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All cooperative businesses adhere to
seven guiding principles:
- 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.
Democratic Member Control:
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by
their members, who actively participate in setting policies
and making decisions. The 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.
Members’ 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. 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 the cooperative, 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.
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.
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.
Cooperation Among
Cooperatives:
Cooperatives serve their members most
effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working
together through local, national, regional and international
structures.
Concern for Community:
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the
sustainable development of their communities through policies
accepted by their members.
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