Principle #5: Education, Training and Information

Principle #5: Education, Training and Information 

We provide education and training for our owners, elected representatives, and staff so they can contribute to the betterment of our cooperative and community. We inform the general public about the nature and benefits of these Cooperative Principles.  

Here at Sno-Isle Food Co-op, we firmly believe that knowledge is power! Because we are all about cooperation, we endeavor to provide useful educational opportunities at every level, from our staff, to our Board of Trustees, and to our Owners and neighbors. In recent years, SIFC has hosted a plethora of classes and events in our Classroom, covering everything from beekeeping to zero-waste living, and so much more! While we cannot currently host in-person events, we are hard at work trying to build an exciting and edifying virtual education program until we can safely congregate once more.   

Not only does the Co-op strive to offer a variety of affordable and enlightening classes for Owners and the community at large, but we take the time to educate others about why the Co-op is such a special place to shop. SIFC’s Outreach Coordinator has given talks about the cooperative model to classes at Everett Community College and advocacy groups such as 350 Everett. We are always looking for new opportunities to spread the word about co-ops! On that note: If your group would like to learn more about the cooperative model and what we do Sno-Isle Food Co-op, shoot an email to our Outreach Coordinator: outreach@snoislefoods.coop. 

Here at SIFC, all our staff are given thorough training, not only at the time they are hired but on an ongoing basis as new needs, challenges, and opportunities arise in the fast-paced grocery environment. Because of our affiliation with National Co+op Grocers (NCG), our staff members have access to hundreds of hours of training and professional development courses through the Co+op U program. NCG also hosts multiple conferences which are tailored for the different roles and departments at the unique environment of a natural food co-op. These conferences provide a venue for our team to exchange knowledge and information with other co-ops across the country, bringing back the freshest and most innovative ideas to implement at our store.  

Have you ever thought about running for a position on the Board of Trustees but hesitated because you have never served on a board before? Hesitate no more, because elected members of the Board of Trustees are also provided access to specialized trainings through NCG. These trainings are beneficial to even the most seasoned BOT members, not just those new to board service.  

All of our efforts to educate our staff, Owners, volunteers, and community converge to make Sno-Isle Food Co-op a hub for all who are hungry for knowledge along with fresh and natural groceries.  

Do you have an idea for a virtual class that would align with the Co-op’s mission and values? We would love to hear about it! Just send an email to outreach@snoislefoods.coop.