Boardwalk’s cooperatives (Boardwalk MPC and Boardwalk Network Multi Purpose Cooperative) are part of the company’s constant effort to help everyone within its reach. Both cooperatives are centered on helping employees and members on financial matters, most especially on investment. This community is an independent sector of volunteers who cooperate with one another to achieve their mutual social,
economic and cultural benefits. Below are the 7 Cooperative Principles.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership - It is open to all individuals who want to volunteer their services and accept the responsibilities of the organization willingly without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control - Cooperatives are organizations that allow its members to set their own policies and make their own decisions.
3. Members' Economic Participation - Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.
4. Autonomy and Independence - Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by its members. If the co-op enters into agreements 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 autonomous nature of the cooperative.
5. Education, Training and Information - Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers 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.
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives - Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the movement of the cooperative by working together with local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community - While focusing on its members’ needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.
