Statement on the Co-operative Identity
Definition
A co-operative is an autonomous association of
persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social,
and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and
democratically-controlled enterprise.
Values
Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help,
self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In
the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the
ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and
caring for others.
Principles
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which
co-operatives put their values into practice.
| 1st Principle: Voluntary and Open
Membership |
| Co-operatives are voluntary organisations,
open to all persons able to use their services and willing
to accept the responsibilities of membership, without
gender, social, racial, political or religious
discrimination. |
| 2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
|
| Co-operatives are democratic
organisations controlled by their members, who actively
participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
Men and women serving as elected representatives are
accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives
members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and
co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a
democratic manner. |
| 3rd Principle: Member Economic
Participation |
| Members contribute equitably to, and
democratically control, the capital of their co-operative.
At least part of that capital is usually the common property
of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited
compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition
of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of
the following purposes: developing their co-operative,
possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least
would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to
their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting
other activities approved by the membership. |
| 4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence |
| Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help
organisations controlled by their members. If they enter to
agreements with other organisations, including governments,
or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms
that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain
their co-operative autonomy. |
| 5th Principle: Education, Training and
Information |
| Co-operatives provide education and
training for their members, elected representatives,
managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively
to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the
general public - particularly young people and opinion
leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation. |
| 6th Principle: Co-operation among
Co-operatives |
| Co-operatives serve their members most
effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by
working together through local, national, regional and
international structures. |
| 7th Principle: Concern for Community |
| Co-operatives work for the sustainable
development of their communities through policies approved
by their members. |
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