2022 NIPCO Annual Meeting

Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly now AND in the future. At electric cooperatives, this happens through paying energy bills. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership. Members create co-ops to provide a service that is needed. Co-ops are independent on their own, which benefits the members. 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, as well as their unique identity.

Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives focus on education to ensure that employees and members have the training and information they need to make the co-op successful. Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors), CEOs and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives share and learn from other co-ops. They help each other out when needed because co-ops want other co-ops to be successful. By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs. Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership. All co-ops work for the greater good of the local communities in which they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to make sure they thrive and grow.

Cooperative membership is open to everyone who can use the co-op's services. Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances. Members get to make decisions about the cooperative because co-ops are created for the members, by the members. Every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to cooperative governance. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors) are elected among members and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.