November 12, 2021-Cooperative Planning: Exploring Co-Ops as a Startup/Succession Strategy

We talk to and learn from Raafe Purnsley, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Durham Coop Market, a member and worker owned cooperative.

At the Durham Coop, Raafe engages with owners, community groups, and customers. He coordinates donations, guiding tours, hosting events, and talking about all the ways the coop is working to make the Co-op and Durham a better place for everyone.

As a former environmental science educator, informing communities of their impact and telling the stories that can lead to solutions has always been a goal of his career. “Our co-op is not the building, but the people who use it. By welcoming many peoples into our endeavors, we ensure the shared responsibility of our mission reflects the people who deserve the successes.”