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
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Visit the OFC Arts Walk space downtown! (#82)
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!
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!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Proposed Board Agenda for April 21st 6:30-9:30pm
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
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
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Get involved with the Co-op: Join the Member Relations Committee!
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.
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.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Are you the professional facilitator we're looking for?
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.
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.
Friday, March 18, 2011
UPDATED: Info from Dr. Robin Moore re: Prevention Measures for Radiation Exposure
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
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
Monday, March 14, 2011
Why the Pacific Coast is not currently at risk from radiation...
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.
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.
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