Membership News - August, 2009

-by Naomi Jackson, Membership Coordinator

Are you new to Hampden Park Co-op? Would you like to know more about the co-op? Here's some information to help you get started.

• Cooperative economics is a worldwide phenomenon, find out more.
• Hampden Park Co-op is one of a dozen co-ops in the Twin Cities area. We remain an independent co-op, and are also the only metro-area co-op that has volunteer members.
• When you join Hampden Park Co-op, you will receive a member handbook that will tell you more about us. If you didn't receive one, ask any cashier or staff person.
• About eighty percent of our active members do not volunteer. Some have volunteered in the past; others have never volunteered. All members are welcome, whether or not they volunteer. A new benefit for non-volunteering members is a quarterly 10% discount coupon. Watch for it in the mail.
• About twenty percent of our active members are volunteers. They perform such tasks as stocking shelves, chopping vegetables, serving on the board, cashiering, cleaning, writing for the newsletter, providing music, plant tending at Mayfest, and more. If you would like to be a volunteer, sign up for an orientation in the entryway of the co-op.
• Hampden Park Co-op recently purchased the building in which we have rented space for many years. Members are welcome to help pay off the mortgage with a gift or loan, or by making a donation when you shop ("Roundup at the Register"). If you'd like to know more, talk to any coordinator or manager.
• Any time you have a question about membership, you may leave a note in the Membership Coordinator envelope on the calendar bulletin board in the entryway.