NCG creates advocacy resources and materials co-ops can use to inform and educate staff and customers and build support for national causes that are important to your community. Here are five ways to leverage these resources:

• Prepare staff with answers to burning customer questions – NCG often assembles information about timely advocacy topics in FAQ format to help co-op staff provide fact-based customer service on potentially controversial issues. When appropriate, NCG also solicits input from brand partners implicated in these issues and shares their responses, as well. Cashiers and floor staff are your first line of communication with shoppers, prepare them well! Recent examples include Heavy Metals in Baby Food FAQ, Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate Bars FAQ and a PETA Thai Coconut Supply Chain Campaign FAQ.
• Tell the story behind your products with compelling content for social media. Customer research today tells us that customers want information—they want to know the Who, What, How and Why behind the foods and products they buy. We’ve got fun articles co-ops can share to tell the story behind products produced in ways that are better for the climate, explain and promote fair trade, demystify consumer labeling, promote organic and more!
• Get everyone on the same page with co-op position statements on key topics. NCG’s advocacy advisory committee, convened from co-op representatives, helps define NCG’s Advocacy Guidelines. Use these as a model for your co-op’s own positions on issues your co-op community cares about.
• Raise effective calls to action. Want to participate in the democratic process and help your community members make their voices heard on issues they care about? Consult NCG’s preferred practices for mobilizing consumers to take political action.
• Get credit for the achievements cooperation among food co-ops makes possible. Share the Food Co-op Impact Report with your co-op’s board, leadership and staff to demonstrate how food co-ops work together through NCG to increase their social and environmental impact and advocate for policy change at the federal level.

​Find the resources mentioned above and more on the NCG website’s advocacy page.