By: Dan Streit, Board Member
On October 6th, I had the privilege of helping to facilitate the Willy Street Co-op annual meeting. During the meeting, I was inspired as I watched eight good-hearted, well-intentioned, and community-focused Co-op Owners speak into the camera and tell their fellow Co-op Owners why they are running for a seat on the Board.
Some candidates described long histories with the Co-op and their interests in pursuing a leadership role. Others noted that the co-op model resonates deeply with them and that they are eager to contribute their varied experiences toward helping the Co-op thrive. Yet others shared about the sense of community and of peace that they experience when they visit one of the Co-op’s locations and that they look forward to contributing to this community by serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors.
While the candidates shared a diverse set of experiences and reasons that led them to run for a seat on the Board of Directors, a theme of commitment to service and a value of cooperative ownership connected all of the messages.
I am writing this article during a time of campaigns and elections locally, within our state, and nationally, and I am grateful to live in a democracy in which I can actively participate. As a cooperative, Willy Street Co-op offers unique opportunities to engage in democracy in our community.
Do people ever ask you why you shop at the Co-op, when you might sometimes be able to purchase an item at a lower cost at a different store? Part of my response to this question is that I vote economically, as well as in elections.
Our food system is dynamic and impacts our economy, our environment, our community, our individual wellbeing, and our taste buds. Willy Street Co-op is a cornerstone of our local food system and when I vote to participate in that system, I receive more than an “I Voted” sticker. I get delicious and healthy food that nourishes my body while sustaining local farmers and producers who make our community richer.
Thank you for voting.
