OCTOBER IS CO-OP MONTH! UNDERSTANDING Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance. These principles are a THE 7 COOPERATIVE key reason why America's electric cooperatives operate PRINCIPLES VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL $ MEMBERS' ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE Membership in a differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of our members first. 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. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives are elected among members and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one per member). Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for purposes like developing the cooperative; setting up reserves: benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership. 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 and their unique identity. 5 Education and training for members, CEOs, elected representatives, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperative. Communications about the nature and benefits of EDUCATION, TRAINING co-ops, particularly to the AND INFORMATION COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding. 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. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership. THESE ARE THE WORDS WE LIVE BY. Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. A Touchstone Energy" Cooperative OWNED BY THOSE WE SERVE OCTOBER IS CO - OP MONTH ! UNDERSTANDING Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values , adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance . These principles are a THE 7 COOPERATIVE key reason why America's electric cooperatives operate PRINCIPLES VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL $ MEMBERS ' ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE Membership in a differently from other electric utilities , putting the needs of our members first . 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 . Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members . who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions . Representatives are elected among members and are accountable to them . In primary cooperatives , members have equal voting rights ( one per member ) . Members contribute equitably to , and democratically control , the capital of their cooperative . At least part of that capital remains common property of the cooperative . Members allocate surpluses for purposes like developing the cooperative ; setting up reserves : benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative ; and supporting other activities approved by the membership . 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 and their unique identity . 5 Education and training for members , CEOs , elected representatives , and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperative . Communications about the nature and benefits of EDUCATION , TRAINING co - ops , particularly to the AND INFORMATION COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY public and opinion leaders , help boost cooperative understanding . 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 . Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership . THESE ARE THE WORDS WE LIVE BY . Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative , Inc. A Touchstone Energy " Cooperative OWNED BY THOSE WE SERVE