Oryana Community Co-op

Oryana is a consumer cooperative organized under Chapter 11 of Michigan's Nonprofit Corporation Act. We are governed by a board of directors elected from the general membership to 2 & 3 year terms. These elections are held at the annual General Membership Meeting that usually takes place in April. Board positions are open to all members in good standing as per our bylaws, and all members have equal voting rights. Those members who serve on the board are accountable to the membership. Members, through the board and any special votes actively participate in setting policies and making decisions for the organization. Open board meetings are held monthly. Dates, times and locations are posted at the Co-op prior to all meetings. There are also a number of active committees that are also open to all. These meetings are posted at the Co-op as well. Our commitment to the international cooperative principles is an important difference when compared to other businesses. Another important difference about us is our financial structure. The capital the Co-op uses to support its existence comes from yearly membership equity investment. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control the capital of their cooperative. This equity investment is refundable to members who choose not to continue their membership. And most importantly remember that as a co-op member input is always welcome and encouraged. Ultimately all major decisions about the operation and direction of the Co-op are made by the membership. The seven principles adopted in 1995 are described below. From the earliest days of the Rochdale Pioneers, cooperatives have emphasized the importance of honest dealings in the marketplace: accurate measurements, reliable quality and fair prices. Members have insisted that their enterprises have honest dealings with them. This in turn has led to honest dealings with non-members and a unique level of openness throughout the organization.