Yes we want to Join. We have been members of several Co-ops thru our lives. Are you having a meeting any time soon. I do see a Nov.20/05 date on the site.

We look forward to joining and meeting the other charter members.

Thank You,

Phillip Cobb

Phillip and Sally,

Please send me an e-mail at info@nolafoodcoop.org so that I can keep you posted on the next event at which you can join.

So sorry again for the late response!

Best,
AmyGeorge

Hey there!

I saw a link from LiveJournal and recall when this first started.
I am very interested in becoming involved, at least in being a founding member, to help get this off the ground!

I have followed the links to the application and PayPal portion
and hope to hear from you all soon!

Respectfully,
Kevin
NOPD

Minor Edit to above post -

I completed the application and clicked on the ‘Submit Application’ link in order to take me to PayPal - but it took me to the Home Page of the Co-op, instead.

Can you please give me the PayPal email addy or email me directly and let me know what course of action to take.

Thanks again,
Kevin

NOPD1010 at gmail dot com.

Kevin,

We’ll get in touch with you directly. Our tech folks have been working on refining/streamlining the process and should have it all straight. Thanks for your patience.

AmyGeorge

What does “member equity” mean? I understand what membership dues are and the concept of a founding member carrying some risk since the store isn’t open yet, but where does (and why does) the notion of a refund come in to play? Could you please expand on all this a little for me? Thank you!

Just tried to join,but wouldn’t let me go there… - could i send a check somewhere instead? And if there is an email list i’d be interested in getting on that - would like to know about meetings and progress, etc. Thank you -

Ena Konjolka

Lauren:

Member equity deals with the idea that all members contribute equitably to the co-op meaning that everyone has contributed financially or in some other way. It’s really just a fancy way of talking about dues.

In regards to refunds: as a part owner, one will eventually be able to sell one’s share back to the group or to another person–one type of refund. Another is the idea of getting a refund on your purchases at the end of the fiscal year. In that case, if the co-op had made a profit, some of the profits would be returned to the members based upon their purchases. Note that neither of these types of refunds has been determined as something that we are going to offer but these are some of the things that other co-ops do. Our specific member benefits are currently under development.

Hope this clarifies those concepts somewhat.

AmyGeorge

Ena,

Welcome and thanks for your interest!

Under the “Contact us” page, you can subscribe to our Announce List to find out about upcoming meetings or our Forum if you want to be part of the daily discuss e-mails.

You can download and print out our founding member brochure application and mail a check to the address printed there (NOFC, 621B N Rendon St,
New Orleans, LA 70119):

http://nolafoodcoop.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/founding_member_brochure_and_app_2008.pdf

Cheers,
AmyGeorge

Explain to me how this works. How often do I have to pay the $100? Once a month? Once a year? Once forever?

In return, what do I receive for my $100?

Evidently, the cost of groceries is not included.

My girlfriend and I want to join. We would just like more information on what joining provides, and especially, how often do we have to pay?

Michael Jeter

I see on the brochure/link that you can pay the $100 in 5 monthlys of 20 but does the application support this

We are New orleans native who have been living in Brooklyn, NY. We are Parkslope Food Coop members. I worked with this group many years ago so I am very excited to see the progress- We are considering moving back down and would like be involved. Gracias!

Dear Michael,

Your $100 gets you: one step closer to a grocery store (without members there will be no store); a vote in all major points of the decision-making process (one membership = one vote so if both you and your girlfriend wanted voting privileges each of you would need to join separately); an economic benefit in the grocery store once it opens (specific benefits are to be determined and options are being investigated right now).

Although this founding member equity investment of $100 is not a “lifetime membership” per se, we hope that our finances will allow us to not ask for annual dues. In many co-ops around the country it is the case that an initial member equity buy-in is all that is required for membership. ever. Sometimes co-ops will ask for an additional buy in if, for example, they are looking to raise funds to buy a store instead of leasing or expand their current location or what not. Since we do not yet have a first location that is not relevant to our situation.

So: $100 equity investment makes you a part owner of the store. If we were ever to think that we would want members to invest more, you, as a member, would have a vote in determining if that were going to happen or not.

If this doesn’t answer your question fully, send me an e-mail at info@nolafoodcoop.org and I will give you more details.

Cheers,
AmyGeorge
NOFC Information Facilitator

Hi, my husband and I are interested in helping in any way we can, we dont have 100.00 right now, my husband has cancer and we consider nutrition one of the main factors in his recovery, there are alot of cancer patients searching for healthy food alternatives besides shopping at whole foods. We need more options. Please keep us informed so we can also pass this along. Im also an artist if you need any artwork done i would gladly offer my services for free

Dear Dina,

There are lots of ways to help out without spending any money! If you have any spare time just let me know! You can also attend our next Action Team meeting on August 31st at 7pm to get more information on how you can help.

In addition, we do offer a reduced membership fee for those who need it. Please let me know if you are interested!

Best Wishes,
Valerie Crawford
Project Manager
NOFC
504-909-1079