|
About BEC
home
mission statement
general info
dir & mgm
code-of-ethics
privacy policy
bylaws
7 principles
district map
news
jobs
Contacts
office locations
office numbers
Services
member services
account services
online bill pay
Choose-To-Renew
billing info
new meter
existing meter
electricians
moving members
change address
new line extension
service maps
Energy Use
safety
life support
outages
surge protection
energy tips
efficiency
program
Marathon WH
wiring specs
service
voltages
clearances
DG - renewables
Community
involvements
photo gallery
Texas Co-Op Power
scholarship
youth tour
links
Home
| |
Seven Cooperative Principles
BEC, like all cooperative businesses,
adhere to seven guiding 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 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.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives --
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the
cooperative movement 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.
|
|
