Our Values
- Voluntary & Open Membership. KCH is a voluntary organization; open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, sexual, or religious discrimination. We broaden our perspective and eliminate prejudices by living together, and help change society by setting an example of respect and acceptance.
- Democratic Member Participation. KCH is a democratic organization controlled by its members, who actively participate in setting our policies and making decisions. People serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. KCH members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote). Participation in work and the social life of the co-ops is critical to our success. It reinforces the sense of community that makes a co-op last, even as individual members come and go. For a community to succeed, participation must lead to empowerment – members exercising control over decision-making and the everyday operations of the co-op.
- Independence & Self Reliance. KCH is an autonomous organization controlled by its members. If we enter into agreements with other entities or raise capital from external sources, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control and maintain our cooperative autonomy. We attempt to be a self-reliant organization and to enable our members to be self-reliant individuals. Whenever possible, we use our own resources to solve problems before we look for outside help.
- Education, Training, & Information. KCH provides education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of our cooperatives and grow as leaders. We educate the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
- Sustainability. KCH strives to act as a model of sustainable housing by using resources efficiently and wisely, reducing or eliminating as much waste as possible, taking steps toward self-sufficiency, and contributing to our community by supporting local business and agriculture. We pledge to continuously look for ways to build sustainable communities and lead by example. As our co-ops benefit both current and future members, it is our job to be careful stewards of our assets so that KCH will be here for many members to come.
- Cooperation among Cooperatives. KCH operates most effectively and strengthens the cooperative movement by working collaboratively through local, national, and international networks of cooperatives.
- Concern for Community. KCH works toward the sustainable and just development of Kalamazoo communities. We aim to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods that we are a part of.
- Individual Responsibility. There is value in individual contribution. As individuals, we have both the right and the responsibility to contribute to the best of our ability. KCH believes that anyone is capable of sound decisions and actions, given access to resources and information and the power to utilize them. Without the effort of individuals, there can be no group effort.
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