Anyone who can use the services and accept the responsibilities of membership is eligible. Democratic Control - Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members and each member has an equal vote. Limited Return on Investment - Cooperatives are allowed to pay dividends if they are financially able. Their priority is to give economic benefits to the members, not to make money for the investor. Return of Margins to Members - Cooperatives return revenues in excess of costs to the members.
All members receive a refund in proportion to the amount of money they put into the cooperative.
Members must understand how their cooperative works in order to help it be successful. Cooperative Cooperation - Cooperatives of all types should share materials and expertise whenever necessary. Cooperatives know better than anyone that they can accomplish more together than separately. Concern for Community - Cooperatives are only successful if their members and the communities they live in are successful. Cooperatives should be committed to improving the quality of life of members.