Human altruism and co-operation is founded on mutual advantage. It is hard wired in our genes.9 there is a clear and demonstrable advantage to co-operatives which flows from the three dimensional commitment to the sustainable development of the communities in which co-operatives operate.

The three dimensional concern to work for the sustainable development of their communities is beneficial to co-operatives because commitment to this 7th Principle has a key role to play in applying the 5th Principle of educating the general public about the benefits of co-operative enterprise and in encouraging new members to join and strengthen a co-operative by trading with it. Many co-operatives are hugely proud of the diverse range of community activities they support that encompass all three aspects of sustainable development. They are rightly keen to publicise their community support activities, such as local sourcing of supplies to build local economies, encouraging community ownership of shops and other community assets, helping to develop other local co-operatives, supporting cultural events and the arts and supporting environmental campaigns, both locally and globally. As well as being a demonstration of practical commitment to this 7th Principle, working for the sustainable development of communities also encourages people to choose to be members of the co-operative. It is part of the process of membership renewal and expansion.

This is often described as "the virtuous circle of co-operative enterprise". The economic success and sustainability of a co-operative creates the resources to apply this 7th Principle to working for economic, environmental and social sustainability of the communities in which co-operatives operate. the benefits from this responsible commitment to sustainability circle back through new members, increased turnover and higher surpluses that reinforce a co-operative's economic success. The long term sustainability of co-operatives requires a long term commitment and positive ongoing relationship with the communities in which they work. It is to the mutual advantage of communities and co-operatives alike.