Our Cooperative Principles

As a cooperative business, Carroll EMC adheres to seven guiding principles. These principles have formed the foundation for cooperative businesses since the first modern cooperative was established in Rochdale, England, in 1844.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
Membership is open to all without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

3rd Principle: Members' Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. The economic benefits of a cooperative operation are returned to the members, reinvested in the co-op or used to provide member services.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for members, so they can contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative. They inform the public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

6th Principle: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7th Principle: Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.