The Co-op Q&A With David Shen
By Robert Eshelman-Håkansson
Member-owner Shen helps keep our Co-op website relevant and up to date, something that’s become even more important over the past few months as we’ve made adjustments to ensure that members and neighbors can shop safely. In addition to his role at the Co-op, Shen also volunteers in support of local political campaigns.
Q: How long have you been a member of the Co-op, and what motivated you to join?
A: I've been around for 18 months or so. I joined for the great produce, eco-friendly practices, and community!
Q: Can you describe your work at the Co-op? Have your roles and responsibilities changed with the COVID-19 outbreak?
A: After stocking shelves for a year, I joined the website team as project manager. This involves coordinating among our committees, to figure out 1) what content needs to be on the website, and 2) the process of getting it there. Covid hasn't changed the shape of the work too much, just increased our content output quite a bit.
Q: The website team’s done some wonderful work recently. Can you describe some of the changes and what’s on the horizon?
A: We've recently reorganized all blog content into one master blog, revamped our events view, and created a Covid-specific page. Props to Anna, Akane, and Nikki for visualizing and executing this work! We also worked with IT to introduce store credit.
Look out for member-only online shopping soon! Willa and IT worked extremely hard on this; the website team is just helping surface it.
Q: How does your work contribute to the Co-op’s mission?
A: I see the website as a crucial information bulletin for our community, both members and future members! Oftentimes, someone's first impression is the website—I distinctly remember how welcoming and usable the website was when I first joined.
Q: Do you have a favorite recipe that’s been your go-to, during the shutdown?
A: Almost every day, I peel a pink lady apple, sprinkle some ceylon cinnamon and apple cider vinegar, and toss with yogurt. It's my sugar for the day :D
Q: What’s your favorite hidden—or not so hidden—gem about the Co-op?
A: We're now stocking Thai curry paste and Chaokoh brand coconut milk! Easiest curry ever—grab some fish sauce, bamboo shoots … whatever.
Q: Anything you’d like to see more of at the Co-op, whether it’s a product or practice?
A: I'm also a volunteer for two amazing candidates for local office in our district. Their office is two buildings from the Co-op. Phara Souffrant Forrest is a union nurse running for NY State Assembly District 57, and Jabari Brisport is a public school teacher running for NY State Senate District 25. Their platforms (Phara’s and Jabari's) center us, the workers. They'll fight for a Green New Deal, universal healthcare, and workers rights—and they're not taking corporate and real estate money). I'm incredibly excited about what they'll be able to accomplish together! I'd encourage y'all to check them out, vote absentee, and, if you're as excited as I am, sign up to volunteer!