Why We Chose to Become a Co-op

We have adopted the Seven Cooperative Principles. In a cooperative, one member = one vote (not: $$$ = votes), and community benefits take priority over profits. BUT, we are a business, so we have to make sufficient money to justify continuing and future investment. We use a "slow money" business model, where long-term and modest returns are acceptable because the invested money is then invested locally, is managed by trusted individuals, and provides other (non-financial) benefits back to the investors in their community. 

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Members uphold the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. The modern cooperative principles are guidelines by which this Co-op places its values into practice. Below you can learn about the seven principles and how we put them into action.

1.

Voluntary and Open Membership
Our Co-op is a voluntary organization, open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, religious, or any form of discrimination.

2.

Democratic Member Control
We operate on a one-member, one-vote basis, with all members having equal voice and ownership based on transparency, informed consent, review, feedback and active participation. Individuals serving in elected roles are accountable to the membership.

3.

Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of the Co-op. At least part of that capital is the common property of the Co-op. Members received limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. As a for-profit business that may lead to a modest economic return on investment, we value multiple bottom lines, including improving our community’s social, economic and environmental capital. The Co-op may allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the Co-op, keeping up reserves, part of which will be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the Co-op; and supporting other activities consistent with its mission as approved by the membership.

4.

Autonomy and Independence Our Co-op is an autonomous self-help organization controlled by its members. If the Co-op enters into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raises capital from external sources, it does so on terms that ensure democratic control by its members and maintains its co-operative autonomy.

5.

Education, Training and Information
We educate ourselves and our community to the values of renewable energy, local investment, co-operative ownership and self-governance.

6.

Co-operation among Co-operatives This Co-op believes it can serve its members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international cooperative structures.

7.

Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, and our immediate communities, we work for the sustainable development of all communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.