Threats to coop democracy

There is much public political rhetoric currently expressed under the theme of “threats to democracy.”

However, America’s democratic experiment is not just in our national or state voting processes. Democracy is a civic practice that characterizes the governance of the vast majority of organizations, public and private, across the country.

These more local institutions, including credit unions, are where we learn and practice what responsible citizenship means. It can mean paying attention to leadership and organizational performance, voting when called upon, and supporting, when necessary, with our presence or money.

When money and power are at stake, especially in credit unions, those benefiting from positions of responsibility can be tempted to manipulate the democratic process for their advantage.

 

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