Co-Op Seven Principles

Your cooperative is guided by seven principles.  These time-tested principles provide the foundation on which CWEC and all other cooperatives operate.

The seven principles are:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
   Open to all persons.
    
2. Democratic Member Control
   One member, one vote.
    
3. Members Economic Participation
   Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
    
4. Autonomy and Independence
   Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
    
5. Education, Training and Information
   Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees.
    
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
   Working together with other cooperatives allows us to serve our members more effectively.
    
7. Concern for Community
   Cooperatives work to improve the quality of life in the areas they serve.

We are proud to embrace and live by these principles!