The United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting how cooperatives build a better world through their vital role in sustainable development, inclusive growth, and strengthening community resilience.
As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions are uniquely equipped to foster financial well-being for all through their adherence to the seven Cooperative Principles originally adopted by The International Cooperative Alliance and an emerging eighth cooperative principle set by the National Credit Union Foundation and America's Credit Unions.
Since April, we've done a deep dive into each cooperative principle and how credit unions live out those principles daily. Now, let's review!
Cooperative Principle #1: Voluntary & Open Membership
Credit unions are voluntary, not-for-profit financial cooperatives, offering services to people willing to accept the responsibilities and benefits of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #2: Democratic Member Control
Credit unions are democratic organizations owned and controlled by their members. Each member gets one vote, no matter their financial status, to help make the organization’s policies and decisions. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #3: Member Economic Participation
Members are the owners of their credit union and contribute to its capital. Members, not shareholders, benefit from their credit union’s profits in proportion to their relationship and use of its products and services. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #4: Autonomy & Independence
Credit unions are independent, self-reliant organizations controlled by their member-owners, not outside stockholders. When making business deals or raising money, credit unions never compromise their autonomy or democratic member control. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #5: Education, Training, & Information
Credit unions provide education and training for members, elected representatives, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the cooperative. Credit unions place particular importance on educational opportunities for their volunteer directors and financial education for their members. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Credit unions serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative principles by working with other cooperatives through local, state, regional, national, and international structures. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #7: Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, credit unions work for the sustainable development of communities, including people of modest means, through policies developed and accepted by the members. Learn More >>
Cooperative Principle #8: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Credit unions support diversity, equity, and inclusion as a shared credit union cooperative principle and have a continued responsibility to take a leadership role in building and serving more diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities. Learn More >>
As not-for-profit financial cooperatives focused on fostering financial well-being for all, credit unions reflect these time-honored Principles that have built the bedrock for their success and member success.