Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, National Co-op Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, inclusive communities.
The most unique thing about a cooperative business is that it is owned by the community and exists to meet the specific needs of the community members it serves. This level of autonomy and independence creates innovation, resilience and buy-in for both employees and member-owners. And over 50% of Common Market staff have chosen to own a share of the business they work for; how full-circle is that?
This is truly why and how the Common Market has been able to survive the ups and downs of the grocery industry over the last 50 years and why we now proudly boast being 10,000 member-owners strong! Cooperatives operate under the idea that we are stronger together in a space where everyone is welcome. We shout this sentiment out throughout both of our store locations in Frederick.
During October, National Co-op month, we celebrate the nearly 200 food co-ops that join us in membership with the National Co-op Grocers like our neighbors at Lovettsville Co-op Market, Tacoma Park/Silver Spring Co-op and Greenbelt Co-op Supermarket and Pharmacy. We support our cooperative food suppliers Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, Aura Cacia, Cabot Creamery, Equal Exchange, Frontier, Kerrygold, Organic Valley, Pachamama Coffee, Simply Organic and Tilamook. We take pride in shouting out other cooperatives in our area including: Nymeo Federal Credit Union, Farmers Cooperative Association & Southern States Farm Store, Glut Food Co-op, and Wholesome Harvest Food Co-op.
Cooperative businesses are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of our founders, and adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance in 1995, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
The 8 Cooperative Principles:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Cooperation among Co-operatives
7. Concern for Community
8. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
If you are interested in joining the movement, you are invited to shop with us when you can, take a class in one of our community rooms, or buy a share of the Common Market!