Membership Information

What to Expect:

As a member of Downtown Coop you will have a voice in the decision-making process and participate in planning and discussions of the organization's future. Members have a voice in how Downtown Coop is run, organized and product choice, as well as receiving a discount on purchases.

Members will have an opportunity to participate in farm visits, have access to our planned community garden, and participate in community events. Downtown Coop is being established to provide families with a local grocery store that will allow access to locally grown (when available), natural, fair-trade and organic foods.

Members, through paid fees and active participation, will invest in the Coop. These investments will go back into the Coop, allowing members to aid in funding the store, thus controlling the essential components of the store: product, hours of operation, principles and projects.   Through active participation members will collectively shape the Coop and its sustainability.

Becoming a Member:

Membership is simple. All adults over the age of 18 can join, either as a household or as individuals. We define a household as two or more adults living under the same roof, who share all or some domestic responsibility.

• All members must pay a one time Membership Fee of $50.
• Members will be charged a $50 annual fee beginning on the anniversary of their membership unless they choose to volunteer their time (read below for more information).

Member Programs:

Membership is designed to be flexible, and Members can choose their level of involvement with the store.  All memberships will be considered "open memberships" meaning that the individual or family does not have to immediately commit to volunteering at the store.

All members will receive a discount on the majority of goods in the store.*

Should a household wish to volunteer their time with the store, they will have the chance to have their annual fee waived; Volunteer 12 Hours a year (per household), and we will waive the annual fee.  Any person over the age of 18 in a household can volunteer their time.

Member Governance:

The Board of Stewards will serve as the voice of the greater membership.  They will meet monthly to review general operations, discuss member issues, and develop/manage ongoing projects.  The group has the authority to form member committees to champion; community projects, operating efficiencies, and member goodwill.  Additionally, the Stewards will be responsible for facilitating General Meetings for the membership at large. 

General Meetings will be the primary vehicle for the membership to introduce, discuss, and vote on issues.  Each Membership (whether Individual or Household) will hold 1 vote, and must be present to cast their vote.

Refund Policy:

Membership Fees are non-refundable

Annual Fees charged to non-volunteer members are non-refundable.

*Members recieve a discount ranging from 10% to 20% off the public price.  Discounts and pricing are subject to change based on market rates of goods.

**Downtown Coop reserves the right to amend the volunteer requirements.