| International
Co-operative Alliance |
| 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, democracy, equality,
equity, and solidarity. 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. Members of worker co-operatives
should be aware of the ideals that set them apart from
traditional capitalist businesses. |
| |
| 1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
|
| Co-operatives
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. |
| 2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control |
| Co-operatives
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 co-operatives members
have equal voting rights (one member, one vote), and
co-operatives at other levels, i.e. federations or associations
of co-operatives, are also organized in a democratic manner. |
| 3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation |
| Members
contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital
of their co-operative. 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 their co-operative; 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 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 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 |
| While
focusing on member needs and wishes, co-operatives work for the
sustainable development of their communities. |
