La Montanita Co-op’s Global Ends Policy

Over the years an increased awareness of good Co-op governance and community restoration and sustainablility has lead many organizations to re-think and re-name their mission and visions statements.  Currently the Co-op uses what it calls our Ends Policies. These consist of a Global Ends Policy and a series of sub-ends policies. These policies are regularly re-assessed by the Board of Directors.

La Montanita Global Ends Policy is:

A cooperative community based in the shared benefits of healthy food, sound environmental practices and a strengthened local economy with results that justify the resources used.

Our Sub Ends are:

1. COMMUNITY

    a. A community based on trust, comfort and personal relationships.
    b. A vital gathering place.
    c. People have healthier options. 

2. ECONOMY

    a. A direct linkage between the Co-op's positive financial health and the members' well being.
    b. Local producers and manufacturers benefit.

3. EDUCATION

    A community informed of:
    a. The cooperative model
    b. La Montanita's values
    c. Broad producer/consumer impacts on local and global health

4. AGRICULTURE

    Farmland conservation is supported.

CO-OP VALUES

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

CO-OP PRINCIPLES

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community