Ever wonder why Weavers Way is called Weavers Way? The Co-op's founders named it after a collective of 28 weavers and other artisans in England who, in 1844, joined together to cooperatively purchase food they could not otherwise afford. The Rochdale Pioneers weren’t the first group to try forming a co-op, but they were the first to make their co-op succeed and endure. To avoid the mistakes made by earlier co-op societies and to help others, they developed a list of operating principles governing their organization. This list formed the basis for what are now known as the cooperative principles. Rochdale is considered the birthplace of the modern cooperative movement.
The Rochdale Principles are based on values not unlike those we subscribe to individually, including self-responsibility, democracy, equality, honesty and social responsibility.
Co-ops worldwide still adhere to the spirit of the Rochdale Principles. Those principles are outlined by the International Cooperative Alliance.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public — particularly young people and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Ever wonder why Weavers Way is called Weavers Way? The Co-op's founders named it after a collective of 28 weavers and other artisans in England who, in 1844, joined together to cooperatively purchase food they could not otherwise afford. The Rochdale Pioneers weren’t the first group to try forming a co-op, but they were the first to make their co-op succeed and endure. To avoid the mistakes made by earlier co-op societies and to help others, they developed a list of operating principles governing their organization. This list formed the basis for what are now known as the cooperative principles. Rochdale is considered the birthplace of the modern cooperative movement.
The Rochdale Principles are based on values not unlike those we subscribe to individually, including self-responsibility, democracy, equality, honesty and social responsibility.
Co-ops worldwide still adhere to the spirit of the Rochdale Principles. Those principles are outlined by the International Cooperative Alliance.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public — particularly young people and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Ever wonder why Weavers Way is called Weavers Way? The Co-op's founders named it after a collective of 28 weavers and other artisans in England who, in 1844, joined together to cooperatively purchase food they could not otherwise afford. The Rochdale Pioneers weren’t the first group to try forming a co-op, but they were the first to make their co-op succeed and endure. To avoid the mistakes made by earlier co-op societies and to help others, they developed a list of operating principles governing their organization. This list formed the basis for what are now known as the cooperative principles. Rochdale is considered the birthplace of the modern cooperative movement.
The Rochdale Principles are based on values not unlike those we subscribe to individually, including self-responsibility, democracy, equality, honesty and social responsibility.
Co-ops worldwide still adhere to the spirit of the Rochdale Principles. Those principles are outlined by the International Cooperative Alliance.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public — particularly young people and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Being a member also means having a say. Co-op members elect the Weavers Way Board of Directors and vote on other initiatives. They can serve on committees or run for the Board. Find out more on our member benefits page.
Members don't have to do Co-op work hours.
Not any more. However, we want everyone to get the fullest benefit of being a member, and we believe that participating in the Working Member Program is an integral part of that. What better way to get to know your Co-op by spending a few hours a year working here? And it's not all heavy lifting — you can get your hours in by packing cookies, stuffing envelopes or staffing events, to name just a few opportunities.
Are there benefits to working other than the warm and fuzzy stuff?
Yes! Working Members get 5 percent off all their purchases once they complete their 6 work hours per adult per household per year. Member work also keeps the Co-op’s labor costs down, which ultimately keeps your shopping bills down.
How does being a member help our community?
Added to the voices of our 10,000-plus individual members, your membership supports fair trade, local and sustainable food; supports local businesses, wholesalers, community groups and institutions; and helps us send an even stronger message to state and national policy-makers. Weavers Way’s mission statement, Ends and bylaws and the International Cooperative Principles all reflect a commitment to the community.
When we say our members are our owners, we mean it. When you join, you make your first equity payment, which buys your share of the Co-op. You can pay as little as $30 each year, up to a maximum of $400, or pay $400 or more up front. If you leave the Co-op, your equity is returned to you.
What does Weavers Way do with my equity?
This is our capital, a fund that helps us make improvements in our stores. The more member capital we have, the less we have to borrow. Members use the services Weavers Way offers and the money stays in our community, benefiting local producers and consumer cooperation.
