The caisse belongs to you
Your caisse Desjardins is a financial services cooperative, which clearly distinguishes it from banks. When you open an account at Desjardins, you aren't just another customer, you become a member.
You're an owner
One member, one vote
You receive member dividends
You can become an officer
You're an owner
The caisse Desjardins belongs to you, and to nearly five million other members. Each caisse is managed by its members, and each member has the right to vote at the annual general meetings.
One member, one vote
All caisses will be holding their Annual General Meetings in April and May 2008. You have been a co-owner of your caisse since since you first opened your account and became a member. This entitles you, as of the age of 18, to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting. Did you know that your vote could have a direct impact on the youth-oriented projects sponsored by your caisse in your community?
Go! It's time to get involved and give your opinion on how your caisse will spend the budgetary surplus. Ask for information at your caisse or click Where to find us to find out when your caisse will be holding its Annual General Meeting.
You receive member dividends
A cooperative does not make huge profits like the banks do, and during the annual general meeting the members decide where the profits will be reinvested:
- either into the member accounts, which is known as member dividends. Over the last four years, Desjardins has paid $735 million back to its members;
- or into the community to create collective projects, for instance, job creation, supporting young business initiatives, among others.
You can become an officer
With Desjardins, you could also become a caisse officer. All members have the opportunity to become an officer, elected by the members during their caisse's annual meeting. Young people, from 18 to 30 years of age may also take part in the Young Intern Officer program offered in some caisses.
Becoming a caisse officer is an excellent way of contributing to your community's socio-economic development while learning about cooperatives and the financial world. Why not give it a try?
