Oneota Community Co-op Kicks Off New Series Exploring Cooperative Values

Every dollar helps Decorah News chase down the truth on Water Street, not just headlines. Give today. DECORAH — The Oneota Community Co-op Board of Directors will host the first event in a new community conversation series, "Principles in Practice: A Conversation Series on Cooperation and Community," on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 7–8 p.m. at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company's event room. The first session, "Membership and Voice in the Co-op Model," will feature panelists from several local cooperative enterprises, including Klaus DeBoer, board member, Farmers Land Investment Cooperative; Emily Fagan, co-farmer, Humble Hands Harvest; Sue Otte, Oneota Co-op member-owner; and Aaron Steffens, branch manager, Decorah DuTrac Community Credit Union. Moderated by Oneota Co-op board member Hannah Breckbill, the conversation will explore how open membership and democratic control form the foundation of cooperative business models and how those values show up in local organizations. "Some people in Decorah are feeling economic squeezes, a lack of power and agency, and a longing for community and shared purpose," Breckbill said. "Cooperatives can address all of these issues, on tangible, local levels. This is why we're hosting this mini-series—so that people can get to know the cooperatives operating locally and how they can get involved." The event is free and open to all. Light snacks will be provided. "Principles in Practice" continues throughout the winter, with additional sessions on Dec. 2, Jan. 6, and Feb. 3, each focusing on different cooperative principles and ending with a community discussion in February. Oneota Community Food Cooperative is a 51-year-old consumer cooperative with over 4,500 shareholders in downtown Decorah, Iowa. Learn more at https://oneotacoop.com/. Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.