Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self -responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice:
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 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 organized in a democratic manner.
Member 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. They usually receive limited
compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of
membership. Members allocate surpluses for any of 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 members needs, cooperatives work for the
sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted
by their members.
These 7 principles were adopted in Manchester
(UK) by the General Assembly of the International Cooperative Alliance
(ICA). September 23, 1995, on the occasion of the Alliance's Centenary.
The Statement was the product of a lengthy process of consultation
involving thousands of cooperatives around the world.