Does the Co-op carry only organic food?
Our stores carry a wide variety of products to serve a diverse population with a variety of needs. We have an excellent selection of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, groceries, health food, vitamins, household items, pet products, gift items and more.
Does Weavers Way make donations to good causes?
Our member-owners may make requests for monetary and in-kind donations, as well as ask that the Co-op take public stands on issues that line up with Weavers Way's Ends and other governing principles. Check out the following:
I’ve heard there are “rules” about shopping in the Mt. Airy store.
Because the store is pretty small, it’s become convention that shoppers leave their baskets on the center counter while they shop. Deli orders work a little differently too — shoppers write down their orders and the deli notifies them on the loudspeaker when orders are ready. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member or another shopper if you can't find something or aren't sure what to do.
Can I bring my recycling to Weavers Way?
Oh, please don't. Weavers Way is committed to the environment and recycling is one of our major efforts to demonstrate that commitment. But the days are long over when our stores had to be drop-off points for recyclables.
All our operations generate materials that are recycled: cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum and plastic, which are separated from non-recyclable trash and picked up by both the City of Philadelphia and our waste hauler. Our stores also generate lots of food waste, much of which is collected and used for making compost at the W.B. Saul Agricultural High School. The resulting Henry Got Crops compost is on sale at our stores!
What does the name mean?
"Weavers Way" pays homage to a collective of 28 weavers and other artisans in England who, in 1844, joined together to purchase food cooperatively. The Rochdale weavers weren’t the first group to try forming a co-op, but they were the first to make their co-op succeed and endure. Read more about the Rochdale Pioneers here.
Being a member also means having a say. Co-op members elect the Weavers Way Board of Directors and vote on other initiatives. They can serve on committees or run for the Board. Find out more on our member benefits page.
Members don't have to do Co-op work hours.
Not any more. However, we want everyone to get the fullest benefit of being a member, and we believe that participating in the Working Member Program is an integral part of that. What better way to get to know your Co-op by spending a few hours a year working here? And it's not all heavy lifting — you can get your hours in by packing cookies, stuffing envelopes or staffing events, to name just a few opportunities.
Are there benefits to working other than the warm and fuzzy stuff?
Yes! Working Members get 5 percent off all their purchases once they complete their 6 work hours per adult per household per year. Member work also keeps the Co-op’s labor costs down, which ultimately keeps your shopping bills down.
How does being a member help our community?
Added to the voices of our 10,000-plus individual members, your membership supports fair trade, local and sustainable food; supports local businesses, wholesalers, community groups and institutions; and helps us send an even stronger message to state and national policy-makers. Weavers Way’s mission statement, Ends and bylaws and the International Cooperative Principles all reflect a commitment to the community.
When we say our members are our owners, we mean it. When you join, you make your first equity payment, which buys your share of the Co-op. You can pay as little as $30 each year, up to a maximum of $400, or pay $400 or more up front. If you leave the Co-op, your equity is returned to you.
What does Weavers Way do with my equity?
This is our capital, a fund that helps us make improvements in our stores. The more member capital we have, the less we have to borrow. Members use the services Weavers Way offers and the money stays in our community, benefiting local producers and consumer cooperation.
Does the Co-op carry only organic food?
Our stores carry a wide variety of products to serve a diverse population with a variety of needs. We have an excellent selection of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, groceries, health food, vitamins, household items, pet products, gift items and more.
Does Weavers Way make donations to good causes?
Our member-owners may make requests for monetary and in-kind donations, as well as ask that the Co-op take public stands on issues that line up with Weavers Way's Ends and other governing principles. Check out the following:
I’ve heard there are “rules” about shopping in the Mt. Airy store.
Because the store is pretty small, it’s become convention that shoppers leave their baskets on the center counter while they shop. Deli orders work a little differently too — shoppers write down their orders and the deli notifies them on the loudspeaker when orders are ready. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member or another shopper if you can't find something or aren't sure what to do.
