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The Cooperative Principles

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. View all news here.

Coop Principle #3

What's Cooperative Principle #3? Member Economic Participation

Jun 06, 2025
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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.
Coop #2

What's Cooperative Principle #2? Democratic Member Control

May 02, 2025
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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.
Coop Principle #1

What's Cooperative Principle #1? Voluntary & Open Membership

Apr 01, 2025
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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.
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