Cooperative Principles: Democracy and Community

While we’re certainly one-of-a-kind, we didn’t invent the co-op. Financial cooperatives and credit unions have been around since the 1800s, evolving with a shared set of principles that govern and guide like-minded companies around the globe.

From our commitment to community, to our unique mission in financial services, to your relationship and role as a member – the Eight Cooperative Principles of Credit Unions help to distinguish who we are and what we do. Take two of our core principles for example: Democratic Member Control and Concern for Community.

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.” – National Credit Union Foundation

We’re accountable to our members. That means our volunteer Board of Directors, President/CEO, and staff leaders listen to your voice when making company decisions. Our Annual Meeting is available for all to attend. We make sure the Annual Meeting’s announcements, agendas, and results are transparent and accessible with our Annual Report. We also loop our members into our other news, from government advocacy to digital product launches to branch updates and other important details. Plus, we make sure it’s easy to find – it’s right here on our website, in our MoneyMatters financial magazine, sent in mailings, and posted in branches on our digital screens. Through all these efforts and more, we’re keeping you informed and involved as an owner and member.

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.” – National Credit Union Foundation

At the heart of what we do, we’re committed to community – it’s one of the biggest differences between us and banks. While we serve our members, we develop our communities, support financial wellness in our homes, and give back in huge ways to support local causes. Within our regions throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, we target the focus areas of education, health and food insecurity, economic development, and other civic and humanitarian causes. Within our organization, we aim to represent the communities we serve and make sure all are welcome in our spaces regardless of race, religion, gender, social status, or ability. We’re here, invested in our communities and working to create better places to live, work, raise a family, and own a business.

Learn more about Visions, our mission, and the credit union movement.

Learn more about our commitment to community.