What should happen to the Co-op's volunteer program? After months of study and discussion about volunteers and volunteer discounts by the Co-op Board's Volunteer Ad Hoc Working Group, that committee presented its recommendations to the board. In our last meeting, we decided to act on some of these recommendations.

We decided to continue and strengthen the volunteer program. First, we renamed it the Participating Member Program. We think that the idea of participating is clearer than volunteering because Participating Members receive a discount on purchases at the Co-op. We directed Co-op management to unfreeze the program, opening the door for increased participation in the program.

We also asked management to provide more oversight of the program. Maybe a Participating Member position will be created to help with this task, or a staff member will do so. We would like to more thoroughly integrate the Participating Members into our Co-op family.

In response to that directive, Co-op management is putting together a master list of positions. Part of that evaluation will be to determine what discounts are allotted according to hours worked for a particular job. Participating Members will receive between an 8% and 18% discount, depending on hours worked or tasks completed. The Board would like to see a more rigid adherence to this system. There is a possibility that more participation will be encouraged in helping with one-time events like tabling at community events or at other special Co-op events. Management may find the need for more help with administrative tasks. Management will also evaluate the possibility of Co-op participating members working outside the Co-op to assist other community organizations.

We look forward to creating new ways to participate in the program as management evaluates our needs. Participating members have provided support for many aspects of our Co-op since its inception. As our Co-op has grown, it has changing needs. Watch for new and changing opportunities to participate directly in your Co-op.

Board Events

The Board of Directors’ monthly board meeting in June will be held at the beginning of its annual retreat, rather than on its usual 2^nd Tuesday of the month. Therefore, the public is not invited to the June board meeting and there will not be a public comment period.

The Board will return to its regular meeting schedule in July. Thank you!

Breakfast with the Board:

11 a.m., Saturday, June 20, in the deli area

Opinion question of the month: