If your South Philly neighbors are still in the "not-yet-member" camp, here are a few tips and tricks to help you persuade them to come on board. Just copy, paste and personalize!
Thanks in advance for your support in helping us grow!
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Via email:
Hi [your friend's name],
Hope you're having a great week! I'm writing because I know you haven't yet joined the South Philly Food Co-op, and I wanted to send you my pitch for why you should sign up today. Here goes:
Did you know the Co-op has signed a lease at 2031 S. Juniper St. in the heart of South Philly? I'm really excited about this location because [name some reasons that matter to you, like its proximity to the subway, easy walking distance from Passyunk Avenue, accessibility by bike, etc.], and I hope you are, too.
I'm also excited because finding a location means the Co-op is moving forward with its mission to use food as a force for good. But what does that mean? Well, southphillyfoodcoop.org/who-we-are breaks it down into a set of seven core beliefs:
- South Philly is an awesome place to call home. [Feel free to expand upon what some of these beliefs mean to you personally!]
- A vibrant community embraces people from all walks of life.
- Healthy, wholesome food should be accessible to all.
- Our food choices have an impact on the people and world around us.
- Investing in our community has the power to make a big impact.
- The fewer miles food has to travel, the better.
- We are more than just a store.
I don't know about you, but those are my beliefs, too.
Membership costs $200 -- and that's a one-time commitment, not an annual one. And you can pay it in quarterly installments of as little as $25! Plus, it covers everyone in your household, so your membership also extends to [list family members, pets and other animate objects!]. Member-owners will quite literally be owners of our business, eligible to vote on everything from who's on our Board of Directors to what's on our shelves. That's democracy at work!
The most important reason you should sign up today? The longer it takes us to raise our start-up capital (roughly $1 million to open our doors), the more we may need to pay in rent before we're able to start bringing in revenue. So as we set our sights on a 2018 grand opening, we can't stress enough that every dollar really does count.
Last but not least, the Co-op hosts all sorts of fun events, as well as two general membership meetings every year. So if you join, we'll get to see each other more often!
OK, so that's my pitch. I hope it worked! Click here to sign up today, and please let me know if you do so I can buy you a thank-you [insert favorite beverage here].
Cooperatively yours,
[You!]
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Via social media:
I'm a member of the @spfoodcoop because [insert short reason here! Some ideas: "I believe in healthy food access" / "community investment can make a big impact" / "I want to get involved with my community" / "I think food can be a force for good"]. Join me today: http://bit.ly/2gWNjTM
(And, because we all know social posts do better with photos, here's a great one!)
