Definition Of A Co-operative
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.
Co-operative Values:
Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help,
self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In
the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in
the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and
caring for others.
Co-operative Principles:
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which
co-operatives put their values into practice.
- VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, 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
Co-operatives are democratic organisations 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 are also organised in a democratic manner.
- MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the
capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is
usually the common property of the co-operative. 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 their co-operative, possibly
by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be
indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions
with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by
the membership.
- AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by
their members. If they enter into agreements with other
organisations, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their
communities through policies approved by their members.