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Cooperative Principles

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  1. MY COOPERATIVE
  2. CO-OP 101
  3. Cooperative Principles

7 Cooperative Principles

The Seven Cooperative Principles

The Seven Cooperative Principles

 

 

 

 

Cooperatives around the world are guided by seven principles.

 

 

 

 

Principle 1

Voluntary and Open Membership

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. 

Principle 2

Democratic Member Control

Democratic Member Control



Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

Principle 3

Members' Economic Participation

Members' Economic Participation



Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Principle 4

Autonomy and Independence

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.

Principle 5

Education, Training and Information

Education, Training and Information



Cooperatives provide education and training 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.

Principle 6

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperation Among Cooperatives



Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Principle 7

Concern for Community

Concern for Community



While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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Contact Info

Crawford Electric Cooperative
10301 N. Service Rd.
P.O. Box 10
Bourbon, MO 65441

Outages: 800-677-2667
Office: 800-677-2667

Office & drive-thru hours: 
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Secure payment drop box, available 24/7

About Us

Crawford Electric Cooperative serves almost 17,000 members through just over 21,000 meters in Crawford, Franklin, Washington, Gasconade, Jefferson, Dent and Phelps counties. We have been bringing our members reliable and safe power since 1940.

 

Crawford Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer and provider. 

 

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©2025 Crawford Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • MY ACCOUNT
    • PAYING YOUR BILL
      • Access My Account
      • Quick Pay
      • Payment Options
        • Online & Mobile Payments
        • Automatic Payments
        • Levelized Billing
        • FlexPay Your Way
        • In-person Options
      • Rates & Charges
    • YOUR ACCOUNT
      • Use Online Portal
      • Dusk-to-Dawn Lighting
      • Sign-Up for Service
      • Disconnect Service
    • OUTAGE CENTER
      • Outage Map
      • Outage Center
  • MEMBER SERVICES
    • HOME & BUSINESS
      • Residential Rebates
      • Business Accounts
      • Energy Audit
      • Private Solar/Wind
      • Who Owns What
      • Member Discount Card
    • RELIABILITY & SAFETY
      • Right-of-Way Management
      • System Maintenance
      • Call Before You Dig
      • Safety Tips
    • CONNECTING WITH YOU
      • It's the Co-op Calling
      • We Love Rural Missouri
      • Request a Presentation/Speaker
  • OUTAGE CENTER
  • MY COOPERATIVE
    • CO-OP 101
      • About Us
      • Our History
      • Latest News
      • Board of Directors
      • Bylaws & Annual Reports
      • Cooperative Principles
      • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
      • Awards & Achievements
    • MEMBER BENEFITS
      • Your Co-op Celebrates Members
      • Your Co-op Gives You a Voice
      • Your Co-op Looks Out for You
      • Your Co-op Pays You Back
      • Your Co-op Saves You Money
    • COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
      • Operation Round Up/Charitable Trust
      • Youth Programs
      • Safety Presentations
      • Charity Golf Tournament
      • Employee Ambassadors
      • Charitable Donations
    • CAREER CENTER
      • Careers
  • ENERGY SOLUTIONS
    • SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
      • Efficiency Tips
      • Rebate Program
      • View Your Energy Use
    • POWER SUPPLY
      • Generation & Transmission Cooperatives
      • Traditional Resources
      • Renewable Resources
        • Private Solar/Wind
        • Universal Wind/Hydro
    • ELECTRIC VEHICLES
      • Electric Vehicles
  • Contact Us