the member-initiated ballot process.

12. RESIGNATION A director may resign by submitting a written resignation to the Board with thirty days notice. Absence from three (3) Board meetings in a Board members term without providing prior notification shall constitute resignation from the Board. Exceptions to this policy may be made by consensus of the Board.

13. BOARD DUTIES Except as to matters reserved to membership by law or by these bylaws, the business and affairs of the Cooperative shall be directed by the Board of Directors. The major duties of the Board are to:

1. employ Staff, approve the make-up of the hiring committee, approve job descriptions, and approve a hiring policy;
2. select officers, and fill Board vacancies as needed;
3. approve an operating budget annually;
4. monitor the financial health of the Cooperative;
5. appoint standing and special committees as needed;
6. authorize appropriate agents to sign contracts, leases, or other obligations on behalf of the Cooperative;
7. adopt, review, and revise Cooperative plans;
8. approve major capital projects;
9. adopt major policy changes;
10. adopt policies to foster member involvement;
11. authorize major debt obligations of the Cooperative;
12. ensure compliance with all corporate obligations, including the keeping of corporate records and filing all necessary documents;
13. ensure adequate audits of Cooperative finances;
14. maintain free-flowing communication between the Board, Staff, committees, and the membership;
15. adopt policies which promote achievement of the mission statement and goals of the Cooperative.
16. resolve organizational conflicts after all other avenues of resolution have been exhausted;
17. establish and review the Cooperative's goals and objectives.
18. provide an annual report to the members to include a financial report, committee reports, and a summary of other significant events held and actions taken by the Cooperative during the year.

14. DISPOSAL OF ASSETS The Board may not dispose of all or substantially all of the Cooperative's assets without prior approval of two-thirds of the active members.

15. SUPREMACY The Board shall not exercise any power under these bylaws which is in conflict with the articles of incorporation or applicable state or federal law.

16. MEETINGS The Board shall meet at least twelve times a year. Board meetings shall normally be open to the membership. The Board may close meetings at its discretion to discuss personnel matters, legal matters, or other items which require private discussion. Extra or special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Board or by petition of 25 active members, provided that the petition specifies the business to be conducted at the meeting.

17. ACTION WITHOUT MEETING The Board may act without meeting if all Directors consent. The action shall be recorded in writing at the time it is made and included in the minutes of the next Board meeting. Any action taken under this procedure shall be fully effective.

18. INDEMNIFICATION To the full extent permitted by the Washington Non-Profit Corporation Act the cooperative shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be a party to any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that the person was or is a Director or officer of the cooperative against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgements, fines, and liabilities reasonably incurred or imposed upon them in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding, provided that they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the cooperative. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgement, order, settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the cooperative. The Board of Directors may obtain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Director, officer, employee, or agent against any liability arising out of their status as such, whether or not the cooperative would have power to indemnify her/him against such liability. The Board of Directors may, at any time, approve indemnification under the Washington Non-Profit Corporation Act of any person which the cooperative has the power to indemnify. The indemnification provided by this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a person may be entitled as a matter of law or contract.

IV. Staff

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES The major responsibilities of the Staff are to:

A. keep the store functioning and open regular hours.

B. present comprehensive financial statements to the Board quarterly or as requested;

C. keep accounting records in accord with generally accepted accounting principles;

D. maintain accurate and up-to-date corporate records, articles, Bylaws, Board meeting minutes, membership meeting minutes, staff meeting minutes, and required reports; and make these documents accessible to members.

E. maintain accurate and up-to-date membership records including names, addresses, fee records, and dues records;

F. maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the names and addresses of all creditors;

G. maintain adequate insurance and bonding;

H. regularly propose to the Board updated personnel policies and employee benefit programs;

I. maintain systems for control of all operations;

J. maintain adequate channels for taking and responding to member suggestions, commendations, and complaints;

K. maintain all facilities in good repair and in sanitary and safe condition;

L. provide effective and consistent programs for consumer and cooperative information;

M. maintain free-flowing communication between Staff, Board, committees, and the membership;

N. carry out Board decisions and/or membership decisions made in compliance with these bylaws;

O. carry out all activities and act in accordance with applicable law, the articles of incorporation, and the bylaws of the cooperative.

