Cooperative Principles
Voluntary and Open Membership	Cooperatives are open to all people willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
Democratic Member Control	Members' votes determine cooperative policy and governance.
Members' Economic Participation	Members own the cooperative, purchase its goods and services and periodically receive patronage capital.
Autonomy - Independence	Cooperatives control their own destiny, as determined by a member-elected board of directors.
Education, Training and Information	Cooperatives educate and train members, representatives, managers, and employees to manage the members' assets.
Community Commitment	Cooperatives are committed to community development through its policies, contributions and participation in local events.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives	Cooperatives work together through local, national, regional and international structures and causes.

DID YOU KNOW ...  Ben Franklin started America's first cooperative (a home fire insurance
                                     cooperative).