We, the members of the Newark Community Cooperative, seek to be a community that is human, healthful, and responsible, that is based on ecological, holistic, and cooperative principles, and that supports each of us as independent, free-thinking members of a democratic organization. Cooperation is the key.

Principles of Cooperation

• Inclusiveness Membership is voluntary, non-discriminatory, and open to all.

• Equality Our Co-op is owned and controlled by its membership, including paid staff who are members, on the basis of one membership, one vote.

• Democracy Board, staff, and officers should ensure that members' view and interests are carefully and adequately represented in all Co-op decision-making.

• Education The Co-op seeks to provide and exchange information about healthful products and practices, cooperative activities, and public issues of relevance to the Co-op, and the well-being of its members. We also seek to promote public understanding of the value of cooperatives for the sustainable future of society.

• Not for Profit After adequate compensation of paid staff and payment of bills, the surplus (if any) is reinvested in the Co-op.

• Participation The Co-op thrives on and is enriched by the participation of its members; the more members who participate in any decision the better.

• Mutual Respect Members value each other as individuals and listen to and respond respectfully to those with different outlooks.

• Networking Our Co-op actively supports other cooperatives and groups seeking to establish cooperatives. When appropriate, the Co-op joins with other cooperative groups to further common goals.

Back to Top

Cooperation Builds Community

The Co-op is a socially responsible, economically viable business that provides a full selection of wholesome, natural foods and ecologically sound products at reasonable prices. Market forces influence our decisions, yet we are not an ordinary natural food store. As a cooperative, we have values that also influence our consumer decisions. Our members participate in part because we share a cooperative vision for community. We seek to promote community by:

• Celebrating community and fellowship

• Sharing the labor, talents, and resources of our membership with each other and with the Co-op

• Marketing locally produced goods and food, organic when possible

• Purchasing from other cooperatives

• Committing ourselves to democratic process and promoting an atmosphere where all members' opinions are respected and where members and staff are free to voice dissent

• Providing a democratically organized workplace that fosters and stimulates opportunities for participation, empowerment, and growth in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation

• Providing friendly, knowledgeable customer service that shares awareness about food choices for healthier lives

• Building networks to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and opportunities

• Merging our consumer interests as a member Co-op with a vision for moving toward an ecologically sound, sustainable, more peaceful world based on respect for human rights and social justice

The values and ideas embodied in this statement serve as guiding criteria to assist in making decisions and provide continuity for policy and process as instituted by the bylaws of our cooperative.