VALUES  AND PRINCIPLES

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.  Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

 

PRINCIPLES

 

The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.  These principles are:

 

Principle I : 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/religious discrimination.

 

Principle II : 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 also organized in democratic manner.

 

Principle III : Member Economic Participation

 

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their 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 their cooperative; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

 

Principle IV : 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.

 

Principle V : 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.

 

Principle VI : Cooperation Among Cooperatives

 

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

 

Principle VII : Concern for Community

 

While focusing on member needs and wishes, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.