Today, we'd like to introduce Cecil Denney, the very first consumer member of Our Table.
 
Cecil’s journey to Our Table began when he went to leadership training for the community-organizing group Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good. “During the training, I was asked what my legacy would be. This really affected me, as I realized that my legacy was my grandson. So most of my civic activity is to affect what the future will be like for my grandson.”

Before Our Table, Cecil was working with three other people on a potential co-op whose purpose was to capture glass from downtown building upgrades to make greenhouses. This would prevent this type of glass from going to a landfill, as it could not be recycled, while supporting local farmers. However, the idea turned out to be too costly to be feasible.
 
Cecil heard about Our Table from the consultant who had helped with the greenhouse idea, and subsequently visited the farm. He explained, “I realized that it was difficult to do things at a distance and have a significant impact on national policy. The real opportunity was local. I became the first Consumer Member of the Co-op. Later, I became an investor, more to support the innovative enterprise than for financial gain.”
 
“Our Table fits so well with me because the farm is committed to changing the culture around food. To beat environmental problems there have to be cultural shifts. Before I got involved with Our Table, I didn't know that soil is the best way to sequester carbon. Monoculture with heavy pesticide use kills the soil and adds to the climate issues. Our Table is building up the quality of the soil with the secondary benefit of quality organic food. I enjoy the food too — it is the icing on the cake! The farm is far-sighted in covering many important issues around the future, including food, climate, and how workers are treated.”
 
At Our Table, workers can become member/owners in the co-op as opposed to workers with bosses to direct them. Also, there is the added dimension of a commitment to Dynamic Governance, which is practiced by all worker members. Cecil feels that this inclusive and participative form of governance is superior to the typical top-down management, or even a democratic form where just slightly more than half can tell everyone else what to do. This makes Our Table very special in Cecil's eyes.
 
Cecil is retired and actively participates in many volunteer activities including the Sustainability Advisory Group for West Linn, outreach with his church, Eco Faith Recovery, support of the West Linn Food Pantry, and local and regional community organizing projects. He has done some painting, written a murder mystery, and enjoys designing and printing items such as toys and wind chimes with his 3D printer. ​

We’d like to introduce Liz Raymond, a Consumer Member. Liz is a surgical nurse who loves to ride horses. Five days a week she is with her horse, Chula, to practice jumping, and improve her technique and style. She also loves to cook, grow veggies in her garden, and spend time with family. Liz worked with Karen Flowers, one of the co-op’s farmers, and heard about Our Table from Karen.  

Liz went to one of the early Open House meetings and heard Narendra explain his philosophy and goals. Feeling it was important for social, environmental, and economic reasons, Liz joined the CSA and soon became a member to support the co-op. “For example, I love that farmer members would (ultimately) have a livelihood that could support them, and that temp workers had potential for a more sustainable way of life. I think that this is what farms should be doing everywhere. I want to support my local economy, my neighbors, and buy local vs. things grown hundreds of miles away which need to be shipped here.”

​Liz disagrees with the argument that monoculture “is the only way to feed this world. Post World War II, the face of the USA has changed, and this really bothers me. Chemical based farming has taken over; monoculture is most common. As a result there is little plant diversity — plants are unhealthy and so is the soil.”
 
“The benefits of an intimate, long-term relationship with the land are a resource we have all but totally lost, along with the family farm. I’m concerned about its demise and the knowledge that came with it. In the past, farmers passed down what they learned through experience, and over time about their particular parcel of land and it's environment. To me this way of farming is absolutely crucial to keeping us on course towards a sustainable planet.
 
Aside from her own garden’s produce, Liz enjoys the CSA. “It has broadened my horizons as I have to figure out what to do with unfamiliar veggies. I love finding things in my share that my Mom would talk about eating when she was a child. It is like opening a gift each time!"
 
Liz shops in the store every week. “I love the rural setting, love the drive to get there, and the design of the building. It’s fun to check out what is in the store. I feel at home in this kind of environment.”

As a young man, Steve often went to McDonalds and Taco Bell. But his views on food slowly changed through an education process spurred by documentaries and books, as well as talking with people about food.
 
In early 2014, Steve heard about Our Table through an Oregon Public Broadcasting documentary. Steve found OTC at the Wilsonville Farmer’s market, and joined the CSA. He became a member out of nostalgia for the markets of his childhood, and a strong belief in local food. As he said, “Now I don’t have to wait for the Saturday farmers’ market, or go to New Seasons. I know the people who grow my food, and where it comes from.”
 
The educational aspect of Our Table’s vision is very important to Steve. “Our Table is trying to accomplish a cultural change. Co-ops and farmers markets are all over, but Our Table is above and beyond. They walk the talk. The workers show palpable excitement for what they do. Members will get dividends. If you come to Board meetings, you can see how the farm works. The Dynamic Governance method, which all employees participate in, is amazing and empowering; all are active participants. I wish a lot of companies worked like this. People are more motivated.”
 
Steve has thought deeply about the connection between food and his values. “I’m a spiritual person but not religious…It is important to care for the land. I don't have the luxury to grow my food, this is the next best thing. To me, Our Table Farm is church. It feeds me, and feeds my soul.  Seeing things grow out of earth is spiritual.” 
 
“I’m learning the value and importance of community. The Farm to Table dinners brings full circle the experience of community. When you sit with like minded people, at first they are strangers, but we leave as friends.”