Dear Co-op community,
This past week, I received a phone call from a Co-op shopper. This individual told me they were uncomfortable shopping with us due to a staff member. They did not name the staffer, nor did they indicate what the employee may have done to make them feel this way. When I attempted to gain further information I was told they didn’t know the name of the staff member, and furthermore, they couldn’t tell what gender they were.
The caller’s tone quickly escalated. It included a loud, long stream of hateful sentiments toward transgender human beings. This vitriol showed no signs of subsiding, and no space for mutual conversation. I chose to end the conversation. We immediately notified the Decorah Police Department, who responded immediately. Officers informed the individual they would no longer have access to the store. Internally, we issued an allstaff email. It addressed this specific incident, a reminder of the Co-op’s harassment policy, and deep appreciation for the value each staff member brings to our organization.
Your Co-op leadership has been reflecting on our rapidly changing and increasingly polarized world for months. As we seek to uphold and enhance our business practices, we are guided by the international cooperative principles and our own Ends statements.* These directives guide us with purpose and also challenge us to reach beyond our individual mentalities.
Cooperative Values in Challenging Times
Last week hit home. It remains particularly important to speak with purpose and clarity as it relates to those in our community who are defined by marginalized identities such as those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, immigration status, and social circumstances – to name only a few.
Now more than ever, it is essential that we reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.* The fabric of our own cooperative’s membership and larger community is diverse and complex. We believe this diversity is an asset to our organization. Simultaneously, we acknowledge that the use of these marginalized characteristics – even as fuel for equitable change – foretells that the human struggle to embrace diversity will persist for lifetimes beyond all of ours.
We have the power and responsibility to shape our local community by standing together and supporting those who are most vulnerable. As a community-owned cooperative, equity is at the heart of our mission, and we remain dedicated to building a community where all living beings may thrive.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
For 51 years, Oneota Community Food Co-op has intentionally embraced and advanced the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment strengthens our business, fosters innovation, and enhances our ability to serve the community with exceptional service and high-quality, local and organic foods and goods.
As a learning organization, we are committed to continuous growth and evolution. We apply an equity lens to our purchasing choices, operational decisions and everyday interactions. DEI is not a task to be completed or a movement that comes and goes. It requires ongoing commitment that demands regular evaluation, feedback and dedication to building a more just and inclusive community. Open and respectful conversation is key – and we are open to it. Discovering and identifying value in its various forms is essential.
Your Co-op remains committed to fostering a culture where everyone is welcome, respected, and celebrated. Our support for transgender, queer, and gender-expansive colleagues, customers, and vendors remains steadfast. This support does not diminish our care and attention for humans that identify along heteronormative identities. Diversity only adds value and we see value in exactly who you are. The multi-faceted contributions of our entire community make our cooperative community stronger. And, though we pride ourselves on being a place that welcomes everyONE, discriminatory speech or actions will not be tolerated.
Affirming Our Support for Immigrants
We also wish to reaffirm our care and support for immigrants within our community. Immigrants are a cherished piece of our cultural mosaic. We remain committed to the care and support of our farm workers, producers, members, staff, and those in our broader community – regardless of where they may, or may not be, in their immigration journey. We acknowledge that as a society, we have become accustomed to the term “illegal” when referring to individuals without proper documentation, and we re-affirm the truth that only an action can be illegal — a human being cannot. Our shared humanity binds us together and every person deserves dignity, respect, and an equal opportunity to belong.
Moving Forward Together
As we navigate these changing times, I encourage everyone to come together, extend compassion, and support one another. Every time you shop with us, you are voting with your dollars to strengthen the cooperative ownership model. Co-ops prioritize community well-being and long-term stability, creating an equitable and more sustainable way to do business.
We are proud to operate a community-owned organization that places people, community, and our planet at the forefront.
Thank you for supporting Oneota Community Food Co-op for the past 51 years and we look forward to continuing to serve and value everyone, equitably, for lifetimes to come.
With gratitude,
Nate Furler, general manager
*The international cooperative principles and Oneota Community Food Co-op organizational Ends documents may be found here: https://oneotacoop.com/policy-register/
*Diversity: The practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, religions, etc. – Oxford English Dictionary
*Equity: A situation in which everyone is treated fairly. – Oxford English Dictionary
*Inclusion: The fact or policy of providing equal opportunities or resources for people who might otherwise not get them, for example people who are disabled or belong to minority groups. – Oxford English Dictionary
*Heteronormative: The assumption that normal and natural expressions of sexuality in society are heterosexual in nature. – Oxford English Dictionary