In the 1930s, rural farmers banded together to bring electricity to rural America. Today, Dixie Electric has once again answered the call to provide critical services to the community, this time in the form of fast and reliable internet connectivity. By bridging this digital divide, we are connecting our members to their work, their doctors, their schools, and, most importantly, their loved ones.
While these services may be new, the way in which we provide them is not. We are still rooted in the community-owned, community-led, and community-focused spirit in which we were created. And above all, we are backed by the Seven Cooperative Principles.
Seven Cooperative Principles
The seven principles represent the values that govern cooperatives, keeping them trustworthy, accountable, and reliable to their membership and the communities they serve.
So, what are the Seven Cooperative Principles?
- Voluntary and Open Membership
Anyone can become a member of a cooperative and utilize its services, free of discrimination. - Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are a group of organizations governed democratically by elected members. These members are responsible for creating policies that benefit not only the organizations but also their communities. - Members' Economic Participation
Capital within a cooperative is controlled and contributed equally by its members. - Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous but can enter into agreements with other organizations and raise capital from external sources as long as it is done through democratic control by its members. - Education, Training, and Information
Training is available for all members, representatives, employees, and managers, using the many varied and shared resources available. Education leads to increased awareness of the cooperative's objectives and the benefits offered. - Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives that expand beyond their local area to connect with other like-minded cooperatives both nationally and internationally become far more effective in serving their members. - Concern for Community
Cooperatives are involved with the communities they serve, striving to meet the needs of their members through the implementation of programs and policies created by elected member representatives.
By being a Dixie Electric member, you’re connected to our cooperative’s local roots. We’re proud to call Mississippi home, and we are excited to keep our community connected through DE Fastlink!