Democratic Structure

Open and Voluntary Membership
Membership in a CU is voluntary and open to all within the common bond of associaon who are willing to accept the corresponding responsibilities

Democratic Control
Credit Union members enjoy equal rights to vote and participate in decisions affecting the Credit Union. One member, one vote, without regard to the amount of deposits or the volume of business. As a cooperative the credit union serves the members who own it Its elected officials serve as volunteers without pay. As a cooperative, it operates independently and within the framework of law and regulation.

Non-discrimination
Credit Unions are non-discriminatory with regards to race, nationality, gender, religion or politics.

Service to Members

Service to Members
Credit Union services are directed to improve the economic and social well-being of all member-owners.

Distribution to Members
Credit Unions encourage thrift through savings at air rates and loans at a reasonable cost. They ensure appropriate reserves and pay limited dividends on permanent equity capital. Any surplus belongs to all members with no member or group benefiting to the detriment of others. This surplus may be distributed as interest in proportion to member transactions, or in the form of new or improved services.

Building Financial Stability
A primary value is building financial strength, including adequate reserves and internal controls that ensure continued service to members.

Social Goals

Ongoing Education
Credit unions actively educate members, volunteers, employees, and the general public in the economic, social, and democratic mutual self-help principles of CUs. Promoting thrift and the wise use of credit along with educating members about their rights and responsibilities is essential to social and economic member service.

Cooperating Among Cooperatives
In keeping with the philosophy of pooling resources, CUs actively cooperate with other CUs at local, national, and internatioal levels. Cooperation helps best serve the interests of members and the communities in which they live.

Social Responsibility
Continuing the ideals and beliefs of cooperative pioneers, CUs seek to bring about human, social, and econimic development. Social justice extends to both the individual members and to the larger community in which members and potential members live.