Cooperative Principles
One: Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives, like Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, 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.
Two: Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative’s board of directors is comprised of its members and is elected by the membership. Members have equal voting rights - one member, one vote.
Three: Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative was established to provide at-cost electric service. Our net margin above expenses and reserves belongs to the members and are called capital credits. These capital credits are reinvested in poles, wire and other elements of our system for a period of time before they are refunded to the members.
Four: Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are self-governing organizations controlled by their members. If Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative enters into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control by our members and maintain our cooperative autonomy.
Five: Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, board members, 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 cooperatives.
Six: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Seven: Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development for their communities through policies accepted by their members. Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative invests in our communities through Youth Leadership Camp, scholarships, economic development, and safety demonstrations.