Co-operative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership
We are a voluntary organization; open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept our responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control
Our co-operative is a democratic organization controlled by our members, who actively participate in setting our policies and making decisions. We recognize that members have different motivations, needs and expectations. 

Thus we encourage members to participate at a level and on the issues that they choose. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In our primary cooperative members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote.)

Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control the capital of our co-operative. At least part of the capital is the common property of the co-operative. Members receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members, through their Board of Directors, allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities of the co-operative.

Autonomy and Independence
Our co-operative is an autonomous, self-help organization controlled by our member. If our co-operative enters into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raises capital from external sources, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control by our members and maintain our co-operative autonomy.

Education, Training and Information
Our co-operative provides education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of our co-operative. We have a responsibility to educate the local community about co-ops and co-operative principles. We inform the general public about the benefits of natural products.

Cooperation Among Co-operatives
We believe that co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, regional, national, and international structures. As a part of the greater co-operative community, we work to strengthen and support other co-operatives.

Concern For Community
We seek to be a model of an environmentally aware, socially just, community based business that uses responsible employment practices. We have an active role to play in the local community in building thriving sustainable relationships between members, the local community, and the environment. Our values and beliefs are integrated into all our interactions.

Respect For Diversity
Our co-operative is a friendly and inviting place that makes a difference in the lives of those who work and shop here. We respect the diversity, individual beliefs and choices of members, staff and potential members. We seek to provide an environment that incorporates customer input, further the goals of our business, and fosters individual growth. (to top)