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THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

Voluntary and 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 and 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, and 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.

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Links

  • NRECA
  • AMEC
  • AECI
  • Action.coop
  • Touchstone Energy
  • Job Openings

Our Member Cooperatives

Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(660) 744-5344

Farmers’ Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(660) 646-4281

Grundy Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(660) 359-3941

North Central Missouri Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(660) 265-4404

Contact List

Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(816) 628-3121

United Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(816) 324-3155

West Central Electric Cooperative(link is external)
(660) 584-2131

Quick Links

  • If information is needed in another language or alternative format, contact us at 816.632.2121.

©2025 NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative

  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Electric Cooperatives
    • The Three-Tiered System
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Statement of Non-Discrimination and Other Information
  • Contact Us
  • Upcoming Projects
  • Safety Quiz
  • Together We Save