As the Cedar Falls Food Co-op’s membership continues to rise, more and more members are stepping up to help the Co-op grow. They’ve made the commitment by purchasing a share in the Food Co-op and now they want to have the store open as soon as possible. They know that the sooner we get 1,000 members, the sooner we can open. They are taking the concept of ownership to heart and are encouraging other members to join. Cedar Falls teacher and Food Co-op member Donna Mallin is among those who utilized one of the most effective tools to recruit new members: house parties.
“House parties” can mean many different things, but at its core, it’s about getting a few friends, co-workers, or neighbors together for a social gathering and offering them the opportunity to join in the efforts to launch a community-owned grocery store. The party need not be a party — it can be a brunch, a bike ride, or raising a pint at your favorite watering hole. Donna chose pie. “I decided on a pie party because people like pie, I make good pies, pie is food, and the Co-op is about food,” Donna noted. “And pie pairs well with wine!”
Donna’s party was a lot of fun and it brought in seven new members.
Across the country, food co-ops are in development, from Houston to Brooklyn to Sitka, Alaska. Many have opened their doors in recent years. And one of the most effective ways that members can bring in new members is house parties. The Food Co-op is encouraging you to host a house party and the board members and committee members can help, too, by being on hand to answer questions. One of Donna’s suggestions was to invite a couple of current Food Co-op members to the gathering as well. Prior to the event, she made it clear that the gathering would be an opportunity to learn more about the Co-op. Oh, and Donna had one more key piece of advice for members interested in hosting a house party. “Have fun.” Sounds like a win-win!
Will you be the next to host a house party?
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