What Does Democracy Have to Do with Cooperatives?
By Annie Hoy, Marketing Manager
We often refer to cooperatives as “democratic enterprises.” But what does that really mean? The Ashland Food Co-op, like all other co-ops in most economic sectors, is owned and controlled by the people who use its services.
We talk about how “you own it” but not much about how “you control it.”
You may hear things like, “we vote with our dollars” when it comes to supporting your cooperative. But that gives the idea that as consumers, you only have dollars with which to vote! It is so much more than that. As consumer-owners of AFC, you have your voices to bring to open discussion, deliberation, and consultation about how our co-op moves forward with our mission. And you have your democratic vote when it comes to electing board directors to represent you.
This may be a lofty ideal, but I agree with co-op scholar Michael Healy who says, “As owners of locally controlled businesses, we cooperators are learning how to do the great work of society, and in doing that work for our local community, we can also affect the larger society in which we live.”
Historian and activist Howard Zinn says that democracy is not a series of votes; it is a series of actions.
Notice that democracy is not equated just with voting, but with actively participating and discussing. And that is just the opportunity you’ll have over this new year. As one of the 7 Cooperative Principles, the study of democracy is essential to deepen the relationship between the Co-op and its owners. It’s also a big part of actualizing the global co-op call to “Build a Better World.”
Mark two dates on your calendar now:
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March 15th for Democracy from the Inside Out: A Free Discussion about Citizen Participation
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October 10th for an Evening with Frances Moore Lappe, author of Daring Democracy, Democracy’s Edge and Diet for a Small Planet.
More Co-op News
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Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
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April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson
February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.
November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
AFC Gives Community Fund
September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.