For National Co-op Month in 2025, the UN's International Year of Cooperatives, we thought it was a good time to reflect upon the core principles that empower all cooperative enterprises in our efforts to build a better world.

One of the ways cooperatives differ from other business structures is their adherence to seven cooperative principles that empower members and communities through a framework of democratic control, mutual support, and shared responsibility. We at Electric City Community Grocery - like our partner, National Co-op Grocers, also embrace an 8th principle, "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," even though that has yet to be officially adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance (the global steward of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity – the Values and Principles of the cooperative movement).

So how are we putting each of the co-op principles into practice?

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people.

When we open, we will cooperatively own a grocery where anyone can shop and everyone can own.
 
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

On October 5, over 150 Member-Owners voted to revise our by-laws to allow us to offer tiers of membership. These tiers will help Member-Owners ensure the success of the business, which brings us to the next principle…

3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute and democratically control the capital of the cooperative.

When our grocery store is successful, Patronage Rebates will benefit all members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative, while Equity Rebates will benefit members in Tiers 2-4 based on the capital they committed to help finance our start up (see chart for details). It only makes sense that when we contribute money to a purpose, we want that purpose to be successful! When the co-op succeeds, we all benefit!

4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreement with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy.

Our newly established membership tiers will minimize the need for outside sources of capital while maintaining our one-member, one vote governance.

5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.

You can help by signing up to table with us at one of our many events throughout the year. There are also plenty of resources available to those who want to learn more, like this Co-operative Education Webinar Series.

6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Earlier this month, a team of Member-Owners attended the New York Cooperative Summit in Albany. The event brought together New York State cooperative members, leaders, organizers, and allies to share practical tools and strategies for starting, sustaining, and scaling cooperative ecosystems across the state. This year’s theme was “Cooperative Resistance & Resilience: Cultivating and Statewide Movement for Economic Democracy.” We are so grateful to all the support offered by our friends at Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany and the Niskayuna Food Co-op here in Schenectady County. 

7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

Our Eco-Social Responsibility Committee will guide policy development as we move forward. Inspired by civic pride and community-building, Electric City Community Grocery members took to the streets earlier this month to clean up trash and encourage civic engagement, unleashing the spirit of cooperation and ONE Schenectady from Union Street to Germania Avenue. We invite Member-Owners to join us at the next street clean-up on October 25. 

8. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cooperatives believe we are stronger when a proactive effort is put forth to engage everyone in governance, management and representation.

Our aim is to have a Board and Staff that reflects the diversity of our communities in the City of Schenectady.   

Cooperatives are also based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others. Grounded in these values and organizing around our 8 principles, cooperatives unleash our power to build a better world