Ombuds Program Sprouts at GreenStar

Last Updated on Saturday, 04 February 2012 02:50

By The Ombuds Advisory Committee

Starting in February, the GreenStar Ombuds program will be available to member-owners and staff who have questions, concerns, conflicts or issues relating to GreenStar. The Ombuds Program offers an independent and impartial resource for all stakeholders of the GreenStar community.

Two GreenStar member-owners, D. ("Dee") Scott and Evie Weinstein, were selected by Council's Ombuds Advisory Committee as GreenStar's first Ombuds. The Advisory Committee includes Co-op staff, members, and Council officers. D. and Evie will be available to answer questions, provide information, make inquiries, and help to develop a range of options for users of this service. Both Evie and D. have backgrounds in social work and share a primary goal of coaching individuals on how concerns brought to their attention may be resolved through the parties' own efforts. The Ombuds service provided will be held in strict confidence, and there will be no identification of individuals using the Ombuds Program.

Members (as well as non-members) and staff can reach the Ombuds by phone at 607.227.8516 (Evie) or 607-227-6780 (D.) or through email (reaches both). Interested parties can obtain an Ombuds Program brochure at the Customer Service desk.

The Ombuds Program will be guided by the principles of independence, confidentiality, neutrality, and informality. The Ombuds will be well versed in GreenStar operations to facilitate a timely and impartial response to all inquiries.

We are excited to have two caring and energetic Ombuds serving the GreenStar community. Please contact them at any time with your concerns.