At Moonlight Co-op, inclusivity is a guiding principle that shapes our community and culture. We want to be a place where every family feels welcome and respected, no matter their background or beliefs. Inclusivity here isn’t just about the broad strokes—like race, ability, religion, or gender—but also about creating a space that feels safe and supportive for everyone who comes through our doors.
What does “inclusivity” really mean at Moonlight?
To us, it’s the understanding that every individual has something valuable to offer, whether or not they share the same perspectives. Inclusivity means not only accepting but truly embracing our differences as we learn from each other. It’s a recognition that our members are wonderfully diverse, each with unique beliefs and experiences that enrich our community. And while we know people naturally gravitate toward those with similar values (that’s just human nature), our goal is to foster respect and appreciation for one another across all backgrounds and viewpoints.
One way we honor our commitment to inclusivity is by remaining neutral when it comes to politics. In a world where political conversations can sometimes lead to division, we’ve chosen to make Moonlight a space where families can come together without the pressure or distraction of political affiliation. This doesn’t mean we’re ignoring the realities of the world—it means that we’re focusing on our mission of bringing people together in an environment where everyone feels comfortable. By staying neutral, we hope to avoid the divisions that politics can sometimes create, keeping our focus on the growth, learning, and support that brought us together in the first place.
Religion is another area where we’ve embraced a philosophy of inclusivity. At Moonlight, every person’s beliefs are seen as a meaningful part of who they are. Some of our members have strong spiritual practices, while others may not subscribe to any particular religion, and we value both perspectives. We believe that each individual’s faith or lack thereof has value, not just to them personally but to the wider community. That’s why we intentionally respect all forms of belief without promoting one over another, creating a space where everyone’s beliefs are honored.
One thing we recognize is that inclusivity doesn’t mean we’ll be the perfect fit for every family, and that’s okay. We’re working to provide a space where people from different walks of life can feel a sense of belonging, but we understand that not everyone will find Moonlight to be the right place for them. Our approach is about creating a space where those who feel aligned with our mission—people who are drawn to a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment—can come together and thrive. We can’t be all things to all people, and that’s part of what makes our community unique.
Some may see our mission as ambitious—bringing together people with different perspectives in a harmonious way is no small feat. But we believe that creating a safe and inclusive space is a goal worth pursuing, even if it means navigating the challenges that come with it. At Moonlight, we’re aware that even the most experienced leaders have grappled with questions of inclusion and community for centuries, and the answer is never straightforward. But that’s what makes this journey meaningful. By working together, sharing our stories, and opening our hearts, we’re not just building a co-op; we’re building a community that reflects our collective desire to grow, learn, and support each other in ways that matter.
Inclusivity at Moonlight isn’t about expecting everyone to think or feel the same way.
It’s about recognizing that we all bring different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and that each of these contributes to our co-op’s character. We’re here to create a space where everyone feels safe, where divisiveness has no place, and where mutual respect is the foundation of our interactions. We may not be the right place for every family in Northeast Tennessee, but for those who feel aligned with our mission, we hope to offer a space where acceptance, respect, and community thrive.