The Co-op has always been associated with Earlham, from the time it was started by a group of students in the Runyan desk.

To the contrary, the Co-op was actually started inside of a storage bin. At some point when it got big enough, the organization moved into the largest available compartment of an end table, and then worked its way up to reside in a desk in Runyan Center, but not the desk we know today as Runyan Desk. These details are important.

In all seriousness and despite the misquote, the article touches on the key point that the future of the Co-op, currently located on Earlham’s campus, is a bit uncertain right now. As we try to figure out what model is best (and sustainable) for the organization, the Earlham populations it serves, and the larger Richmond community, we invite feedback from others who are invested in the future of a locally owned food store that focuses on healthy, local, organic products and cooperative values.

“The world in which you were born is just one model of reality.

Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” –Wade Davis

I’m not sure I have much more to add, beyond some related queries to chew on:

1. In what ways do I assume that my model of reality is everyone else’s model of reality?
2. When do I hold other people and other cultures to a standard of success that is defined by becoming or being me?
3. What threatens me about people and cultures that have different goals and hopes than I do?
4. How can my sense of spirit and life be nurtured by appreciating other (sometimes radically different) manifestations of spirit and life?