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Cooperative Principles

The seven cooperative principles display on the board room wall

The Seven Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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04125 State Route 576
Bryan, OH 43506
419-636-5051
1-800-647-6932

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©2023 North Western Electric. Serving NW Ohio for over 80 years.

  • CO-OP INFO
    • ABOUT US
      • Recent News
      • Our History
      • Location & Hours
      • Capital Credits
      • Cooperative Documents
      • Ohio Cooperative Living
      • Cooperative Principles
      • Our Affiliations
      • Employment Opportunities
    • COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP
      • What's the Value?
    • BOARD OF TRUSTEES
      • 2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
        • Trustee Election Page
        • Reservation Request Form
      • Meet Your Board
      • Voice Your Opinion
    • NW OHIO PROPANE
      • Your Local Propane Partner
  • SERVICE
    • MANAGE YOUR SERVICE
      • Starting Service / New Member-Owner Application
      • Stopping Service
      • Payment Options
      • Rates & Charges
      • Disconnection for Non-Payment
      • Call 811
      • Understanding Demand
      • Retail Energy Choice Explained
    • UTILITY PROJECTS
      • Tree Trimming
      • Line Maintenance
      • Line Rebuild
    • OUTAGES
      • Outage Reporting
      • Be Prepared for Storms
      • Generator Safety
    • PRODUCTS & OTHER SERVICES
      • Area Lighting
      • Outdoor Wiring
    • RENEWABLE ENERGY / DISTRIBUTED GENERATION (DG)
      • OurSolar
      • Adding Renewable Energy to Your Home
  • PROGRAMS & EDUCATION
    • JUST FOR KIDS
      • Youth Tour
      • Scholarship Programs
      • Give Us An "A" with a Twist
      • Apogee Kids' Page
    • EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
      • Learn About Energy
    • SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
      • Rebates
      • Residential Energy Audits
      • Load Management
      • Kill-A-Watt Usage Monitor
      • Energy Efficiency
      • CFL Recycling
  • COMMUNITY
    • ACRE - Co-op Owners for Political Action
    • Co-op Connections Card
    • FREE Public Hotspot
    • Operation Round Up
    • Events
      • Cardinal Power Plant Tour
      • FAMILY FUN DAY
      • Hot Air Balloon
        • UW of Defiance Co. Hot Air Balloon Festival
        • Hickory Acres Campground Balloon Flights