Principle 2. Democratic Member ControlCo-ops 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. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights. One member, One vote. Guidance for Principle 2: “Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.” The defining characteristic of a democratic organization is that its members are the ultimate authority. It also stresses that they do so actively in a democratic manner, through having the right to vote on key strategic policy decisions and to participate in electing the representatives who control their co-operative’s day-to-day business activities. “Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.” This sentence reminds elected representatives that they hold their elected office in trust for the immediate and long-term benefit of members. Co-operatives do not ‘belong’ to elected officials any more than they ‘belong’ to the executives and employees who report to these officials. Co-operatives are jointly owned by their members and all elected officials are accountable for their actions to the membership, at election time and throughout their mandate. “In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).” In these co-operatives the rule for equal voting rights, one member, one vote, is self-evident. How FC Co-op currently achieves this principle: FC Co-op’s Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation set the direction for the operation of the co-op. Changes to the bylaws, if any, are approved by a vote of the membership. Membership in the Co-op is for an individual and each individual member is entitled to one vote. Annually, using the election process described in FC Co-op’s Bylaws, the Co-op holds an election to fill board of directors’ positions. Candidates for board positions must be members in good standing. Directors are elected democratically by an in person vote of the membership. Directors reach out to the membership through face-to-face engagement, email, at annual membership meetings, social networks, and reports to the membership in our newsletter (Mountain Thymes). Board Directors develop policies, rules, and regulations as required in the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. Policies, rules, and regulations meet state and federal employment requirements, and support our membership. Board Directors supervise and set direction for the General Manager that ensures our membership is supported and benefitted. Meetings of the Board are advertised on social media and at the Co-op. All board meetings are open to the membership and members may attend any board or special meeting. How can the Co-op improve on achieving this principle and better support our membership?