Volunteer Statement

Dear Volunteers and Volunteers-To-Be,

As we move into 2021, we know the biggest question on all your minds is, “When can I spend three hours in the store ringing up customers and stocking produce again??”

To which we respond, “We love you, but please be patient.”

Volunteerism is an integral part of the Co-op’s operation and experience, and it has certainly felt a bit funny around here without you all buzzing around. It was a very difficult decision to let you all go back in March, but it was the correct choice to keep our staff and customers as safe and sound as possible in the time of hand-washing, masks, and limited indoor capacities. As we moved through the months and continued to evaluate our situation and find some footing, we were able to invite volunteers to support the Co-op at a distance via Committee Work and Community Opportunities in August. Around 30 dedicated volunteers have been helping the Co-op run from beyond the Zoom screen, kicking some serious cooperative butt on our Communications Committee, Sustainability Committee, Membership Committee, HR Committee, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors. We would not have such great social media posts, graphics, and plans in the works without their hard work!

If you have been trying to volunteer in this new structure with the Co-op since September but have not heard anything on our end, we deeply apologize. As you may or may not know, our Volunteer Coordinator resigned from their role at the Co-op at the beginning of that month. Because they would be moving on from the Co-op shortly, they focused their remaining time and attention on the current volunteers, and did not feel comfortable bringing on new committee volunteers during this time of transition.

While the Co-op staff and Board continue through their important restructuring conversations and ultimately begin the hiring process for open positions, prospective volunteers will have to continue to wait in the wings for their moment to shine. We promise to tell you as soon as the new Volunteer Coordinator joins our Co-op family and we feel comfortable safely introducing regular volunteers back into our small space again.

But do not forget! Volunteering is not the only way to seriously support your favorite neighborhood Co-op! Every day of the week you can help us by…

...becoming a yearly or lifetime member,

...sharing, liking, and saving our social media posts and stories,

...buying our local and organic produce for your meals,

...gifting yourself or a friend a gift certificate to the Co-op,

...buying from our extensive bulk section (#sustainability),

...and sponsoring a membership for someone else (coming soon!).

Be well and best wishes,

The Riverwest Co-op Workers’ Collective