Home About Us Bylaws & Cooperative Principles Font Size: reduce font size increase font size Share Feedback Print Our History Meet Your Director Executive Staff Bylaws & Cooperative Principles Careers Contact Us Bylaws & Cooperative Principles Bylaws By-Laws as approved by members in the election of March 26, 1988. Beauregard Electric Cooperative Bylaws (PDF) Seven Cooperative Principles Voluntary & 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 & 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, & 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. STAY CONNECTED DeRidder Main Office 1010 E 1st Street PO Box 970 DeRidder, LA 70634 Directions to DeRidder Office Phone: (337) 463-6221 Toll-Free: (800) 367-0275 Fax: (337) 463-2809 Moss Bluff Branch Office 975 N Perkins Ferry Road PO Box 12783 Lake Charles, LA 70611 Directions to Moss Bluff Office Phone: (337) 855-6684 Fax: (337) 855-0073 New Llano Branch Office 12542 Lake Charles Highway PO Box 367 Leesville, LA 71446 Directions to New Llano Office Phone: (337) 239-3451 Fax: (337) 238-3259 Office Hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Major Holidays Do Not Sell My Info Equal Opportunity Employer Non-Discrimination Statement Website Accessibility Privacy Policy Terms of Use A Powerful Creation © 2021 Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Inc.. All Rights Reserved