They decided to pool their money and open a small retail store which operated on principles which have become the foundation of modern co-ops. OSCA membership is based not on seniority, but on a random lottery number system. Each member has one vote. All elections and meetings are open to all members and all decisions are accountable to them. In OSCA, we make decisions collectively and openly.
All members are responsible for participating in the decision-making process.
Limited return, if any, on equity capital Invested capital is paid at the going rate, or less. Nobody should make a profit off of their investment in the co-op. This doesn't apply to OSCA because we have no investors. Distribution of economic savings Savings are distributed back to members usually in the form of a patronage refund. Any money that OSCA does not spend during the year is refunded to members.