Can I bring my recycling to Weavers Way?
Oh, please don't. Weavers Way is committed to the environment and recycling is one of our major efforts to demonstrate that commitment. But the days are long over when our stores had to be drop-off points for recyclables.
All our operations generate materials that are recycled: cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum and plastic, which are separated from non-recyclable trash and picked up by both the City of Philadelphia and our waste hauler. Our stores also generate lots of food waste, much of which is collected and used for making compost at the W.B. Saul Agricultural High School. The resulting Henry Got Crops compost is on sale at our stores!
What does the name mean?
"Weavers Way" pays homage to a collective of 28 weavers and other artisans in England who, in 1844, joined together to purchase food cooperatively. The Rochdale weavers weren’t the first group to try forming a co-op, but they were the first to make their co-op succeed and endure. Read more about the Rochdale Pioneers here.
Being a member also means having a say. Co-op members elect the Weavers Way Board of Directors and vote on other initiatives. They can serve on committees or run for the Board. Find out more on our member benefits page.
Members don't have to do Co-op work hours.
Not any more. However, we want everyone to get the fullest benefit of being a member, and we believe that participating in the Working Member Program is an integral part of that. What better way to get to know your Co-op by spending a few hours a year working here? And it's not all heavy lifting — you can get your hours in by packing cookies, stuffing envelopes or staffing events, to name just a few opportunities.
Are there benefits to working other than the warm and fuzzy stuff?
Yes! Working Members get 5 percent off all their purchases once they complete their 6 work hours per adult per household per year. Member work also keeps the Co-op’s labor costs down, which ultimately keeps your shopping bills down.
How does being a member help our community?
Added to the voices of our 10,000-plus individual members, your membership supports fair trade, local and sustainable food; supports local businesses, wholesalers, community groups and institutions; and helps us send an even stronger message to state and national policy-makers. Weavers Way’s mission statement, Ends and bylaws and the International Cooperative Principles all reflect a commitment to the community.
When we say our members are our owners, we mean it. When you join, you make your first equity payment, which buys your share of the Co-op. You can pay as little as $30 each year, up to a maximum of $400, or pay $400 or more up front. If you leave the Co-op, your equity is returned to you.
What does Weavers Way do with my equity?
This is our capital, a fund that helps us make improvements in our stores. The more member capital we have, the less we have to borrow. Members use the services Weavers Way offers and the money stays in our community, benefiting local producers and consumer cooperation.
Does the Co-op carry only organic food?
Our stores carry a wide variety of products to serve a diverse population with a variety of needs. We have an excellent selection of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, groceries, health food, vitamins, household items, pet products, gift items and more.
Does Weavers Way make donations to good causes?
Our member-owners may make requests for monetary and in-kind donations, as well as ask that the Co-op take public stands on issues that line up with Weavers Way's Ends and other governing principles. Check out the following:
I’ve heard there are “rules” about shopping in the Mt. Airy store.
Because the store is pretty small, it’s become convention that shoppers leave their baskets on the center counter while they shop. Deli orders work a little differently too — shoppers write down their orders and the deli notifies them on the loudspeaker when orders are ready. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member or another shopper if you can't find something or aren't sure what to do.
Can I bring my recycling to Weavers Way?
Oh, please don't. Weavers Way is committed to the environment and recycling is one of our major efforts to demonstrate that commitment. But the days are long over when our stores had to be drop-off points for recyclables.
All our operations generate materials that are recycled: cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum and plastic, which are separated from non-recyclable trash and picked up by both the City of Philadelphia and our waste hauler. Our stores also generate lots of food waste, much of which is collected and used for making compost at the W.B. Saul Agricultural High School. The resulting Henry Got Crops compost is on sale at our stores!
What does the name mean?
"Weavers Way" pays homage to a collective of 28 weavers and other artisans in England who, in 1844, joined together to purchase food cooperatively. The Rochdale weavers weren’t the first group to try forming a co-op, but they were the first to make their co-op succeed and endure. Read more about the Rochdale Pioneers here.
