About Us

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 their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. Members have equal voting rights--one member, one vote.

Members Economic Participation. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. In proportion to their transactions with the cooperative, members allocate surpluses to develop the cooperative and support 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 and Information. Cooperatives provide education about cooperatives 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 philosophy 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.

We embrace and live by these principles.

Poudre Valley REA • PO Box 272550, Fort Collins, CO 80527-2550
Phone: 970.226.1234 • FAX: 970.226.2123 • Email: pvrea@pvrea.com