VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP

Credit unions/SACCOs 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.

DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

Credit unions/SACCOs 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.

MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

Members are the owners of their credit union/SACCOs 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.

AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE

Credit unions/SACCOs are independent, self-reliant organizations controlled by their member-owners, not outside stockholders. When making business deals or raising money, credit unions/SACCOs never compromise their autonomy or democratic member control.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & INFORMATION

Credit unions/SACCOs provide education and training for members, elected representatives, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the cooperative. Credit unions/SACCOs place particular importance on educational opportunities for their volunteer directors, and financial education for their members.

COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES

Credit unions/SACCOs serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative principles by working with other cooperatives through local, state, regional, national, and international structures.

CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

While focusing on member needs, credit unions/SACCOs work for the sustainable development of communities, including people of modest means, through policies developed and accepted by the members.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Credit unions/SACCOs support diversity, equity and inclusion as a shared credit union/SACCOs cooperative principle and continue to have a responsibility and take a leadership role in building and serving more diverse, equitable and inclusive communities.