Anthony Lang, Owner Engagement Committee Chair
Anthony Lang, Owner Engagement Committee Chair
Our volunteer board serves the co-op ownership by writing and monitoring policies. One of the most important policies that we write are our Ends statements. We believe the Ends are significant, as they serve to drive the culture and priorities of The Merc Co+op.
The last time our Ends were revised was 2015. Much has changed or shifted since then, and the board felt that our Ends should better reflect 2023 and beyond. To do this, we wanted to make justice, equity, diversity and inclusion have a presence in the core values and expectations of the co-op.
After nearly a year of meetings, discussions and edits, the Board unanimously voted to add a fifth statement to our Ends policy.
Building a community based on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Adding this End, formalizes our co-op's commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and it will have a lasting impact on store operations, hiring, sourcing, training and product mix. The Merc Co+op is more than the stores we operate. We are a community of people with values. We look forward to a new year and the continued effort of our GM and her team to act on, interpret and measure how we will meet this new statement and all of our Ends.
The Merc Co+op will be a thriving consumer-owned food cooperative in our region that is on the forefront of:
Providing access to healthy, local, organic food and products;
Transforming and nourishing the health of our community;
Creating a robust, sustainable local food economy;
Demonstrating hospitality, generosity and care for the environment; (edited 12/22, previously "Building a community based on hospitality, generosity and care for the environment." )
Building a community based on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. (added 12/22)
The Board of Directors
All co-op owners are invited to attend monthly board meetings. With the exceptions of holidays, meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Meetings are typically virtual, with in-person once every quarter. Early in the agenda, the board reserves space to hear from owners who wish to address the board. To attend, RSVP by email at board@themerc.coop.
Learn more about The Merc Co+op Board of Directors, and view board meeting minutes.
Review last month’s Board Report.
2018
From the Board: Seeking Inclusion Within the Board of Directors
Culture Brokers & Equity Strategic Action Plan
2019
Staff EDI Team formed - provided feedback on Business Plan, Employee Experience
Supervisory Team completes Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and receives individualized action steps.
2020
From the Blog: Welcome to the Table - Addressing our Product Priorities
From the Board: Statement Condemning Discrimination and Racism
2021
2022
From the Blog: The Merc Co+op Alongside NCG Condemns White Supremacy and Racially Motivated Violence
TMI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training for co-op staff leadership
Launched local producer inclusivity survey to help us measure diversity of vendors.