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Unlike other fuel oil companies in the state, the Energy Co-op of Vermont is owned by its members. Like Co-ops everywhere, we are guided by seven internationally recognized 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 their policies and making
decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable
to the membership.
- Economic Participation by Members:
Members "contribute" equitably to, and democratically
control, the capital of their co-op. At least part of that capital is the common
property of the cooperative. Members may allocate surpluses for any of the following
purposes:
- Growing the co-op, possibly by setting up reserves;
- Benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative;
and
- Supporting other activities as approved by the membership.
- Autonomy and Independence:
Cooperatives are autonomous 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 co-ops. 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.
- Concerns for Community:
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their
communities, through policies approved by their members.
Other Vermont Co-ops
There are more than 250 co-ops and Credit Unions in Vermont.
Together, Vermont's co-ops have more than two billion dollars in annual revenues
and more than 300,000 member owners. Check out a few of Vermont's co-ops:
- Washington Electric Co-op (electricity supplier)
- Hunger Mountain Co-op (natural foods store)
- Vermont Federal Credit Union (banking and financial services)
- Mad River Glen (ski area)
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