the seven principles of co-operation

 

why co-operatives are special

1. Open, voluntary membership – co-operatives are open to all people who are willing to accept the responsibities of membership, without gender, social, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic member control – co-operatives are democratic, controlled by members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Any elected representatives are accountable to the membership.
3. Economic participation – members can decide on the use of surplus of the co-operative – eg developing the co-operative, setting up reserves, benefitting members by a bonus in relation to wages, or supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Independence – if co-operatives enter into agreements with other organizations, or raise capital from external sources, they try to do so on terms that ensure their continued democratic control.
5. Education and training - Co-operatives make sure that their members, managers, elected representatives and employees are well trained so that they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives.
6. Co-operation among co-operatives – many co-operatives like to trade with or work in partnership with other co-ops through local networks, and there regional, national and international structures that make up the co-operative "movement".
7. Community – whilst co-ops focus on their members, many co-operatives maintain a role in their community through policies chosen by members.