Author: Abhishek Chari (Chronicle Editor)
Dear Karma Members,
Putting this edition of the Chronicle together over the Labour Day weekend, one thing stands out to me: all things are possible only in the spirit of community. Human society’s greatest achievements, including the recognition and improvement of workers’ rights, have been the result of people coming together for a common cause. For that matter, every social movement, institution and organization that hopes to stay relevant and resilient over long stretches of time needs the voices and actions of people with a broad range of interests, passions and beliefs.
Having served its members for over 50 years now, Karma Coop is at a crossroads in its history. For Karma to continue to serve its members well, in a world that has changed so much over the last few years, we need to reassess and re-evaluate core facets of its vision, goals and day-to-day functioning. These include, but are not limited to, membership structure, financial viability, attracting new members and the work of its committees. Dealing with such issues requires all your ideas, enthusiasm and candor.
So, today’s newsletter starts off with notices about events where you can make this happen:
- Save the date and register for this year’s virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Read the results of the member survey for this year’s AGM type and discussion topics
- Save the date for a post-AGM in-person outdoors meet/greet and nominate new Board members
Followed by news about the things for which can always depend on Karma:
- This month’s sale specials (where there’s more to Karma than just food and drink)
- And, how you can look forward to tasty produce sourced from new suppliers
Then we have some deep dives for you, from Karma’s committees, on select topics:
- The Anti-Oppression Committee shares challenges, new beginnings, and asks for member inputs
- The Food Issues Committee highlights changing Canadian immigration policy for agricultural workers, and how one of Karma’s produce suppliers expresses support for its workers
Next up, three notices regarding volunteer needs and staff hires for Karma:
- Karma’s need for volunteers who can supercharge its meetings with incisive note-taking
- Put names to faces for all the new staff hires at the store
- A job ad for a new Floor Supervisor/Purchaser that Karma would like to hire.
Finally, we close out with a simple yet elegant recipe for dessert and a final call to Karma members who would like to support the work of local artists on socially and locally relevant issues.
Don’t forget to check Karma’s social media outreach on Facebook and Instagram, from Karma’s Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Heather Rattray. This month’s focus extends to a combination of all things bread, whole grains and sourdough!
On behalf of the Chronicle Team, including Alli Floroff and Amelia Bailey,
Abhishek Chari, Chronicle Editor.