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A cooperative 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.
Cooperatives 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.
The cooperative principles are guidelines
by which co-operatives put their
values into practice.
First Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives
are voluntary organizations, 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.
Second Principle: Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives
are democratic organizations 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 cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member,
one vote)
and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic
manner.
Third Principle: Member Economic Participation
Members
contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital
of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually
the common
property of the cooperative. They 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
the
co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which
at least would be
indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions
with the
cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the
membership.
Fourth Principle: Autonomy and
Independence
Cooperatives
are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their
members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations,
including
governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do
so on terms that
ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their
cooperative autonomy.
Fifth Principle: Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives
provide education and training for their members, elected
representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute
effectively to
the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general
public --
particularly young people and opinion leaders -- about the nature
and benefits
of cooperation.
Sixth Principle: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives
serve their members most effectively and strengthen the
cooperative movement by working together through local, national,
regional,
and international structures.
Seventh Principle: Concern for Community
While
focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable
development of their communities through policies accepted by
their members. |
