While the Board of Directors maintains a focus on business planning and getting our store open, there are a number of volunteer committees that help keep the Co-op running smoothly -- and are always looking for new people to jump in! You can help in a variety of ways, from project management to stuffing envelopes. Join us! E-mail [email protected] or fill out our volunteer form to get involved.
The following committees meet regularly and are most active at this stage in our development:
Marketing and Communications
Responsible for the Co-op’s messaging and communications with the intent of attracting new members, engaging current members, and informing the broader community about what the Co-op is up to and cares about. Maintains website and social media platforms, sends email communications to members and supporters, promotes Co-op events, builds relationships with media and pitches press stories, and drives membership campaigns and year-end appeals.
Outreach and Member Services
Coordinates all activities relating to our current and future membership, including producing events to open dialogue amongst the member population and pursuing prospective members through outreach events in the community. On-boards new members, connects members to volunteer and leadership opportunities, and maintains a robust member database. Organizes and gives community presentations, helps plan and execute fundraising events, and manages the Shop South Philly program. Coordinates strategic membership campaigns in partnership with other committees, as instructed by the Board of Directors.
Food Justice and Equity
Seeks to ensure that the South Philly Food Co-op is an accessible, welcoming, and valuable community institution for the widest range of neighborhood residents and stakeholders possible. Makes recommendations for and drives implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives that support this vision. Currently conducting the Co-op Community Accountability, Responsiveness, and Equity (CARE) Initiative, which involves listening to community groups and leaders to understand potential barriers to being a customer and/or member-owner of the Co-op and gain perspective on how to mitigate them. The Food Justice and Equity Committee also seeks to engage more businesses owned by women, people of color, and immigrants to the Shop South Philly program, recruit candidates for the Board of Directors who are representative of the community, and provide ongoing education to the Co-op community about cooperative enterprise and its role in economic empowerment and anti-racist efforts. Read our charter.
The following committees work on an ad-hoc basis:
IT
Provides support and training on technical facets of the organization including the website, member management software, and more. Advises the Co-op on tech-related decisions and provides ongoing maintenance and as-needed research and/or development of new tools.
Elections
Prepares, plans for, and executes Board elections each May and will help with leadership development projects as needed.
Legal
Meets as necessary for new projects or to address legal needs of other committees and/or the Board of Directors.