Democracy takes work—especially in a cooperative

This year’s election cycle is putting the issue of what American democracy means front and center. Some believe it is about majority rule-the winner calls all the shots. Others have a more nuanced view of participation, diverse representation and compromise.

One of the ways citizens in America learn about democratic practice is its use in the many civic and public organizations in which we all participate: churches, local elections, volunteer and nonprofit groups.

Credit unions are designed to be democratically governed. One person, one vote. The primary means for how this process is exercised is at the members’ annual meeting and the election to fill board openings.

Practice without substance

In a conversation yesterday, a long-time credit union member (he joined at age 5 in 1966) said he never saw an actual election. Instead, as he learned, the Chair would appoint a nominating committee led by the Vice Chair. That committee selected just the number of persons as there were open seats. The candidates were all familiar faces from the existing board or “associate board” members. The test was loyalty – would they “go along to get along” with the rest of the board. The tenures of several of these board members extended over three and four decades.

 

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