Karah Barr
Communication Consultant
My motivation to run for Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors stems from a passion for cooperatives and a desire to leverage my marketing and communications expertise to enhance owner engagement, strategic growth, and organizational impact.
Seward Co-op is a reliable place I know I can go to see a friendly face, find nourishing food, and feel safe. I want to be part of a grassroots effort to stimulate positive change in the local community, especially as democracy continues to face challenges in this country. Cooperatives ensure that decisions reflect the will of the community, helping to sustain democratic values and resilience.
As a marketing and communications professional I can help the co-op achieve equitable outcomes by engaging diverse and underrepresented groups through inclusive language and ensuring transparent board communication. By prioritizing feedback and addressing the needs of all owners, we can create strategies that reflect the Co-op’s commitment to equity and ensure that all voices are considered and valued in decision-making processes.
This work is collaborative. That means actively listening to diverse perspectives, openly sharing ideas, and building consensus to achieve common goals. It involves respecting each other’s contributions, fostering an inclusive culture, and harnessing collective strengths to drive success. Effective collaboration ensures that all voices are heard and valued, leading to more innovative and impactful outcomes.
I envision Seward Co-op will continue to evolve as a leader of inclusivity, expand community impact and ownership while enhancing local partnerships, and financial stability over the next 10 years. I imagine Seward Co-op to foster innovation, deepen owner engagement, and continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change. My hope is that our co-op can remain a place where everyone feels safe, can shop, and see a friendly face.
I would contribute to the board by being a co-op ambassador that employs strategies to highlight and promote Seward Co-op’s initiatives in equity, sustainability, and food access. By ensuring clear, consistent communication and engaging community voices, I would amplify the co-op’s efforts to achieve its mission, fostering greater awareness, owner participation, and alignment with goals for a healthy, equitable, and environmentally-conscious community.