V. Financial Information

1. FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year ends December 31.

2. AUDIT COMMITTEE The Board shall name an audit committee or select an experienced accountant to conduct an audit every three (3) years. Members of the audit committee or the accountant may not be employees, or officers of the cooperative or their immediate families; Board members may be on the audit committee, but the committee may not be composed entirely of Board members. The audit committee or accountant shall report their findings to the Board in writing and in a timely fashion.

3. REPORTS The financial coordinator or a member of the Finance committee shall report to the members at the annual meeting and in the Cooperative's newsletter. The Finance committee will also report to the Board as required.

4. BONDING The Board may require bonding of employees.

VI. Dissolution

1. BOARD ACTION In order to voluntarily dissolve the Cooperative, the Board of Directors must adopt a resolution recommending dissolution and direct that the question of dissolution be submitted to a vote of the membership.

2. NOTICE Appropriate notice of the vote must be provided as required by R.C.W.24.03.220.

3. VOTE NEEDED The Cooperative may be dissolved by a 2/3 vote of the active membership. No other business may be transacted at a special meeting called for the purpose of dissolving the Cooperative or on a ballot issued for the purpose of dissolving the Cooperative.

4. PROCEDURE Upon dissolution of the Cooperative the Board shall supervise the winding up of business, the paying of debts, and the distribution of assets.

VII. Amendment

These bylaws may be amended through a board or member-initiated ballot that remains open at least 30 days. Copies of the proposed bylaws changes shall be available at all locations of the Cooperative at least 30 days prior to the beginning of any vote to amend these bylaws.

Approved by the membership November 2005

Olympia's Schools Raise Green Thumbs

2010-07-23T15:54:00.001-07:00

This article in our August/September Co-op News highlights a few local programs by the Olympia School District that contribute to the nations growing school garden movement:

The Madison-Avanti Giving Garden
Roosevelt Elementary School Student Garden
Lincoln Elementary School Garden

Learn about the educational, and fruitful efforts of these students and teachers in this article by our Co-op News team. The August/September issue of the Co-op News arrives in the stores and on our website in early August.

Sixth Annual Harvest Party!

2010-07-23T15:50:00.001-07:00

Join the Celebration!

The Co-op’s Sixth Annual HARVEST PARTY is Sunday, September 12!
All members of the Co-op community are encouraged to join in the fun of celebrating the bounty of our local foods at the Harvest Party Potluck, Sunday, September 12, at Lions Park in Olympia, from 2 to 6 pm.

This party is a casual gathering of everyone who helps make the Co-op and local production possible: local business owners and farmers, Co-op staff and working members, and all the members who have loyally shopped at the Co-op for more than 30 years.

We’ll be having a big potluck with as much local food and drink as we can come up with- and it’s usually quite a lot! Offerings from your home gardens and kitchens are a welcome addition to the feast. There will be live music, samples, a raffle, and games for all ages. You can find your creative side with the apple painting contest or try your aim with our second attempt at a composting produce toss! Volunteer help is always appreciated with this event; please contact a working member coordinator at either store if you’re interested in volunteering, either at the party or in advance.

Mark your calendar: the 6th Annual Harvest Party will be at Lions Park (Southeast Olympia at Wilson and 7th), Sunday, September 12, from 2 to 6 pm.

Save Money, Fight waste, Build Community: GLEAN!

2010-07-23T15:37:00.001-07:00

Learn about the practice and art of gleaning, local food systems, and the Thurston County Food Bank in the upcoming Aug/Sept Co-op News. From the article:

Gleaning is an ages-old practice. For hundreds of years,
farmers have invited gleaners into their fields after
the harvest is complete to pick leftover produce and
grains for their own families.

From May 2009 to May 2010, I had the privilege of building
and coordinating a gleaning program through the Thurston
County Food Bank. During that year, I worked with groups
of volunteers to glean from local farms, residential gardens
and fruit trees all around the greater Olympia area.

The August/September issue of the Co-op News arrives in the stores and on our website in early August.