Rights and Obligations

The Rights and Obligations of a Member in a Co-operative Society

No organization can be successful without members having clearly defined rights and obligations, otherwise, the whole movement turns to be chaotic.

Rights of the Co-operator:

To vote in a general meeting or in a committee meeting. No proxy votes allowed.
To be elected as one of the 7 members of the board of directors.
To participate in making or amending the by-laws, passing the final accounts, checking the minute book and receiving both annual reports of the board of directors and that of the auditors. These reports are essential in so far as they enable the member to inform himself of the activities of the society.
To propose that a general meeting be held in order to discuss such matters, which he thinks are essential for the integrity and prosperity of the society. However, this could only be possible if a certain proportion of fellow co-operators support his proposal. This can be done with 13 units (5% of membership) signing a petition to call a special meeting.
To request that a certain matter be included in the agenda which is to be discussed in the general meeting.
If the members, by majority, decide on a certain course of action which is not agreeable to a certain member, he has the right to require that his objection be noted in the minutes. This enables a member to be identified later on should the passed resolution be dangerous or injure a third party (this refers mainly to the board members).
In collaboration with other members, he has the right to make proposals for the dismissal of the chairperson and all the members of the board of directors.
To appeal to the authorities concerned. If he discovers that the behaviour or practice of the board is contrary to the by-laws and resolutions of the general meetings or detrimental to the society.
To withdraw his membership at any time after giving 65 days notice to terminate occupancy. The notice period ends on the last day of the month.

A co-operator has further rights of sharing the resulting achievements of the society as follows:

To share proportionally the services, to use the facilities allocated to him personally and also communal facilities of the society in accordance with the by-laws and regulations.

Obligations of the Co-operator:

To observe and obey the by-laws of the society. This is very important in order to maintain discipline necessary for efficient group action and to create a co-operative spirit and understanding. Any violation of the by-laws of the society could result in mistrust, misunderstanding and instability of the society.
To undergo the initial co-operative orientation education course, which the society provides in order to make the members capable of participating effectively in developing their society. This is done with our briefing and interview.
To contribute as much effort and knowledge as possible for the advancement of the society's activities and economic growth. This is done through participation and co-operation.
To attend all meetings of the society whenever called upon to do so. Should he fail to attend, he will be bound by the decisions which were reached by majority vote during his absence. A letter to the Membership Committee is required stating the reason you are unable to attend prior to the meeting.
To behave in such a way as prescribed by the by-law of the society with regard to the maintenance of peace and order during the process of the general meetings and other meetings.
To see that the affairs and property of the society are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the by-laws and to keep and maintain in good order the property of the society that comes under his care or occupation by observing the respective regulations.
To discharge all his financial obligations in due time, such as entrance fees, payments of obligatory member loan and payment of service charges. Monthly housing fees are to be paid the last working day of the month (see loan and deposit).