Our Background Story
Introduction to the Unify Cooperative (Our Story)
Every organization has a story, as a new independent community cooperative and nonprofit organization our story has just begun, so we recommend that those who are members, considering membership, followers, participants, or are part of the greater community to follow this web page rather than any other to support our initiatives and work. This is where our story will develop from. We also have a dynamic blog which complements our story where our news releases, events, and community activities will be individually highlighted.
New Nonprofit in Berea, Kentucky
There is a new nonprofit cooperative in Berea that is making an impact in the local area taking on some great challenges like climate change, forest conservation, sustainability, and community beautification by creating social cohesion unifying area residents. The new organization is led by Alex Sipple who over the past seven years has proven his value as a local leader and entrepreneur that started Get Outside KY which has served thousands of area residents and tourists coming to explore the outdoors.
John "Alex" Sipple, Founder & Idealist creating the Unify Cooperative, A Community Foundation
Raised in Madison County, cultured within the foothills of Appalachia with a bit of "internet" twist has curated and fostered a leader with creatitivity and vision. Evolving and Maturing for the Humans who see that cooperation and collaboration is needed to attain large goals thought unimaginable.
Alex Sipple is the owner of Get Outside KY. he believed that sustainable ecological recreational activities should exempt of tax and government oversight based on their zero-impact carbon footprint. This led him to begin the development of a nonprofit leading to the Unify Cooperative.
Unify Cooperative Executive Council
Alex is not alone in the development of the new organization, he has a closely knit group of protagonists and volunteers. The organization for the most part is operated by the executive council that approves the legal measures and steps that must be taken for its ongoing development and formation. These people include the vice chairman and treasurer, a secretary, and volunteer coordinator.
Nicholas Wright
Vice-Chairman and Treasurer
?
Cooperative Secretary
and Registrar
Maya-Lis Wright
Spokesperson, Public Relations, and Development Director
Our Board of Directors
As Unify Cooperative continues to develop, we are fortunate to have the professional guidance of Col. David Wright, who is serving in a consulting capacity to ensure we build a strong and effective Board of Directors. David brings decades of experience in environmental stewardship, consulting, and nonprofit development to our cooperative, making him an invaluable advisor during this formative stage.
David’s passion for environmental initiatives began in 1990, when he organized the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day for the State of Delaware. After relocating to Kentucky in 1994, he founded Ecology Crossroads, a charitable nonprofit organization that successfully planted over ten million trees across the United States by 2001. His work has since expanded internationally, where he now collaborates with Indigenous communities in South America to combat deforestation through agroforestry and ecological restoration.
In his role with Unify Cooperative, David is responsible for vetting and selecting our initial board members, ensuring that each individual is aligned with the cooperative’s mission of sustainability and community empowerment. Additionally, he is providing key support in developing our infrastructure, engineering our website, and establishing the cooperative’s legal structure. His extensive experience and commitment to environmental protection ensure that Unify Cooperative is on the right path to becoming a thriving, sustainable nonprofit organization. With David’s expertise and leadership, we are confident in our ability to build a cooperative that is both impactful and enduring.