Co-op Principle #2: Democratic Member Control

Your Voice at the Potsdam Food Co-op

Have you ever wished you had a say in how your favorite store was run? At most grocery stores the decisions are made by executives you’ll never even interact with but at the Potsdam Food Co-op, it works differently. Here, the whole direct staff make the decisions, and the community owns the store.

All food cooperatives follow 7 standard principles that were first created in 1995 by the International Cooperative Alliance to help co-ops stay true to their values: putting people, community, and fairness at the center of business. Later an 8th principle was created that is followed by most co-ops including us. Co-ops focus on serving their members and strengthening their communities instead of just focusing on profit like a traditional business. These values are more than just a list on the website, they are how we make all of our decisions and operate on a day to day and big picture level. The first value on the list is Democratic Member Control. 

Democratic Member Control is one of the key principles that makes co-ops unique. Instead of being controlled by outside investors, the Potsdam Food Co-op is owned and guided by its members. That means the community has a real voice in shaping how the store serves the people around it. Members have a voice in the direction of the co-op by voting on important issues and electing representatives to help guide decisions. This democratic structure helps ensure that the store reflects the needs and values of the community it serves.

What Does Democratic Member Control Look Like?

At the Potsdam Food Co-op, members don’t just shop: they participate.

Members have the opportunity to make a major impact on the direction of the co-op. One of the ways members can steer the direction of the co-op is by voting on board elections. The board of directors are fellow community members to make sure that leadership stays connected to the needs of the people who actually use the store. These board members oversee big-picture decisions and plans including our upcoming new building expansion! Beyond just voting, members also help decide on major changes themselves and share their input to influence store policies. 

Why It Matters

Democratic Member Control makes the co-op more than just a place to buy groceries but a reflection of the community itself. The co-op makes decisions with people in mind, not just profit. This means that when given the choice we won’t choose things to maximize our profits if they don’t benefit our customers. By being more connected to our community, the co-op can also better support local farmers and small businesses. Over all, the members having democratic control over the co-op leads to the store evolving to fit the mold of what the community wants and needs. 

Your Role as a Member

Being a member of the Potsdam Food Co-op means you’re part of something bigger. Actions like voting in an election, attending a board meeting, sharing a social media post, and shopping whenever possible - help shape the future of the co-op. The co-op is designed so that everyone’s voice matters, whether you’ve been a member for years or just joined. Democratic Member Control is what keeps the Potsdam Food Co-op grounded in its mission. It ensures that the store stays true to its values and continues to serve the people who make it what it is. Instead of just being a grocery store, the Potsdam Food Co-op is a cornerstone of the community.