Contributing suggestions and asking questions is an important phase of membership participation-particularly at the annual meeting-and members should be encouraged to do so.

It may be desirable at times to submit certain questions to a direct vote of the members. A preparatory step, of course, is to supply them with adequate facts on which to base a decision. Whether a vote is taken, members are entitled at all times to a voice in matters under consideration.

It is not possible to anticipate all questions members will ask. Some may want to know more about the organization's capital structure or its operational policies. Others may want more details concerning operating costs. A number may have heard rumors critical of some aspect of the cooperative and need to have the matter clarified. The annual meeting gives members an opportunity to bring all such matters before the association for discussion and clarification. The workshop sessions discussed later are a distinct aid in this direction.

Cooperative information is not a one-way street; it is a give-and-take proposition. Much progress in cooperative organization and practices has come about as the result of practical suggestions by members.

It should be anticipated, of course, that in general discussions the members' opinions may differ and occasionally heat- ed arguments may result. These need not be harmful and, with careful handling by the discussion leader, may be beneficial. Airing grievances and bringing to light any smoldering dissatisfactions may avoid a more serious conflict later.

It is much better to have problems and weaknesses of the association discussed in the meeting hall than to have them argued on the street corner and across the back fence.