Credit unions were founded on the principle of "not for profit, not for charity, but for service." The philosophy of "people helping people" is the cornerstone of our movement. Credit Union Members share ownership of their credit union, and have democratic control (one Member, one vote). They elect from their membership a volunteer Board of Directors, which appoints the Supervisory Committee that also serves without pay. All credit unions have a limited field of Membership, meaning its Members share something in common, such as where they work or live. That bond makes them eligible for membership.