The principles behind
independent education
Every decision we make in designing and delivering this program is guided by a clear set of values — because how we teach matters as much as what we teach.
Complete Independence
This program has no affiliation with any cooperative, financial institution, or industry group. We do not receive funding from cooperatives, do not recommend specific institutions, and do not benefit from members' financial decisions. Our only interest is the quality of the education we provide.
Transparency in Everything
We are clear about what this program is and what it is not. It is educational content — not financial advice, not a sales funnel, not a lead generation tool for any cooperative. We explain our methods, our sources, and the limits of what we teach.
Member-Centered Design
Every session is designed from the perspective of the member — not the institution. We start with the questions real members have: Where does my money go? What can I actually do? What should I ask? The program is built around those real, practical needs.
Plain Language Always
Financial and legal language can be a barrier to participation. We deliberately translate complex cooperative concepts into clear, accessible explanations — without oversimplifying the substance. If a concept is genuinely complex, we say so and explain why.
Balanced and Factual
Cooperatives have genuine strengths and genuine challenges. We present both honestly. We do not promote the cooperative model uncritically, nor do we undermine it. Our goal is to help members understand their institution as it actually is — not as marketing materials describe it.
Practical Usefulness
Knowledge that cannot be applied is not very useful. Each session is designed so that participants leave with something they can actually use — a question to ask, a document to request, a concept that changes how they read the next annual report they receive.
No Recommendations
We never recommend where to save or which cooperative to join.
No Conflicts of Interest
No cooperative funding, no referral arrangements, no hidden affiliations.
Pure Education
Information and knowledge only — structured to be useful to any member.
See what the four sessions cover
Each session is designed to build on the previous one, giving you a complete and practical understanding of how your cooperative works and what you can do as a member.
No prior financial knowledge required.