Hi everyone, Thanks for your message, Dylan. Rearranging the co-op is certainly something to think about as part of a longer term goal. However, before people start working hard on designs, we need to think about this project in terms of the bigger picture. I would hate for people to spend lots of time on designs that won't work or can't be used.
First, the co-op has very little money to buy things like new shelving or a new refrigerator (even if they are salvaged or from a re-use centre). I imagine that as part of a long term plan we could rebuild the shelves from the existing or other scavanged material, but the fact of the matter is that we need to make resource constraints an important part of the initial planning process. Second, the co-op has many goals and all of these need to be factored in when thinking about how to proceed with this project. I agree that long term planning is important and for a project like this the design is a good place to start. But first and foremost we also need to meet other, more pressing needs, such as filling the roster and the management committee positions. Once this has been done then we will be in a much better position to do a really big project like rearranging the entire shop. Finally, a project of this size will not only need a good design but also someone who would manage the whole thing from start to finish. As well, I don't think the co-op is in the financial position to pay this person. So, if you are interested in volunteering to take on this project, then I encourage you to come to the next co-op meeting to talk it over. This project will take a lot of time and energy in terms of designing, fundraising (for furniture), building, and doing the actual moving, and we cannot expect Monika or anyone else on the management committee to add it to all the things they are already doing. Again, I am not discounting the value of this project. I think we can all agree that it would be great to have more room in the shop. But we also need to think about resource constraints and prioritise our goals. If the co-op members decide that it is necessary to rearrange the shop, then we will also need someone to manage the project from start to finish. With that said, the next co-op meeting is on this Wednesday from 5pm on. That would be a good time to talk more about this. Cheers Shannon If you no longer want to be on this mailing list, please send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with unsubscribe food-co-op in the body text. If it does not work please email the list admin with your email address in the body text at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
